U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS-367) — war patrol report SS-367_ICEFISH.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. 44
[UNCLEAR: very faded numbers/text]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[EMBLEM: U.S. Government seal with eagle]

NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MICROFILM SECTION

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 7-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-183-78]
[HANDWRITTEN: Joseph (SS-367)]

1.0 | 2.8 | 2.5
1.1 | 3.2 | 2.2
| 3.6 | 2.0
| 4.0 | 1.8
1.25 | 1.4 | 1.6

OPERATOR [SIGNATURE: R. Marshall]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 10-16-78]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[STAMP: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE]
[STAMP: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO—NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

— page 3 —
[HANDWRITTEN: ICEFISH (SS-367)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WWII PATROL FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DECK LOG JUNE 1944 - JUNE 1945 CONSULT]
[HANDWRITTEN: NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY.]

[HANDWRITTEN: J.A. KOONTZ]

— page 4 —
-2- USS ICEFISH (SS 367)

were started. Only prompt and efficient damage control saved
ICEFISH in this very critical condition with enemy ships still
attacking.

The Submarine Combat Insignia was awarded for this patrol.

USS ICEFISH arrived at Majuro in the Marshall Islands on 13
November 1944.

She departed Majuro on 8 December 1944, on her second war pat-
rol with Commander R. W. Peterson, USN, in command. ICEFISH was a
part of a coordinated attack group composed of USS SPOT, USS ICE-
FISH and USS BALAO. This patrol was of 43 days duration and was
conducted in the East China Sea.

This patrol was characterized by material difficulties which
caused ICEFISH to return to Pearl Harbor on 20 January 1945, where
a refit was accomplished at the Submarine Base.

The third war patrol began on 20 February 1945, when ICEFISH
sailed from Pearl Harbor in company with SAWFISH and KINGFISH. This
patrol was also conducted in the East China Sea, northeast and east
of Formosa. It was of 60 days duration, of which 35 were spent in
the area.

ICEFISH returned to Apra Harbor, Guam on 20 April 1945 for a
refit by USS PROTEUS. She departed Apra Harbor, Guam on 15 May
1945 on her fourth war patrol.

The submarine's fourth war patrol was conducted in the Hainan,
Hong Kong, Formosa, Siam Gulf and Java Sea areas. The patrol was
of 46 days duration with 31 days spent in the areas.

On 7 June 1945, with the cooperation of a PBY "Catalina" for
air cover, ICEFISH rescued six army aviators off the coast of
Formosa. The aviators were survivors of a ditched B-25, and the
rescue was made North of Hachiyo Wan.

ICEFISH sailed to Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, where the
aviators were transferred on 10 June 1945. She then sailed for the
Gulf of Siam to continue patrol.

After seven days in the Gulf of Siam without encountering any
targets, ICEFISH was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea. Two mine-
layers and a patrol vessel were contacted in the Java Sea but could
not be closed for the attack due to their high speed and radical
maneuvers. One minelayer was tracked for five hours during daylight
before ICEFISH could dive for the attack. When the
target had closed to 3,000 yards, it suddenly zigged a
way and an
escort was sighted through the periscope at a range of 1,500 yards
and closing fast.

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-3- USS ICEFISH (SS 367)

ICEFISH went deep and stayed at silent running while the escort
and the minelayer remained overhead pinging and listening. After
about a half hour, the escort and minelayer departed and ICEFISH
surfaced. The Submarine Combat Insignia was awarded for this patrol.

ICEFISH arrived in Fremantle, Australia for a refit by USS
CLYTIE, and sailed on 29 July 1945, on her fifth war patrol. This
patrol lasted for twenty-five days duration, and was terminated as
a result of the Japanese capitulation.

Enroute to station on 7 August 1945, a small diesel lugger of
15 tons, was intercepted. The crew consisted of two Japanese,
two Eurasians and five Chinese. One Japanese jumped overboard
rather than be captured, and the remainder were taken aboard and
made prisoners. The lugger was then sunk by gunfire.

Upon the announcement of the end of hostilities, ICEFISH was
ordered to Saipan, and arrived at Tanapag Harbor on 22 August 1945,
thus ending her fifth and last war patrol of World War II.

On 1 September 1945, USS ICEFISH sailed from Saipan enroute to
San Francisco. She entered San Francisco Bay on 18 September 1945,
where she was eventually made a part of the Pacific Reserve Fleet
and decommissioned.

USS ICEFISH earned 4 Battle Stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Area
Service Medal for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/Leyte Operation
Battle of Surigao Strait -- 24 October to 26 October 1944

1 Star/Iwo Jima Operation
Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima -- 12 to 16 March 1945

1 Star/Okinawa Gunto Operation
Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 17 March to 14
April 1945

1 Star/Submarine War Patrols, Pacific -- 29 July to 22 August 1945

STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH 311 feet
BEAM 27 feet
SPEED 20 knots
DISPLACEMENT 1,525 tons

Compiled: February 1953

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SS367/A16-3/(01) U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
13 November 1944

CONFIDENTIAL [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division 221.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 22.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject; U.S.S. ICEFISH, Report of War Patrol Number ONE.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel
conducted in South China Sea during the period 9 September 1944 to 13 November
1944, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R.W. Peterson (illegible)]
R.W. PETERSON.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: PER ART. 0445, OPHAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B DATE 5/30/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 97567]

— page 7 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH
Report of First War Patrol.

(A) PROLOGUE

Commissioned at Manitowoc, Wis., June 10, 1944. June 14-28 conducted sea
trials, fired dummy torpedoes and made training dives and deep dive test. June 28
departed Manitowoc enroute New Orleans, La. July 6 arrived New Orleans and un-
docked. July 9 departed New Orleans enroute Panama, C.Z. Arrived Coco Solo, C.Z.
July 14. Degassed and docked. July 16 to August 2, under Commander Submarine
Squadron Three, conducted test torpedo firings, made many practice
approaches and fired 10 exercise torpedoes, night and day long and short range
and bombardment gun practices, and made many training dives.
Services in this area were all that could be asked for.
August 6, 1944 Departed Panama enroute Pearl. Conducted drills and training
enroute.
August 22, 1944 Arrived Pearl and were assigned to Submarine Division Forty-
Five for training. Underwent four day refit by Submarine Base during which instal-
lation of VHF and radar detector were accomplished, together with voyage and range
repairs. During training period fired 7 exercise torpedoes, and three 1K 18's for test.
Engaged in three day convoy exercise, followed by night exercises with Drum and
Sawfish as a coordinated attack group. Fired 5" gun and all small arms during this
period.
Readiness for sea date September 9, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE

September 9, 1944.
1347 (V) Departed Pearl in company with Sawfish, Drum and Rock, with one PC
escort. Icefish, Sawfish and Drum organized as coordinated attack group. Task
Group Designation 17.15. CTG in Sawfish. This unit is designated 17.15.2. At
1800 Rock and escort departed. Icefish took station 10 miles north of Sawfish;
Drum 10 miles south of Sawfish, all enroute SAIPAN.

September 9-21.
Enroute SAIPAN. Held communication drills with Sawfish and Drum; held
radar tracking drills after dark; held daily fire control problems, dives and
emergency drills.

September 13.
1751 (Y) Crossed 180th meridian.

September 16.
1050 (L) SD radar contact, 20 miles, closing; dived. Not identified. We are
now within aircraft range of MARCUS. (Aircraft contact #1)
1107 Surfaced. Master gyro compass has been erratic since departure Panama;
as much as 40 degrees this date.
1637 #4 main engine out of commission due to cracked cylinder liner. In
commission again 21 hours later.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

September 19
1205 (L) Sighted aircraft, bearing 255 T, 12 miles, closing, Unidentified;
dived. (Aircraft contact #2). These may be U.S. planes, but we are much closer to
MARIANAS than to SAIPAN, so they could reasonably be enemy. Do not know what our own
aircraft coverage is in this area.
1336 Surfaced.
1340 #2 main engine out of commission due to broken cylinder head holding down
stud. Efforts to repair were fruitless because the broken stud could not be remov-
ed. This engine remained out of commission until 1530 September 23. (See Major
Defects).

September 20.
0657 (K) Lookout sighted low wing monoplane bearing 045 T, 10 miles. Dived.
(Aircraft contact #3).
0947 Surfaced in heavy rain squall.
1000 Lookout sighted large bomber headed for us, coming out of a heavy rain cloud,
6 miles. Dived. Plane was 4 miles and closing on the SD when we went under. (Air-
craft contact #4).
1136 Surfaced.
1430 Lookout sighted unidentified large aircraft, 8 miles, bearing 310 T. Dived.
(Aircraft contact #5).
1532 Surfaced.

September 21.
0133 (K) Had SD radar contact following a period of radar interference, range
7100 yards, bearing 270 T. Identified as Pampanito on easterly course. (Ship
contact #1).
0207 Made radar contact on land (ANATAHAN I.), bearing 273 T, distance 55,500
yards.
0650 Made rendezvous with Sawfish, Parche, Drum and DD Downes. Set course for
SAIPAN.
1211 Moored port side to Holland, at SAIPAN. Commenced voyage repairs. Controll-
ing items, gyro compass and #2 main engine.

September 23.
Unless otherwise specified all times are, hereafter, Item.
1530 #2 main engine back in commission after make shift repairs, the best that
could be done in the time allowable.
1600 Underway, 24 hours behind the Sawfish and Drum, with DD Case escort.
2110 Escort parted company.

September 24.
0535 Sighted aircraft and had SD contact 3 minutes later at 26 miles. Unidentifi-
ed large patrol plane. No indications of IFF. He did not close. (Aircraft
contact #6).
0548 Sighted another aircraft at 22 miles, also unidentified. (Aircraft contact
#7).

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
September 24 (Cont'd)
1205 SD radar contact 21 miles which closed to 9 miles. Challenged by search-
light but got no reply; no indications of IFF. Lost contact at 16 miles. (Aircraft
contact #8).
1232 Sighted 2 masts on horizon, bearing 320 T, identified as two friendly sub-
marines on easterly course. (Ship contact #2).
1813 SD radar contact, 16 miles, which closed to 12 miles, then opened. Contact
was lost at 18 miles. Darkness prevented sighting. (Aircraft contact #9).

September 25.
1013 Sighted B-24, 16 miles. He closed to 2 miles and circled. Fired flare and
exchanged visual identification signals. (Aircraft contact #10).
1952 Put #3 main engine out of commission for 3 hours to tighten loose cylinder
head holding down studs.

September 26.
#4 main engine out of commission 4 hours due to loose cylinder head holding down
studs.
2137 Sent message to Sawfish giving our position and the area we would patrol
September 27.

September 27.
0210 Arrived in area. Dived at 0537 for all day submerged patrol.
1027 Sighted aircraft, NELL, bearing 270 T, easterly course, 6 miles. (Aircraft
contact #11).
1956 Surfaced and set course to patrol east of LUZON STRAITS on 28th.
2125 Exchanged identification signals with Sawfish by SJ. Drum has been
temporarily withdrawn from this group.

September 28.
0132 SJ radar contact, 11,000 yards, identified as Flying Fish. (Ship contact
#3). Flying Fish has been temporarily assigned to this group.
0302 SJ radar contact, 11,000 yards, identified as Sawfish. (Ship contact #4).
0414 SJ radar contact on BABUYAN I., bearing 258 T, 60,000 yards.
0528 Dived for submerged patrol and passage of LUZON STRAITS.
0659 Sighted unidentified patrol plane, bearing 290 T, 15 miles. (Aircraft
contact #12).
0812 Sighted unidentified aircraft on southerly course patrolling LUZON STRAITS,
15 miles. (Aircraft contact #13).
0847 Sighted unidentified aircraft, headed south, bearing 260 T, 18 miles. (Air-
craft contact #14).
0915 Sighted 3 unidentified aircraft in formation headed south, bearing 286 T,
18 miles, patrolling LUZON STRAITS. (Aircraft contact #15).
1005 Sighted smoke at estimated distance 20 miles, bearing 221 T. Evidently this
is a convoy headed south in the STRAITS and is being given heavy air
coverage.
1147 Sighted aircraft (unidentified) bearing 294 T, 17 miles, northbound. (Air-
craft contact #16).

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CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

September 28 (Cont'd)
1240 Sighted unidentified southbound aircraft, bearing 310 T, 15 Miles (Aircraft
contact #17).
1327 Sighted RUFE, bearing 196 T, 10 miles, on northerly course, which passed at
4 miles. (Aircraft contact #18).
1352 Sighted unidentified aircraft, bearing 285 T, 8 miles, a large patrol plane.
(Aircraft contact #19).
1612 Sighted SALLY, bearing 183 T, 6 miles, northbound. (Aircraft contact #20).
2014 Surfaced and proceeded to westward to assigned patrol station.

September 29.
0419 Had radar detector indication at 150 mcs., 900 pps., which grew strong and
nearly saturated the screen. Checked contact with SD and SJ, but got no contact
and therefore did not dive. Interference faded out after 5 minutes. (Aircraft
contact #21).
0548 Dived for submerged patrol, west of LUZON STRAITS.
0621 Sighted SALLY, bearing 296 T, 10 miles, southerly course. (Aircraft contact
#22).
0945 Sighted unidentified aircraft, 057 T, 9 miles, southerly course. (Aircraft
contact #23).
1023 Sighted MAVIS, bearing 122 T, 5 miles, northerly course. (Aircraft contact
#24).
1134 Sighted NELL, bearing 045 T, 10 miles, northerly course. (Aircraft contact
#25).
1200 Sighted unidentified aircraft, bearing 315 T, 12 miles, southerly course.
(Aircraft contact #26).
1245 Sighted unidentified aircraft, bearing 210 T, 6 miles, northerly course.
(Aircraft contact #27).
1310 Sighted THELMA, bearing 345 T, 4 miles, southeasterly course. (Aircraft
contact #28).
During the day sighted some debris, hatch covers, etc.
2014 Surfaced.
2216 Received message from CTG 17.15 in Sawfish. "Take position in line of -
bearing 305 degrees, distance between subs 30,000 yards. Wolf #4 20-00N, 121-48E.
Wolf #1 east submarine. Maintain close station patrol tomorrow". Set course for
patrol in BALINTING CHANNEL.

September 30.
0040 Had radar detector indication at 150 mcs., which grew strong.
0046 Could not make contact on SD radar, but dived. (Aircraft contact #29).
0135 Surfaced.
0522 SJ radar contact bearing 323 T, 3450 yards. Contact closed to 1950 yards in
3 minutes, so at 0525 dived. Picked up "put-put" noises on sound gear, but all
was clear on our first look around after day break.
0936 Sighted unidentified aircraft, bearing 057 T, 15 miles, southerly course.
(Aircraft contact #30).

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— page 11 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

September 30 (Cont'd)
0940 Sighted unidentified aircraft, bearing 085 T, 15 miles, southerly course.
(Aircraft contact #31).
1323 Sighted float type RUFE, bearing 020 T, 6 miles, southerly course. (Aircraft
contact #32).
1355 Sighted small sampan, bearing 158 T, 5,000 yards, northerly course. (Ship
contact #5).
1546 Sighted RUFE, bearing 220 T, 9 miles, northerly course. (Aircraft contact
#33).
1730 Sighted unidentified aircraft, bearing 285 T, 15 miles, southerly course.
(Aircraft contact #34).
2027 Surfaced. Received message from CTG 17.15 directing patrol to westward in
safety lane tomorrow.

October 1.
0130 Radar detector contact, 150 mcs., getting stronger, coming in intermittently
as though Jap operator is keying. On the third 5 second SD radar check we got a
pip at 10 miles, identified as aircraft. At 0148 dived. This indicates that Jap radar is
making contact at ranges of 20 or more miles. SD radar had pip at 7 miles, closing
on us as we passed 50 feet. (Aircraft contact #35).
0220 Planed up to SJ radar depth. Had weak radar interference at 150 mcs., and
contact on SJ at 10 miles, identified as aircraft.
0249 Surfaced.
0600 Dived for submerged patrol of assigned area.
Nothing sighted this date. Rough seas, skies heavily overcast; difficulty with
depth control.
2017 Surfaced.

October 2.
0602 Dived. Seas persisting.
2005 Surfaced in a northerly monsoon.

October 3.
0622 Dived. Seas still heavy, depth control difficult.
2046 Surfaced.
2130 Received message from CTG 17.15 by SJ radar informing us that until Oct-
ober 10 Sawfish will patrol west of Long. 116-00 E., directing us to patrol be-
tween 116-00 and 118-00 E., and to resume schedule on October 10. Sawfish and
Icefish now comprise all of Task Group 17.15.

October 4-5.
Submerged patrol of area between 116-00 and 118-00 E. Rough seas and poor
visibility prohibited continuous running at periscope depth, so we are making
observations every 30 minutes, depending upon the JP sound gear to cover the
periods when we are at 85 feet to save the battery. The many night contacts with
aircraft make battery charging a questionable affair and the saving of battery
a consideration.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
October 6.
1420 Heard the first of many distant depth charges; "clicks" could be plainly
heard on JP sound, bearing, roughly, northeast. We are close to the eastern edge
of our area. Evidently one of the boats in the next area has made an attack.
Changed course to eastward and looked continuously for the remainder of the day,
but saw nothing. After surfacing intercepted message from Whale stating she had
made an attack at 1412, at a point 40 miles from our position at that time.
1958 Surfaced.
2059 Had detector contact at 150 mcs., getting stronger. (I have been attempting
to get some idea of the range of Jap aircraft radar and have been using inter-
mittent SJ radar sweeps to minimize the possibility of being D-F'd, and have had
the SD kept in a standby condition, ready to check the range of any contact).
This contact grew steadily in strength; checked it with intermittent 5 second
checks with the SD radar. Jap keyed his radar, evidently in the knowledge that we
have a detector. On the third SD check, at 2106, we had a contact at 13 miles,
which saturated the oscilloscope. Using the SD probably aided the Jap in finding
us, even though our SD was on for only 5 seconds at a time and there is a possi-
bility that the Japs are homing on the SJ and SD and that their radar is not
effective over about 20 miles.
2133 Surfaced.
2230 Contact on detector at 152 mcs., intermittent keying, getting stronger. Us-
ing same SD procedure, got contact at 11 miles, with very strong radar interfer-
ence. Contact closed to 9 miles. Dived at 2245. (Aircraft contact #37).
2315 Surfaced.
2334 Contact on the detector at 152 mcs., very weak, getting stronger. Kept SD
turned off as long as possible. SJ not in use. When signal on detector became
so strong that I could hold out no longer without a check, called for a 5 second
check on the SD, got a possible contact at 15 miles, at 2336. Then, at 2338,
we had a definite contact at 12 miles, closing fast, dived. (Aircraft contact
#38). Looks like the Japs are getting better, and so are we.
0112 Surfaced.
0601 Dived for submerged patrol.
2001 Surfaced.

October 8.
Submerged patrol this date.
1958 Surfaced. Received message from CTG 17.15, on pack frequency, informing us
that Sawfish would return to assigned area tomorrow.
0122 Received message from CTG 17.15 giving course, speed and position of west-
bound convoy on which he had radar contact. Contact was about 60 miles west of us.
Headed west at 17 knots.
0310 Asked CTG 17.15 for enemy course, speed and position, informing him of our
position, course and speed; and at 0324 got our answer. "Convoy consisted of
following ships: Tanker and two escorts, tanker sunk." Nothing for us to do
there, so resumed normal patrol, set course for patrol station.

October 9.
Uneventful, except for SJ radar going out of commission, requiring replacement of
magnetron and retuning.

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— page 13 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

October 10.
0150 Had SJ radar interference; exchanged recognition signals with Sawfish.
0307 Intermittent, moderately strong interference on detector at 152 mcs. Rain-
ing very hard. Had been relying on the surface in the presence of radar
interference without success on the last few contacts, so have adopted the pro-
ceedure of diving on the first indication, attempting to prevent original detection.
Have now decided that because Jap radar strength is not always the same, or
of nulls in our detector antenna, weakening of our detector due to use, atmospheric
conditions, etc., we cannot depend upon a weak contact being at a great distance.
Dived on this contact.
0418 Surfaced, thinking perhaps the Jap had finished his sweep of our area and
found it all clear. (Aircraft contact #39). But, at 0504 again had detector
contact, 152 mcs. Dived on first weak indication and remained submerged, since
less than an hour of darkness remained. (Aircraft contact #40).
0604 JK sound had pinging at 17 kcs., bearing 180 T; a few minutes later saw two
small patrol vessels on line of bearing, northerly course, sweeping the position
of our morning dive. Changed course to close them. Closed to 5,000 yards at
which time they turned south and then west, sweeping. They finally passed out of
sight at 1115. Undoubtedly, from the nature of their sweep, they were searching
on information from aircraft. (Ship contact #6).
2004 Surfaced.

October 11.
0557 Dived on station assigned by Comsubpac, for life guard duty about 100 miles
west of FORMOSA; scheduled air strike by China-based B-29's at 1300.
1255 Surfaced. SJ radar not in use, for patrol as assigned. Tested communicat-
ions with Sawfish. At 1442 sighted HELL coming in low, 6 miles. Dived and reached
150 feet just as the first of two depth charges went off overhead, jarring us up. A few seconds
later, a third depth charge, not so close. Had no detector indication of radar
from this aircraft. Only damage was one broken pipe elbow in forward engine room
and air-conditioning blower knocked out of line in conning tower.
1520 At periscope depth, sighted same plane circling our position at 2 miles,
heading in our direction when first seen, so planed down to 100 feet.
1735 All clear at periscope depth. (Aircraft contact #41).
2005 Surfaced and received message stating today's air strike had been cancelled.
2019 Detector contact, 152 mcs. Dived. (Aircraft contact #42).
2133 Surfaced.

October 12.
0332 Radar detector contact, 152 mcs., getting strong, intermittent, keying. The
Japs are keying almost entirely now, and the first interference indication is
sometimes very strong. Dived. (Aircraft contact #43).
0446 Surfaced.
0602 Dived to southward of lifeguard station about fifty miles, since there was
no air strike this date.
2013 Surfaced.
2111 Detector contact, 152 mcs. Dived. We picked this one up while still pretty
weak. (Aircraft contact #44).

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— page 14 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
October 12 (Cont'd)
Our new proceedure of diving while the detector contact is still weak seems to be
paying dividends in reducing the number of dives.
2222 Surfaced.
2235 SJ radar went out of commission. Weather has been bad, position uncertain.
2245 Intercepted message from Blackfish to Shark stating she had "radar contact true bearing
badly garbled, from Blackfish to Shark stating she had "radar contact true bearing
blank range blank course 220 T, speed 11, zig-zagging. Intercepted message
A few minutes later intercepted another similar message from Blackfish to Shark stating
position time 20-04 1757 tracking course 270, speed 11, alone".
Blackfish to be west of us reversed course and listened for another message, which
began coming in shortly after but was not copied due to an important message from
NPM at that time.

October 13.
0115 Had peculiar contact on radar detector - two pips, very strong, 200 mcs.,
900 pps, 6 microsecs. This is the first of its kind to date. Dived, assuming it
to be aircraft. (Aircraft contact #45).
0228 Surfaced.
0245 SJ back in commission at 0245, after replacing magnetron.
0604 Dived for submerged patrol.

October 14.
0020 While headed north into heavy seas at steerageway, proceeding to lifeguard
station, stern lookout reported two white lights on the horizon. OOD called for
an immediate SJ check (had been making intermittent sweeps every 2 to 5 minutes).
Operator reported a good contact at 6,200 yards coming fast. Almost before any
action could be taken the after lookout reported an aircraft coming in overhead,
altitude 1,000 feet, burning running lights. Dived, but he did not get a radar
detector indication, so believed he was not using his radar. He was apparently
busy figuring his drift. (Aircraft contact #46).
0143 Heard two distant explosions, and at 0153 two more.
0224 Surfaced.
0607 Dived on assigned station, 100 miles west of FORMOSA. We are not being used
as a reference point, and in view of our experiences of being held down by aircraft
the previous day here, decided to stay at SD radar depth, where we can hear all
plane communications, surfacing when our services are needed. We may otherwise
be forced down and not receive any information, and thus be ineffective.
1500 Asked Sawfish whether there was any assignment for us. Reply was
"negative", so dived at 1539 and patrolled at 50 feet.
2007 Surfaced.

October 15.
Patrolled south of lifeguard station.

October 16.
0600 Dived on lifeguard station. Guarded plane frequency at radar depth. Could
hear communications between planes well. Heard Sawfish and Flying Fish testing;
they could not hear us, so at 1519 surfaced and asked Sawfish whether there was an
assignment for us. Received no answer.

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— page 15 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

October 16 (Cont'd)
1530 Submerged again to radar depth.
2005 Surfaced.

October 17.
0521 Small pip on SJ radar, bearing 140 T, 5,200 yards. Opened out and lost
contact at 5,800 yards. (Ship contact #7). Our course easterly heading for assign-
ed patrol station near LUZON STRAITS, by special orders of Comsubpac.
0600 Dived.
0641 Sighted large sampan with heavy mast, bearing 114 T, 6,000 yards. Headed
north to work around him, but at 0805 JK had pinging bearing 353 T. Sighted patrol
vessel, 8,000 yards, coming toward us, using constant helm. Went to battle stat-
ions and changed course to close contact. Headed directly for him long enough to
determine that we were the specific object of his search. He was too small to
shoot at in the heavy seas, and he knew we were there, so, at 4,000 yards, when
he continued to close, went to 250 feet below a density layer, and rigged for
silent running. The patrol boat passed over us and then made several depth
sweeps very close aboard. Spent all morning working around him, and finally lost
his pinging at 1134. Came to periscope depth and saw the sampan close aboard, so
spent considerable part of the afternoon working around the latter. (Ship contact
#6).
1715 Sighted MAVIS, bearing 270 T, 9 miles, patrolling area. (Aircraft contact
#47).
1952 Surfaced.
2230 Strong contact on detector, 145 mcs. Dived. (Aircraft contact #48).
2347 Surfaced.

October 18.
0536 Dived.
1951 Surfaced.
2217 Radar contact on detector, 200 mcs. Wanted to check this frequency so waited
until contact showed on the SD at 14 miles, then dived. (Aircraft contact #49).
2250 Surfaced.
2309 Exchanged recognition signals with Sawfish by SJ radar.
2349 Radar detector contact, 152 mcs. Dived. (Aircraft contact #50).

October 19.
0052 Surfaced. Had Sawfish on radar at 8,300 yards, maximum.
0555 Made morning dive.
1955 Surfaced.
2117 Radar contact on the Sawfish at 13,250 yards. Had replaced several tubes in
SJ during day. Received orders by SJ from Sawfish to make close rendezvous.
Closed to 2,000 yards and communicated by blinker. CTG 17.15 asked whether we had
fired any torpedoes and whether we wanted extension of time on patrol. Drum is
now with us, and also wants extension.

October 20.
0553 Dived. Surfaced at 1956.

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— page 16 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

October 20.
2016 SJ radar contact, weak, at 6,200 yards. Opened out and lost contact at 2020.
No doubt this was another large sampan similar in size to the previous one. (Ship
contact #9).

October 21.
0027 Radar detector contact, 165 mcs. 550 pps. Dived. (Aircraft contact #51).
0105 Surfaced.
0553 Dived.
1953 Surfaced.

October 22.
0600 Dived.
0815 Sighted unidentified medium bomber, bearing 050 T, 8 miles. (Aircraft
contact #52). Seas were very heavy from the north and visibility, as has been the
case for several days, was poor, due to high winds, and the haze that accompanies
many storms in this area. To save the battery, we were making observations at
high speed every 20 minutes, going to 85 feet between looks. At 0855 periscope
officer reported a destroyer in sight. Went to battle stations. Sighted a task
force of two NACHI class heavy cruisers escorted by three destroyers, bearing
064 T, course 160 T, speed 16 to 18 knots. Our closest position was 8,000 yards.
(Ship contact #10).
1031 Surfaced in heavy seas, on southerly course to send out contact report, but
at 1033 had very strong contact on detector at 152 mcs., so dived. Did not see
aircraft because of heavy overcast, but knew from experience that he had contact
on us. The Japs are certainly covering the waterfront thoroughly and efficiently,
judging from our experiences. (Aircraft contact #53).
1959 Surfaced and made several attempts to get off our contact report. Called all
tenders at GUAM, SAIPAN and MAJURO, on 4155 and 8310, called NPM and Australia.
Finally, at 0045, after transmitting almost every group of our message three or
four times to an Australian station, when he was still asking for repeats because
of interference, we stopped sending, feeling sure that enough of the message would
be received correctly and not caring much about his prospects for advancement
about this time. Our operators are forced to copy through heavy interference
nightly. This shore based operator used a formal call up each time he wanted a
group repeated, and waited for the entire message to be transmitted before he asked
for the repeats. This is unusual and was very disconcerting, since it is un-
necessary and draws out the transmission time needlessly. Meantime, we are diving
nightly for aircraft, trying to shake them off, and have made no worthwhile con-
tacts probably because our position is well known. In this trans-
mission asked Comsubpac for extension of patrol.

October 23.
0045 Receipted for our message on the Fox schedule.
0444 Radar detector contact, 165 mcs. Dived. (Aircraft contact #54).
0520 Surfaced.
0606 Dived for submerged patrol.
1730 Heard three distant explosions.
1953 Surfaced.

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— page 18 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
October 24 (Cont'd)
Continued closing convoy from ahead, our position now about 6,000 yards,
30 degrees on port bow of big target. Had an escort on sound on each bow of tar-
get, both pinging. Sound bearings on pinging and screws were good, until range was
generated 3,300 yards when TDC began generating off, indicating a small zig to
eastward. Changed the set-up on the TDC, and at range 3,000 yards, estimated track
angle for large ship 30 port, at 0052, fired 4 MK 18's at large target; shifted to
inside escort and at 0053 fired 2 MK 18's at him, estimated range 3,000 yards,
60 port track. Interval of time for total firing 1'-30". Heard no explosions un-
til 4 minutes, 15 seconds after firing last torpedo, when one loud torpedo hit was
heard. This was aimed at the escort, but the heavy screws stopped and the escort
pinged all the harder. Sound could still hear some of our previous torpedoes run-
ning. They may have hit something, but the depth charges commenced falling about
this time, and it was impossible to distinguish. The evidence indicated to me
that after Drum's attack the convoy had zigged right, and when we fired the range
was actually about 4,000 yards and the angle on the bow about 90 port. This would
have caused the first four to miss entirely and, quite by accident, gave us a hit
on the large ship instead of the escort, whose bearing had been to left of our main
target.
0100 Six depth charges from closest escort, not too close. For the next two hours
had escorts milling and pinging all around, dropping depth charges. Was forced to
evade in convoy's direction.
0110 Heard loud, rumbling and hissing explosion, not a torpedo or depth charge,
close aboard.
0120 Several minor explosions like popping rivets, close aboard, followed immedi-
ately by terrifically loud breaking up noises, and groanings, heard so loudly
throughout the ship that many men thought the Icefish was breaking up. Sound had
got out from under this definite sound of running screws, and the noises loud
under this definitely sinking ship. Since these noises were not preceded by the
sound of running torpedoes, and since our position at the time was in the near
vicinity of our target when hit, it is believed that this ship was our target and
that in my mind that she sank. From now on heard only an occasional
some lighter explosions.
noises subsided.
0154 Breaking up noises subsided.
0223 Commenced reload and planed up to 100 feet.
0310 Fast screws close aboard, and pinging from same vessel. He went on by.
Heard another series of explosions and depth charges until 0330.
0352 Reload completed; surfaced and had an immediate SJ radar contact bearing
038 T, 16,300 yards. Changed course to north and commenced tracking.
0413 Sent contact report, target course 340, 6 knots; to Drum and Sawfish and
notified them of completion of our attack. Trying to get in a battery charge while
gaining position on target's port quarter. (Ship contact #12).
0420 Had Washing Machine Charlie, 152 mcs., coming in strong, keying so had to
dive. (Aircraft contact #56).
0502 Planed up to radar depth and got strong contact at 152 mcs., and had contact
on him at 5 miles, closing, on SJ radar, so went back to periscope depth.
0519 Surfaced and ran to westward for a few minutes to gain a little distance,
then headed north to try for position for morning attack.

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— page 19 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

October 24 (Cont'd)
Target now at range 23,950 yards and now had a second contact on SJ between
us and target at 18,000 yards, which looked like another escort.
0547 Aircraft came in on us again. Dived. With daylight at 0555, target now at
24,000 yards and this aircraft holding us down could not hope to get in an attack.
(Aircraft contact #57).
Heard many explosions between 0601 and 0605, 0751 to 0830 and from 1100 to 1220.
1255 JK sound had pinging at 040 T and at 1310 sighted patrol vessel, 12,000 yards,
with large starboard bow angle. He was headed southeast, stopped for a few
minutes at about 10,000 yards, then headed north and was lost to sight at 1353;
never getting closer than 8,000 yards. (Ship contact #13).
1955 Surfaced.

October 25.
0558 Dived.
1518 Sighted aircraft, SONIA, bearing 355 T, 6 miles. (Aircraft contact #

— page 20 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
w/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
October 26 (Cont'd)
Dived at 0556, in position ahead of convoy's starboard group of ships. 0610
sighted their smoke, but there was still not enough light, and their range was too
great to make out with very few sighted masts of convoy and began to see their type
white caps. 0622 scopes and dis- in a line of bearing from east to west:- several
position. All were freighters, and two large transports. The latter two in the
four or five escorts center, with probably for an escort not yet seen. Headed for
a wide space between for firing middle of this space. Our target, one or both transports
position in the middle unless Drum. Two or three escorts pinging, very lightly. The convoy was
Drum gets them first. The convoy was on 190 T, speed still checking at 7½ to 8 knots.
headed straight down Counted 2 freighters and 4 to 5 escorts. 0653 sound heard Drum's torpedoes,
transports, 4 freighters and 4 to 5 escorts. 0653 sound heard Drum's torpedoes,
northeast of us. 0653 torpedoes, and two torpedo explosions on the convoy's eastern flank listed above.
explosions and saw smoke two torpedo charging started immediately; there was so much smoke from
and settling. Depth about 45 degrees these and the burning Ak it was hard to distinguish all details. One
these and the burning smoke from of the convoy, only taking an occasional look at Drum's target, which
small freighter, was escort, a was settling. Meantime, other ships of the convoy had scattered, to east and west. Two
of the convoy, only on the rest torpedoes would have done a lot of damage here, for there was a solid line of ships, almost bow to
more. Meantime, other was settling left, and with no confusion. In very few minutes one AP swung sharply
AP's were on opposite west. Two set up on this beam, steadied on a southerly course. Got a quick set up on this
have done a lot of damage here, for there was a solid line of ships, almost bow to
bow, and all in course with a 0 bow angle.
an escort on each beam had been loaded to the gunnels and to the top of her bridge with troops,
one, for a stern tube shot. One SC class escort, on AP's starboard beam had been
headed steadily south during all the commotion and now presented a 0 bow angle.
TDC and plot checking on perfectly. Saw she was stepping out, 10 knots.
was stepping out, 10 knots, with a 0 bow angle. At 0718 fired first of 4 Ak 18's, 10 seconds
now 10 knots, with a 0 bow angle. At 0718 fired first of 4 Ak 18's, 10 seconds interval,
ANYO MARU, 9,257 tons. At 0718 fired first of 4 Ak 18's, 10 seconds interval, range 2,200 yards, spread a total of 6 degrees,
60 starboard track, and lowered the periscope. Starboard escort, not pinging, was now very close on our
and lowered the periscope. Starboard escort, not pinging, was now very close on our starboard beam, coming in fast. At 0720 raised the periscope long enough to see
starboard beam, coming in fast. At 0720 raised the periscope long enough to see the first hit, between bridge and stack, send a column of water, flame
the first hit, between bridge and stack, send a column of water, flame immediately and ordered deep submergence. Saw the first hit
skyward, lowered it immediately and ordered deep submergence. Saw the first hit 10 seconds, and heard the second hit 10 seconds later. We should
at 2 minutes and 10 seconds, and heard the second hit 10 seconds later. We should have headed directly
have had three hits according to the fire control data; the misses headed directly for the escort still
for the escort still working over the Drum, and the Drum's sinking probably hit something there, though the depth charges in that area prevented any-
possibly hit something there, though the depth charges in that area prevented any- thing but a guess.
Had to use high speed and flood in considerable water getting down, (result-
ing in much noise) due to a heavy density layer. Got to 420 feet just
barrage of 4 depth charges of blockbuster intensity went off on top of us. The
cordite fumes from these filled the conning tower and both periscope packing glands
leaked so heavily the bilges could not accommodate the water; it poured down the
wells and down into the control room. These were the closest any of us had ever
experienced, and it was thought they couldn't be any closer. At 0730, however,
still not pinging, but with a pinger now coaching him on, we took
with the dropper string of 12 in rapid succession, that snaked the ship; the concussion was as
a string of 12 in rapid succession, that snaked the ship; the concussion was as great as that of a
five inch gun going off alongside the pointer.

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— page 21 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

October 26 (Cont'd)
These were deafening, and with the first of the string, compartments began report-
ing heavy salt water, fuel oil and hydraulic leaks. All lights were broken in most
of the compartments; forward torpedo room reported heavy fuel oil and hydraulic
leaks; and the officers' head was spraying all over the room due to opening of both
sanitary drain valves, sea valves and outboard vent. Every sea valve in the ship
opened up, and the result was a mixture of oil, water and sanitary tank debris.
The executive officer was dispatched to the scene to find a stream of fuel the size
of his forearm coming in through a fuel tank inboard vent, with 2 inches of solid fuel oil
covering the deck in the crew's mess and sleeping quarters. Shifted load to forward
battery and started a bucket brigade. This same picture obtained in the forward
torpedo room and both engine rooms, spraying those compartments thoroughly before
men could get through to the proper valves. In Control, the 225# air supply to the
hydraulic vent and replenishing tank was knocked open, and the valve wheel knocked
off. This opened the volume tank safety valve, blew down the vent and replenishing
tank through the vent and replenishing lines, opened all 45# relief valves in the
hydraulic system, draining all oil from them, and our steering and bow and stern
planes were out of commission until we could get oil back into the telemotors; then
we had only hand control, since the main plant was air bound. Moving these controls
sounded like the running of reciprocating engines because of the air in the
systems, and each use of rudder brought a new string of depth charges, but not as
close now. JP and QB sound were both out of commission, and JK was operating only
intermittently. All circulating water systems were at full sea pressure, and #2
main generator forward cooler was ruptured. This leak was stopped, like every
other leak in the ship, in record-braking time, and prevented serious damage.
Various meters, gauges and fixtures, including the Pit Log were knocked off their
mountings and the bathythermograph card was wiped clean of lampblack by the
pressure wave. Main board shaft gland leak had been sealed, but after the star-
board shaft gland reported the leak had been sealed to be within 50 feet and none was distant. All the above events took place, ex-
cept for repairs, in less than two minutes. Numerous electrical fires were quickly isolated.
At 0751 JK sound heard a loud crack, followed by heavy breaking up noises
which stopped at 0800. These were characteristic of the noises heard when hit,
ing ship and it is believed, therefore, that the AP sank about this time. Two
escorts dropped depth charges in the vicinity until 1025. Had been trying to pump
bilges and work the air out of the hydraulic system, but every such move brought
another barrage, and more rapid pinging, so had to wait. At 1109, at periscope
depth, sighted a freighter Q-ship of about 500 tons, probably the same as had
worked on Drum. 4,000 yards on starboard beam, lying to. (Aircraft contact #15). Put
the rudder over to get him astern and he immediately dropped two depth charges, and
while he continued, at intervals, to drop strings of one to four. 1313 three large
patrol planes circled in our direction and could not identify these.
(Aircraft contact #61). Lost sight of Q-ship at 1640. Mean-
time repair work had progressed rapidly. Found a hydraulic line to bow buoyancy
vent ruptured with oil draining almost as fast as we put it into the system. Many
leaks and much air. Added engine oil, salad oil and the last of our reserve hy-
draulic oil, and finally had the whole system in good enough condition to surface
- 15 -

— page 23 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

October 28 (Cont'd)
1735 Sighted large black buoy with white vertical stripe and flat on top. We are
just about in position 20-13N 120-08E), the scene of Drum's first attack of October 26. (Pos. 20-13N 120-08E).
1920 Sound picked up high speed light screws, identified as from a patrol vessel,
bearing 090 T, estimated 3000 yards. Could see nothing through the periscope, though they passed an estimated 3000 yards from us. Lost them at 1932. Patrol was heading southeast. (Ship contact #19).
2050 Surfaced and headed northeast for BASHI CHANNEL to clear the area. Main-
taining radar silence. At 2050 lookout sighted what he thought to be a torpedo
wake coming up our port side from astern. Changed course away.

October 29
0509 Sighted land and turned on SJ radar for a range check; it was now after
moonset and quite dark. Had an immediate contact on an incoming aircraft at 3350
yards. Lookout sighted him, as he cleared the bridge, flying low over the water
and not burning running lights. He was directly over us as we closed the conning
tower hatch. We had had no detector indication of his presence, so believed he was
not using radar. Otherwise he most certainly would have dropped, which he did not
do. Made passage to BASHI CHANNEL, surfaced at 2004, heading for safety lane.
(Aircraft contact #65).

October 30
2130 Departed area.

November 3
0905 Had contact on radar detector, 162 mcs., SD radar not in use. (Aircraft
contact #66). Surfaced at 1008. Had another similar contact at 1112, 175 mcs.
1333. (Aircraft contact #67). Both contacts were strong.
Dived. Surfaced at 1333. (Aircraft contact #67). Both contacts were strong.
Aircraft not seen. Heavily overcast skies and rain squalls.

November 4
0825 Sighted aircraft bearing 185 T, 14 miles, course north, unidentified. Dived.
Surfaced at 0933. (Aircraft contact #68).
1224 Sighted three large, unidentified, unpainted aircraft in V-formation, south-
erly course, bearing 090 T, 12 miles. (Aircraft contact #69). Surfaced at 1324.

November 6
1057(K) Sighted large seaplane, bearing 275 T, 10 miles, crossing astern and into
a cloud bank. (Aircraft contact #70). Did not dive. At 1140 sighted another
bearing 090 T, 15 miles, identified as PBM. (Aircraft contact #71). These may
have been the same aircraft.

November 11
0935(L) Sighted U.S.S. Grouper on northerly course. (Exchanged identification
signals). (Ship contact #20).

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— page 24 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

November 12.
2028(L) Had radar interference on SJ, thought to be from a friendly sub.
2126 SJ radar contact, 27,300 yards, bearing 218 T. Reversed course to put con-
tact astern and tracked - course 000 T, speed 16 knots. Contact had been sent
contact report to CTG 17.6 and received assurance that this was a friendly CVE.
Had another contact shortly at 24,000 yards. Both ships at 2200, changed course to
050 T. Continued on course to rendezvous. (Ship contacts #21 & #22).

November 13.
1030(L) Made rendezvous with surface escort.
Arrived Majuro for refit.

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— page 25 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(C) WEATHER
Weather from Pearl to the area was in general fair with light winds and seas.
During the first four days in area the seas were calm with mostly overcast skies.
For about the next week the seas were rough with completely overcast skies, depth
control being extremely difficult at periscope depth. During the remainder of the
patrol the seas were moderately rough with skies averaging about 70% overcast.
Strong northeasterly monsoons prevailed throughout most of the patrol. Enroute to
base the weather was generally fair with calm and moderate seas.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
When east of the LUZON STRAITS currents could be fairly well predicted from
the Pilot Charts. When in and west of LUZON STRAITS currents were strong and
variable. The best information is to be found on H.O. Pilot Charts and Current
Charts, and it is felt that there is nothing of value that can be added here.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
No navigational aids were sighted. Our Nautical Almanac was missing pages
161-192 inclusive, with pages 193-224 inclusive, duplicated. This meant that we
made the patrol missing 55 stars and other interesting information.

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— page 26 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type | Initial Range | Estimated Course & Speed | How Contacted | Remarks
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | 0133(K) Sept 21 | 16-42 146-15 | SS | 7100 yds | Easterly 15 | SJ | Identified as Pam-
  | | | | | | | panito.
2 | 1232(I) Sept 24 | 15-38 141-52 | 2-SS | 12 mi. | 117 13 | P | Identified as 2
  | | | | | | | friendly S/M's on
  | | | | | | | opposite, parallel
  | | | | | | | course.
3 | 0132(I) Sept 28 | 20-05 123-15 | SS | 11000 yds | Unk. | SJ | Communicated by SJ
  | | | | | | | radar & identified as
  | | | | | | | Flying Fish.
4 | 0302(I) Sept 28 | 20-01 122-48 | SS | 11000 yds | Unk. | SJ | Communicated by SJ
  | | | | | | | radar & identified as
  | | | | | | | Sawfish.
5 | 1355(I) Sept 30 | 20-10 121-38 | Small Sampan | 5000 yds | 035 3 | P | White uniformed per-
  | | | | | | | sonnel aboard.
6 | 0604(I) Oct 10 | 21-20 117-40 | 2 Small patrol boats | 7500 yds | North 8 | P | Seemed to be making
  | | | | | | | general sweep of area.
7 | 0521(I) Oct 17 | 21-55 118-42 | Sampan | 5200 yds | Unk. | SJ | Pinging on long scale,
  | | | | | | | small pip on radar
  | | | | | | | screen & short range
  | | | | | | | indicated small craft.
8 | 0805(I) Oct 17 | 21-35 119-47 | Patrol boat | 8000 yds | Unk. | JK | Sound detected ping-
  | | | | | | | ing; few minutes later
  | | | | | | | sighted him through
  | | | | | | | periscope.
9 | 2016(I) Oct 20 | 21-04 119-02 | Unk. | 6200 yds | Unk. | SJ | Opened out & lost con-
  | | | | | | | tact. Probably another
  | | | | | | | sampan.
10 | 0855(I) Oct 22 | 19-45 118-08 | 3-DD 2-CA | 8000 yds | 160 16-18 | P | Heavy sea, depth con-
  | | | | | | | trol difficult, peri-
  | | | | | | | scope observations
  | | | | | | | poor. When sighted
  | | | | | | | had large angle on
  | | | | | | | bow. Could not close.
11 | 2232(I) Oct 23 | 19-31 118-10 | Unk. | 26550 yds | 345 7 | SJ | 7 large ships -
  | | | | | | | several escorts.
12 | 0352(I) Oct 24 | 19-40 118-16 | Unk. | 16300 yds | 340 6 | SJ |
13 | 1310(I) Oct 24 | 19-44 118-00 | Sub- Chaser | 12000 yds | 145 8 | P | Making AS sweep; may
  | | | | | | | have been searching
  | | | | | | | for survivors.
14 | 0549(I) Oct 26 | 19-12 120-52 | Convoy 8 ships | 21800 yds | 190 8 | SJ | Had contact on 4 more
  | | | | | | | ships later.
15 | 1109(I) Oct 26 | 19-04 120-44 | Q-ship | 4000 yds | Lying to | P | Remained in vicinity
  | | | | | | | all day.

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— page 27 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Cont'd)

| No. | Time Date | Lat. | Long. | Type | Initial Range | Estimated Course & Speed | How Con- tacted | Remarks |
|-----||------|-------|------|||||
| 16  | 1934(I) Oct 26 | 19-29 | 120-15 | Patrol craft | Unk. | Unk. | JK | Fast, light screws. |
| 17  | 0814(I) Oct 28 | 19-59 | 119-53 | 2 patrol & Q-ship | 8000 yds | Various courses | P | They were pinging & evidently making an AS search. Opened out & lost them. Closest range 8000 yds. |
| 18  | 0956(I) Oct 28 | 20-05 | 119-59 | Patrol vessel | 8000 yds | South | JK | Fast, light screws on JK sound. |
| 19  | 1920(I) Oct 28 | 20-10 | 120-10 | Patrol vessel | Unk. | S.E. course | JK | |
| 20  | 0935(L) Nov 11 | 17-00 | 117-30 | SS Grouper | 15000 yds | North | P | Friendly. |
| 21  | 2126(K) Nov 12 | 10-26 | 170-29 | Unk | 27300 yds | Unk | SJ | Friendly. |
| 22  | 2305(K) Nov 12 | 10-26 | 170-29 | Unk | 24200 yds | Unk | SJ | Friendly. |

- 21 -

— page 28 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
|No.|Time Date|Lat. Long|Type|Own Course|Initial Range & Rel.Brg.|How Contact-ed|Angle of Elevation|Remarks|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|1|1050(I) Sept 18|19-35 159-38|Unk|275|20 mi. 255|SD|Unk.|Plane flying parallel to us in opposite direct-ion from us.|
|2|1204(L) Sept 19|19-49 154-17|Unk|260|12 mi. 045|Sight|3°|Large monoplane. Crossing our bow. Sighted us at same time we saw him & headed in. Probably B-24. 4 mi. on SD when we dived.|
|3|0857(K) Sept 20|17-33 149-54|Unk|280|10 mi. 350|Sight|3°|Plane flying roughly parallel to us & heading in same direction. No IFF. No signals exchanged. We dived.|
|4|1000(K) Sept 20|17-31 149-49|Liberator B-24|255|6 mi. 310|Sight|1°|PBM 3 mins., later flying roughly parallel to our course & in same direction. He didn't close.|
|5|1430(K) Sept 20|17-19 149-19|Unk|230|8 mi. 310|Sight|4°|Sighted patrol plane; sent visual challenge-No IFF. Disappeared behind clouds at 8 mi., & went on out. Lost contact on SD at 16 mi.|
|6|0535(I) Sept 24|15-00 142-32|Unk|245|22 mi. 150|Sight|4°|Aircraft not seen be-cause of darkness. No IFF. SD lost him at 10 mi.|
|7|0553(I) Sept 24|15-00 142-27|PBM|270|17 mi. 220|SD|5°|Plane came in on stbd. beam. Made ABK contact at 18 mi. Visual signals exchanged - had IFF. He circled at 2 miles & opened out. SD lost contact at 10 mi.|
|8|1205(I) Sept 24|15-29 141-59|Unk|297|12 mi. 175|SD|3°|Sighted patrol plane; sent visual challenge-No IFF. Disappeared behind clouds at 8 mi., & went on out. Lost contact on SD at 16 mi.|
|9|1813(I) Sept 24|16-10 139-09|Unk|270|16 mi.|SD|Unk|Aircraft not seen be-cause of darkness. No IFF. SD lost him at 18 mi.|
|10|1013(I) Sept 25|17-25 135-15|Liberator B-24|345|20 mi. 150|Sight|1°|Plane came in on stbd. beam. Made ABK contact at 18 mi. Visual signals exchanged - had IFF. He circled at 2 miles & opened out. SD lost contact at 10 mi.|
|- 22 -|

— page 29 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

No. | Time | Lat. | Type | Own | Initial | How | Angle | Remarks
| Date | Long | | Course | Range & | Con- | of Ele- |
| | | | | | Rel.Brg. | tacted | vation |
11 | 1027(I) | 19-30 | NELL | 000 | 6 mi. | P | 1° | Aircraft on easterly
| Sept 27 | 123-41 | | | 270 | | | course.
12 | 0659(I) | 19-41 | Unk | 265 | 15 mi. | P | 1/4° | Large patrol plane
| Sept 28 | 122-12 | | | 015 | | | persistent; crossing
| | | | | | | | | bow.
13 | 0812(I) | 19-42 | Unk | 267 | 12 mi. | P | 1° | Crossing bow on south-
| Sept 28 | 122-10 | | | 008 | | | erly course.
14 | 0847(I) | 19-42 | Unk | 270 | 18 mi. | P | 2° | Crossing bow on south-
| Sept 28 | 122-10 | | | 350 | | | erly course. 2 more
| | | | | | | | | joined the first &
| | | | | | | | | patrolled back and
| | | | | | | | | forth north to south
| | | | | | | | | for 1/2 hour. Never came
| | | | | | | | | closer than 18 mi.
15 | 0915(I) | 19-41 | Unk | 272 | 18 mi. | P | 1° | Formation of 3 planes
| Sept 28 | 122-08 | | | 014 | | | on southerly course.
16 | 1147(I) | 19-44 | Unk | 270 | 17 mi. | P | 1° | North bound plane;
| Sept 28 | 121-32 | | | 024 | | | crossing bow.
17 | 1240(I) | 19-45 | Unk | 270 | 15 mi. | P | 1/2° | South bound plane;
| Sept 28 | 121-29 | | | 040 | | | crossing bow.
18 | 1327 | 19-46 | RUFE | 270 | 10 mi. | P | 2° | North easterly course.
| Sept 28 | 121-58 | | | 286 | | | Passed us at 4 miles.
19 | 1352(I) | 19-46 | Unk | 270 | 8 mi. | P | 2° | Patrol plane; cross-
| Sept 28 | 121-57 | | | 015 | | | ing bow.
20 | 1612(I) | 19-40 | SALLY | 270 | 6 mi. | P | 2° | When sighted it was
| Sept 28 | 122-52 | | | 273 | | | coming in but turned
| | | | | | | | | off to the right &
| | | | | | | | | flew out of sight.
21 | 0419(I) | 19-53 | Unk | 205 | Unk | Radar | Unk | Not sighted.
| Sept 29 | 121-38 | | | | Det. | |
22 | 0821(I) | 20-01 | SALLY | 205 | 10 mi. | P | 1° | On southerly course.
| Sept 29 | 120-32 | | | 090 | | |
23 | 0945(I) | 19-59 | Unk | 205 | 8 mi. | P | 2° | On southerly course.
| Sept 29 | 120-31 | | | 212 | | |
24 | 1023(I) | 19-58 | MAVIS | 205 | 5 mi. | P | 1° | On northerly course.
| Sept 29 | 120-30 | | | 287 | | |
25 | 1134(I) | 19-56 | NELL | 205 | 10 mi. | P | 2° | On northerly course.
| Sept 29 | 120-29 | | | 200 | | |
26 | 1200(I) | 19-56 | Unk | 205 | 12 mi. | P | 2° | On southwest course.
| Sept 29 | 120-29 | | | 110 | | |
27 | 1245(I) | 19-54 | Unk | 205 | 8 mi. | P | 2° | On northerly course.
| Sept 29 | 120-28 | | | 005 | | |
28 | 1310(I) | 19-54 | THELMA | 205 | 4 mi. | P | 10° | Passed overhead on
| Sept 29 | 120-28 | | | 140 | | | southeasterly course.

- 23 -

— page 30 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long | Type | Own Course | Initial Range & Rel.Brg. | How Con- tacted | Angle of Ele- vation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 0419(I) Sept 29 | 19-53 121-38 | Unk | 205 | Unk | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 30 | 0938(I) Sept 30 | 20-04 121-36 | Unk | 150 | 15 mi. 272 | P | 1° | On southerly course. |
| 31 | 0940(I) Sept 30 | 20-04 121-36 | Unk | 150 | 15 mi. 315 | P | 1° | On southerly course. |
| 32 | 1223(I) Sept 30 | 20-10 121-35 | RUFE (FLOAT) | 125 | 6 mi. 265 | P | 3° | On southerly course. |
| 33 | 1546(I) Sept 30 | 20-10 121-40 | RUFE | 230 | 9 mi. 350 | P | 2° | On northerly course. |
| 34 | 1730(I) Sept 30 | 20-10 121-45 | Unk | 250 | 15 mi. 035 | P | 1° | On southerly course. |
| 35 | 0148(I) Oct 1 | 20-21 120-13 | Unk | 283 | Approx. 15-20 mi. | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 36 | 2106(I) Oct 6 | 19-12 117-08 | Unk | 180 | Approx. 15-20 mi. | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 37 | 2245(I) Oct 6 | 19-07 117-01 | Unk | 270 | Approx. 15-20 mi. | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 38 | 2338(I) Oct 6 | 19-06 117-01 | Unk | 230 | Approx. 15-20 mi. | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 39 | 0307(I) Oct 10 | 21-16 117-22 | Unk | 320 | Approx. 15-20 mi. | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 40 | 0504(I) Oct 10 | 21-21 117-18 | Unk | 340 | Approx. 15-20 mi. | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 41 | 1442(I) Oct 11 | 22-06 118-36 | NELL | 000 | 8 mi. 045 | Sight | 4° | Plane was not coming in when sighted. 115 stbd bow. We dived and he dropped 3 depth charges. It was close, but shallow. |
| 42 | 2020(I) Oct 11 | 20-03 118-38 | Unk | 180 | Unk | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 43 | 0333(I) Oct 12 | 22-50 118-34 | Unk | 000 | Unk | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 44 | 2111(I) Oct 12 | 21-32 118-90 | Unk | 180 | Unk | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 45 | 0115(I) Oct 13 | 21-34 118-46 | Unk | 000 | Unk | Radar Det. | Unk | Not sighted. |
| 46 | 0020(I) Oct 14 | 21-47 118-30 | Unk | 333 | Zero 180 | Sight | 90° | Sighted directly over- head with running lights on after he had dropped 2 white lights in water. |
| 47 | 1715(I) Oct 17 | 20-35 119-40 | MAVIS | 110 | 9 mi. 160 | P | 3° | On northerly course. |

- 24 -

— page 31 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type | Own Course | Initial Range & Rel.Brg. | How Con-tacted | Angle of Ele-vation | Remarks |
| :-- | :| :| :--- | :| :| :| :| :

— page 33 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                U.S.S. ICEFISH

                                                                c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, Calif.

                                        #1              #2              #3              #4
Tubes Fired                             30 3/4 P        30 1/4 P        26 1/2 P        31 1/2 P
Track Angle                             018             020             024             020
Gyro Angle                              4 Ft.           4 Ft.           4 Ft.           4 Ft.
Power                                   -
Hit or Miss                             Miss            Miss            Miss            Miss
Erratic                                 No              No              No              No
(Yes or No)
Mark Torpedo                            MK 18           MK 18           MK 18           MK 18
Mod 1           Mod 1           Mod 1           Mod 1
Serial No.                              55447           56188           55907           56151
Mark Exploder                           MK 8            MK 8            MK 8            MK 8
Mod 5           Mod 5           Mod 5           Mod 5
Serial No.                              8806            9779            9190            8588
Actuation Set                           Contact         Contact         Contact         Contact
Actuation Actual                        -
Mark Warhead                            MK 18           MK 18           MK 18           MK 18
Mod 2           Mod 2           Mod 2           Mod 2
Serial No.                              2728            2139            2944            1380
Explosive                               Torpex          Torpex          Torpex          Torpex
Firing Interval                         ---             10 sec.         10 sec.         10 sec.
Type Spread                             Divergent       Divergent       Divergent       Divergent
Sea Conditions                          Force           Force           Force           Force
                                        4               4               4               4
Overhaul Activity                       Sub Base        Sub Base        Sub Base        Sub Base
P.H., T.H.      P.H., T.H.      P.H., T.H.      P.H., T.H.

                                        - 27 -

— page 35 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH.
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
                                #5                                #6
Tubes Fired                     74 P                              73 P
Track Angle                     334                               336
Gyro Angle                      4 Ft.                             4 Ft.
Depth Set
Power                           ____                              ____
Hit or Miss                     Miss.                             Hit
Erratic                         No                                No
(Yes or No)
Mark Torpedo                    MK 18                             MK 18
                                Mod 1                             Mod 1
Serial No.                      56644                             54480
Mark Exploder                   MK 8                              MK 8
                                Mod 5                             Mod 5
Serial No.                      9464                              9309
Actuation Set.                  Contact                           Contact
Actuation Actual                ____                              Hit
Mark Warhead                    MK 18                             MK 18
                                Mod 2                             Mod 2
Serial No.                      2673                              2889
Explosive                       Torpex                            Torpex
Firing Interval                 10 sec.                           10 sec.
Type Spread                     Divergent                         Divergent
Sea Conditions                  Force                             Force
                                4                                 4
Overhaul Activity               Sub Base                          Sub Base
                                P.H., T.H.                        P.H., T.H.

- 29 -

— page 37 —
CONFIDENTIAL
                                                                U.S.S. ICEFISH
                                                                c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                                                San Francisco, Calif.

Tubes Fired                                     #7              #8              #9              #10
                                                55 S            58 S            61 S            64 S
Track Angle                                     176             180.5           185             187

Gyro Angle                                      4 Ft.           4 Ft.           4 Ft.           4 Ft.

Depth Set                                       -

Power                                           Hit             Hit             Miss            Miss

Hit or Miss                                     No              No              No              No

Erratic
(Yes or No)

Mark Torpedo                                    MK 18           MK 18           MK 18           MK 18
                                                Mod 1           Mod 1           Mod 1           Mod 1
Serial No.                                      55143           54764           55675           55199

Mark Explodar                                   MK 8            MK 8            MK 8            MK 8
                                                Mod 5           Mod 5           Mod 5           Mod 5
Serial No.                                      8878            9208            9115            9553

Actuation Set.                                  Contact         Contact         Contact         Contact

Actuation Actual                                Hit             Hit             -

Mark Warhead                                    MK 18           MK 18           MK 18           MK 18
                                                Mod 2           Mod 2           Mod 2           Mod 2
Serial No.                                      2583            2208            2436            2111

Explosive                                       Torpex          Torpex          Torpex          Torpex

Firing Interval                                 -----           10 sec.         10 sec.         10 sec.

Type Spread                                     Divergent       Divergent       Divergent       Divergent

Sea Conditions                                  Force           Force           Force           Force
                                                2               2               2               2
Overhaul Activity                               Sub Base        Sub Base        Sub Base        Sub Base
                                                P.H., T.H.      P.H., T.H.      P.H., T.H.      P.H., T.H.

                                                                - 31 -

— page 38 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(I) MINES
No information.

(J) ANTI- SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
Anti-submarine measures in the area were carried out by aircraft and anti-
submarine vessels of the SC or PC type, with an occasional darkened sampan, even in
areas far removed from shore. Aircraft coverage was thorough, night and day, and
on two occasions when forced to dive for aircraft just before daylight, patrol
vessels put in an appearance shortly.
Two plane contacts were made at night, where there was no previous indication
of radar. All others were detected on the radar detector in sufficient time to
comfortably submerge.
Japanese radar frequencies (aircraft) were found to be, chiefly 152 mcs.,
with others at 147, 150 and 200. During the patrol enemy pilots grew progressively craftier in the use of their
radar, going from a steady sweep to keying at progressively greater intervals. Be-
fore and after the attack on the convoy, 23-24 October, we were forced down by
radar equipped aircraft, thus preventing more attacks.
It is believed that our radar detector will, if in first class condition,
detect enemy aircraft radar at ranges up to 20 miles, which seems to be close to the
distance at which they make initial contact.
That Jap aircraft home on SD and SJ radar was fairly well established; this
was overcome to some extent by making intermittent sweeps with the SJ and using the
SD only to check the range after a detector contact had been made. SJ sweeps were
made at intervals of between 2 minutes and 30 minutes, depending upon location and
visibility; SJ radar silence was employed on occasion, but is not advised for dark
nights.
Whether purely coincidence is not known, but we had fewer night aircraft con-
tacts when flooded down 2 feet than when blown up fully, and we had more contacts
when on courses into the sea than when running with the sea.
The depth charge attack experienced October 26 was severe. The second string
of 12 were dropped in a barrage, but none was at a great distance. This suggests
that the enemy is using a magnetic exploder, or that he is using an acoustic
exploder. The usual evasive tactics of fish-tailing and endeavoring to keep
patrols astern, at the same time deep submergence were used. No difficulty was ex-
perienced after the second close depth charging on October 26, since the enemy appeared to lose
contact, even though we were unable to run silently due to air in the hydraulic
system.

- 32 -

— page 39 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

(1) Damage Due to Depth Charging:
It will not be attempted in this section to list all damage done, since the
list of individual small items, such as lamps, switches, meters, lighting fixtures
and various electrical circuits, etc., would be almost endless. Only those items
where it is believed a question of design and improvement may be involved are
listed:

Electrical, Radio, Radar and Sound:
(a) Zero ground in JK-QC sound limit switch.
(b) Ruptured cooling coil in tube nest of #2 main generator forward cooler,
due to opened sea and stop valves and subsequent close depth charges.
(c) Both azimuth ring lights on periscopes shorted out by water.
(d) Black lights in sound stacks out of commission.
(e) Torpedo firing circuits grounded and most of the conning tower firing
panel indicator lights broken, interlocks jammed.
(f) Instrument lights in rudder angle indicator, 1 MB, 2 MB and 3 MB broken.
(g) Forward torpedo room torpedo battery charging panel grounded out by
spraying fuel oil and salt water.
(h) One tube knocked out of socket in SJ radar.
(i) IFF antenna broken.
(j) R (radar detector) dipole antenna on periscope shears unscrewed.
(k) Nuts fastening hydrophone to shaft loosened, causing loud knock when
trained. Azimuth ring jarred loose from shaft. (JP sound).
(l) Pit log bellows ruptured and instrument knocked off its mounting. (Pit
log was rigged in).

Engineering and Hull:
(a) Almost all sea and stop valves leak, allowing full sea pressure on salt
water circulating systems, in both engine rooms and else where in the ship.
(b) #1 sanitary tank drain valves leak.
(c) #3B and #4B fuel ballast tank vent risers in the superstructure dished in
4 inches for a 4 to 5 ft., length. Weld in former has a bad crack.
(d) Low power in #1 periscope out of commission; many spots in fields of both
periscopes.
(e) Hydraulic system: Nearly all oil blown from vent and replenishing tank
by jarring open of low pressure blow valve connected to this tank, resulting in
the lifting of all 45# relief valves in the system, with consequent loss of oil
in telemotors of bow and stern planes and steering, loss of all oil in the vent
and replenishing lines and introduction of much air into entire system. Many
leaks in hydraulic system.
(f) Fuel tank gauge lines in forward torpedo and forward engine rooms carried
away.

Torpedoes and Gunnery:
(a) All bow tubes put out of commission due to bent gyro spindles which could
not be withdrawn.
(b) Torpedo in #4 tube had hydrogen explosion, hot run or both; forward
guide studs on all torpedoes sheared (these were reversed and the torpedoes plac-
ed back in commission).

- 33 -

— page 40 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

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

Torpedoes and Gunnery:
(c) Filling cup on #4 tube firing valve snapped off.
(d) Outer door on #3 tube has slow leak.
(e) All torpedo tube inner doors were partially opened; tube drain interlocks
could not be raised until doors were tightly shut.
(f) Pressure gauges broken on #2, #4, #7 and #10 tubes.
(g) Signal gun equalizing flood valve backed off flooding gun; inner door
backed off; spraying water around after torpedo room.

(2) Major Defects:
On September 18 #4 main engine #7 cylinder liner was found cracked, putting
the engine out of commission 21 hours; attributed to faulty material. (These are
chrome plated liners).
On September 19 #9 cylinder of #2 main engine was found to have two broken
cylinder head holding down studs. The head had become loose and the studs broken
off before the casualty was found. Efforts to remove the studs from the bed-
plate were unsuccessful, though continued for two days. The studs were removed
in SAIPAN by the repair force of the Holland, but in doing so, the treads were
damaged resulting in a crooked hole. The hole was then enlarged and new threads
tapped. The hole was still out of line and installation of heat treated bent
studs was made. This casualty is attributed to faulty design and to personnel.
On September 21 #11 cylinder liner of #3 main engine was replaced due to a
cracked liner. Attributed to material.
On October 18 one engine foundation flange holding down stud, near #16 cylin-
der of #4 main engine was found snapped off, probably because of looseness and
vibration.
The Winton engine installation on this vessel is a source of continual
trouble. These engines smoke excessively and the starboard mains and auxiliary,
are not run during daytime cruising in enemy areas if avoidable.
The design of the engine is such that a broken cylinder head holding down
stud will very probably put the engine out of commission, since these usually
break off deep in the bed-plate, and, because of their body-bound characteristics,
are almost impossible to remove without damage to the bed-plate. The Winton
engine engineers warned us of this weakness. However, to check the tightness
of these studs, it is necessary to partially disassemble the engine, thus putting it out
of commission for the necessary time. This meant to us that we could never
count on 4 engines for propulsion at any time they might be needed, and it was
proved. Checking of these studs, after the first and only casualty, became
a daily routine during patrol, and, all too often loose studs were found in time
to prevent another such casualty.
I have been an interested observer of the Winton and Fairbanks Morse engines
since 1936, and have had considerable experience with the latter, especially
present time. Anyone who knows, also, of the history of the Winton engine from 1936 to the
smoke, etc., experienced with this engine. That General Motors builds a better
engine which could be adapted to submarine use I believe to be a fact.

- 34 -

— page 41 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

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

Torpedoes and Gunnery:
  (c) Filling cup on #4 tube firing valve snapped off.
  (d) Outer door on #3 tube has slow leak.
  (e) All torpedo tube inner doors were partially opened; tube drain interlocks
    could not be reset until doors were tightly shut.
  (f) Pressure gauges broken on #2, #4, #7 and #10 tubes.
  (g) Signal gun equalizing flood valve backed off flooding gun; inner door
    backed off spraying water around after torpedo room.

(2) Major Defects:
  On September 18 #4 main engine #7 cylinder liner was found cracked, putting
  the engine out of commission 21 hours; attributed to faulty design and personnel. (These are
  chrome plated liners).
  On September 19 #9 cylinder of #2 main engine was found to have two broken
  cylinder head holding down studs. The head had become loose and the studs broken
  off before the casualty was found. Efforts to remove the studs from the bed-
  plate were unsuccessful, though continued for two days. The studs were removed
  by the repair force of the Holland, but in doing so, the treads were
  damaged resulting in a crooked hole. The hole was then enlarged and new threads
  tapped. The cylinder head was still out of line and installation of heat
  studs was made. This casualty is attributed to faulty design and to personnel.
  On September 21 #11 cylinder liner of #3 main engine was replaced due to a
  cracked liner. Attributed to material.
  On October 18 #1 engine foundation flange holding down stud, near #16 cylin-
  der of #4 main engine was found snapped off, probably because of looseness and
  vibration.
  The Winton engine installation on this vessel is a source of continual
  trouble. These engines smoke excessively and the starboard mains and auxiliary,
  are not run during daytime cruising in enemy areas if
  avoidable.
  The design of the engine is such that a broken cylinder head holding down
  stud will very probably put the engine out of commission, since these usually
  break off deep in the bed-plate, and because of their body-bound characteristics,
  are almost impossible to remove without damage to the bed-plate. The Winton
  engineers warned us of this weakness. However, to check the tightness
  of these studs, it is necessary to partially disassemble the engine, thus putting it out
  of commission for the necessary time. This meant to us that we could never
  count on 4 engines for propulsion at any time they might be needed, and it was
  proved. Checking of these studs, after the first and only casualty, became
  a daily routine during patrol, and, all too often loose studs were found in time
  to prevent another such casualty.
  I have been an interested observer of the Winton and Fairbanks Morse engines
  since 1936, and have had considerable experience with the latter, especially.
  Anyone who knows the history of the Winton engine from 1936 to the present time
  knows, also, of the many modifications, changes in design, troubles, casualties,
  smoke, etc., experienced with this engine. That General Motors builds a better
  engine which could be adapted to submarine use I believe to be a fact.

- 34 -

— page 42 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

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

That Fairbanks Morse builds a superior engine I believe has been proved in the
Submarine Force. True, there have been troubles with the latter; but those
troubles were licked in the last class of submarines, and the new engine is
still another improvement. Considering that many years the Submarine Force has
had to fight the Winton battle, it seems about time that this manufacturer give
to the Force a dependable, reliable, good engine. It is certainly owed.

- 35 -

— page 43 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(L) RADIO
Reception of the new submarine Fox schedule in the operating area was best
from 1100 to 1800 Z on 4515 and 6045 KCS. Considerable fading occurred and jamming
was practically continuous. Jamming was almost entirely of the broken keying type.
Reception of NKN was very good and no jamming or other interference was noticed.
The new 1800 - 1830 Z schedule for this station solved the problem of having to
guard too many frequencies with too few receivers.
Three transmissions were made to establish communications on the different
frequencies with a great deal of difficulty. Unsuccessful attempts
were made to establish communications on the different frequencies of the nerk
series. The message was finally cleared to VLM on 4235 KCS., but even after two
complete transmissions and numerous repetitions of individual groups, a receipt was
not received until the next schedule from NPM.
The second and third transmissions were made to VHC on 12705 KCS., this fre-
quency proving to be the best. Attempts were made to raise the tenders at SAIPAN,
GUAM and MAJURO for the second transmission, but these were of no avail. Our
signal evidently was not heard by them. Reception by these stations would greatly
facilitate area communications.
Prior to entering SAIPAN enroute to the area, an attempt was made to call
radio SAIPAN on 4420 KCS. this being the frequency given in the operation order.
After arriving there it was learned that they guarded 355 KCS., and knew nothing
about the frequency we had employed.
Wolf pack communications were quite satisfactory. Jamming and one message of
random groups evidently sent out by the Japs were encountered, but caused very
little trouble.
Some wolf pack communications were also conducted via blinker tube and the SJ
radar. Both methods were carried out successfully, but each has definite dis-
advantages. The necessity of good direction ability and reading of a dim light
made the blinker tube difficult to use well. DF-ing of the SJ radar by aircraft
and the loss of its detection value made the use of the SJ undesirable for communi-
cations.
Improvement of the SD antenna for radio use would be invaluable for wolf pack
and life guard communications. Reception submerged on the SD was fairly
satisfactory, but transmissions were too weak to be heard at any reasonable distance.
Before entering the area a series of tests were conducted between the Sawfish,
Drum and Icefish using both the SD and regular antennas. Results showed that
communications between one boat on the surface and one submerged were good, but not
between two boats submerged. In the area the SD antenna proved very valuable dur-
ing our first attack when submerged; we were able to clear a pertinent message to
the Drum. Transmissions to the surface at the time was impossible due to enemy air
coverage.
Use of the SD antenna was also made on our life guard station, when aircraft
were good, but
operation very awkward. Reception again was quite
transmissions were too weak to be heard by the other boats. It was
necessary each
to transmit on our regular antenna before we could
get through.
quality while submerged might be improved by
better insulat-
ion of the antenna, because low ground readings here are the rule.

- 36 -

— page 44 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
(L) RADIO (Cont'd)
Only one casualty to the radio equipment was experienced. This occurred after
our [HANDWRITTEN: third] attack when depth charging caused a leak in the antenna
trunk followed
by low ground readings on all of the antennas. A zero ground on the starboard
antenna was never overcome, but heating the bottom of the trunk with a hot air
blower did dry the other two antennas sufficiently for use.

(M) RADAR
SD Radar - Performance of this gear was considered fair with ranges running up
to 22 miles; typical initial contact about 14 miles. Due to the danger of DF-ing,
the gear was used very little on station, and then left on no longer than 5 or 10 seconds.
Performance of the gear seemed materially affected by the condition of the antenna.
Antenna resistance readings could be boosted to 2 megohms., or more by zealous and
continued washing of the antenna insulator.
Casualties included the high voltage rectifier tube (2x2) in receiver-indi-
cator and failure of a blower motor (for the grid modulator). Use of the
SD was not operated during daylight in enemy aircraft areas. Use of the
SD, even for short checks, is one sure method of making enemy aircraft contacts.
Lookouts and radar detector are more effective and safer.

SJ Radar - Performance of the SJ radar on this patrol was considered satis-
factory. Resume of typical initial contact ranges:
Land up to 80,000 yards.
Large ships 15,000 to 32,000 yards.
Aircraft 15,000 to 20,000 yards.
Submarines 7,000 to 16,000 yards. Usually 12,000 yards.
Small craft (sampan) 5,400 yards.
Birds up to 2,300 yards.

The SJ was used intermittently for transmitting when on station, as the Japs
appear definitely to be DF-ing it. When not transmitting, sweeps were made with
the power to Hi-voltage transformer off but high voltage switch on the control unit
"ON". This was to detect other subs of our pack by interference. The primary of
the Hi-voltage transformer is fitted with a telegraph key and was used frequently
as a means of exchanging messages and recognition signals with other pack boats.
Several additions were made to the SJ by ship's force which improve its
utility. A 3 stage audio amplifier was built to amplify interference signals from
the "IFF" jack. On the PPI unit, a 20,000 yard sweep was installed as well as a
precision sweep. This latter feature aids greatly in determining ship disposition
in convoys at extreme ranges.
The SJ was out of commission numerous times, but due to the efforts of the
technicians, not for long. The greatest trouble was in falling off of transmitter
output. Two replacement magnetrons started strong but faded after 1 to 2 nights
operation. Then the modulator unit and another magnetron were put in and the
trouble ceased. The other casualty was a shorted condenser in the grid modulator
power supply.

- 37 -

— page 45 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
(M) RADAR (Cont'd)
     APA & APR (Radar Detector) - Tuning unit TN-2 (80-300 mcs.) used
universally.
     Twice during patrol, gain of detector fell off appreciably due to weak R-F
and mixer tubes.
     A problem is presented in distinguishing an outside contact from own ships'
gear. Signals were obtained from the SD radar, SJ radar, IFF gear, TBL, low
pressure blower and air compressors. Indications from these were not constant in
strength, appearance or occurrence. No particular trouble experienced in identi-
fying own ships' gear except SJ radar.
     SD radar appeared at about 40 places on the TN-2 dial and blanked out any
other signal. Readily identified by strength and 60 cycle pulse rate.
     Signal was obtained from SJ when main switch only was "ON", due apperantly to
knocker circuit feedback through power lines. Tried filtering out with con-
denser across SJ power line; negative results. This contact was non-consistent in
occurrence or amplitude and usually sprung up when we expected or suspected enemy
aircraft. Was most easily identified by turning off SJ completely, but varying
pulse repetition rate control on transmitter will also identify. When keying on
SJ for identification purposes or when using for 10 CM. detector, an additional
signal was obtained from the local oscillator in transmitter. When transmitting,
sub harmonics of signal were readily picked up, being strongest at about 262 mcs.
     Had definite indications of enemy aircraft radar at 147, 150, 152 and 200 mcs.
These signals were from 900-1000 pps., repetition rate with pulse lengths of 8-10
micro-secs. These signals rose and fell when weak as if plane was searching. One
snooper was found keying about 5 seconds "ON" and 20 seconds "OFF" when searching,
and about 10 "OFF" when he had contact.
     No success in finding bearing of source due mainly to time factor.
     Some success was experienced in estimating ranges of enemy aircraft by size of
pattern on APA scope. With full gain on both APR and APA, initial contact could
be heard on phones but was not visible on scope. Estimated distance - over 18
miles. Rectangular pulse with rounded corners about 3/16" high at about 14 miles.
At 10-12 miles, signal saturates on APA scope squaring off the rounded corners.
The last two ranges were checked several times by SD and SJ ranges.
     When proceeding westward through BALANTANG CHANNEL, at night, a contact was
received at 105 mcs., 600 pps., 16 micro-secs. pulse length which rose and fell
about once a minute. Probable land based radar.
     It was found possible to give a rough sensitivity check when submerged by
noting response to SJ knocker circuit signal. Also, a short (about 3 ft.) antenna
connected directly to APR was found to pick up numerous ships' electrical noises.
     Condition of the antenna seemed to materially affect the performance of the
gear. The procelain antenna insulator was washed with fresh water when possible
after a day submerged. After severe depth charging, seriously decreased reception
was found due to dipole antenna becoming partially unscrewed from base.
     CONCLUSIONS: Operators should be trained in identi-
fying own ships' noises, especially SJ radar in standby condition.
     Operators should be able to tell when sensitivity is falling off due to
faulty tubes or dirty antenna, etc.
     Gear should be located in relatively quiet place and near means of communi-
cation to bridge and SJ radar. The radio shack is not suitable.

- 38 -

— page 46 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(M) RADAR (Cont'd)

Check tightness of dipole and wash antenna insulator frequently with fresh
water.
This gear is very vital and should be duplicated aboard.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

JK-QC and QB Sound Gear - Performance of these sets was moderate, no unusual
conditions being experienced.
The leads from the QB projector shorted together in the training shaft. Look-
ed like a second rate job of splicing aided by 13 close depth charges. Two casu-
alties in the JK-QC gear were both in the training mechanism. First, the training
limit switch shorted up as a ground on the ground detector. Second, hand training shaft
froze up in the bearings and bevel gear was chewed up; cause undetermined but probably resulted
from misalignment due to depth charging.

JP Sound Gear - Performance of this gear was not as good as expected, due
probably to forced use of magnetic headphones. Also, noise from bow planes and
other ships machinery was excessive unless rigged for silent running.
Electrical casualties were, failure of headphones and failure of ballast
tubes. After several close depth charges, a clunking noise was heard when the head
was trained. Discovered that depth charges had loosened the 3 bolts which hold
the head on to the mounting flange.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

Bathythermograph observations were made daily in the operating area. In
general the water was found to be isothermal to depth of 100 feet. Anywhere from
this depth down to 220 feet negative gradients of five to ten degrees per 100 ft.,
were experienced. This gradient extended down as far as 400 ft., in some cases.
Extremely variable water conditions were found in BASHI CHANNEL where a passage was
made through there at depths of 60 to 120 feet; this being evidenced by a particu-
larly erratic card.
In connection with trimming operations it was found that the diving rule of
1400 lbs., per 100 ft., checked fairly well with actual values obtained.

- 39 -

— page 48 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
(U) REMARKS

This was the first patrol of this commanding officer in a submarine equipped
with the APA & APR radar detector. This instrument was invaluable in detecting
aircraft, and it might well be said that without it, many enemy aircraft contacts
would have been made at ranges too close for comfort. I consider this instrument
one of the most valuable pieces of equipment aboard, and hope that it can be de-
veloped and refined to include additional features. That the SD radar is obso-
lescent is rapidly being indicated. Its use is almost certain to invite enemy
aircraft into the vicinity. Its detection ranges are not in proportion to the
ranges at which it can be DF'd, and it is, therefore, a military deficiency rather
than an aid. I would not hesitate to depend entirely upon the radar detector and
lookouts during daylight and upon the former and SJ radar during darkness; I would,
in fact, prefer to. SD radar silence was the policy during the entire return trip
from area to refit base. All aircraft contacts either were sighted or were detect-
ed on the detector in sufficient time to dive.

Reluctantly, I believe that our very efficient SJ radar is soon to join the
ranks of the SD radar, since its use, though intermittent, will attack night aircraft.
The 3 centimeter radar, which has been so long in coming, is needed now.

Immediate measures to develop a more sensitive and more comprehensive radar
detector should be taken. Suggested features are: (1) Higher sensitivity, both
in the set and in the antenna. (2) Improved antenna, eliminating dead spots.
(3) A standby detector that is duplication. (4) Increased reliability. (5)
Positive means of checking sensitivity; at present antenna tapping and ships noises
are the only known methods of testing. (6) An automatic sweep, to cover all likely
frequencies. (7) Some means of making the detector more sensitive to outside
signals than to ship's noises, by means of shielding known objectionable machinery,
and by making antenna so highly sensitive as to leave no doubt as to origination
of incoming signal. (8) Detector should include both R.F. units, eliminating
necessity for shifting units. (9) Detector should be sufficiently sensitive and
have enough R.F. amplification to detect enemy radar, especially aircraft, at
ranges of 30 miles or more (or greater distance than enemy radar is effective).

- 41 -

— page 49 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
14 November 1944

F15-221/A16-3
Serial (054)

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CC, U.S.S. ICEFISH, Re-
port of War Patrol
ONE, Serial (011) of 13
November 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367), Report of First War Patrol.

1. The first patrol of the U.S.S. ICEFISH was spent in the Luzon
Straits and South China Sea area as part of a coordinated attack group con-
sisting of the U.S.S. DRUM, the U.S.S. SAWFISH and the U.S.S. ICEFISH. For
part of the time in the area the U.S.S. DRUM was on detached duty and the
U.S.S. FLYING FISH formed part of the group. Commander A. P. [UNCLEAR: PANTA] was
group commander and commanding officer of the U.S.S. SAWFISH. The patrol was
66 days in duration, 34 days of which were spent in the area.

2. Only three contacts were made with targets worthy of torpedo
fire. The first of these was a submerged daylight contact with two Japanese
heavy cruisers and three destroyers sighted at 8000 yards. They could not be
closed from this position to fire torpedoes. The other two contacts were on a
slow speed convoy on 23 October and 26 October. Both of these contacts were
developed into attacks.

3. Attack No. 1 commenced as a surface radar attack after tracking
while at least one other ship made an attack. While closing for attack, the
ICEFISH dived because radar detector indicated that an enemy plane had contact.
Approach was continued by sound and six torpedoes were fired, four at a large
unidentified target and two at an escort. There is considerable evidence that
one of these hit the large ship but not enough to warrant assessment of damage
since other ships were making attacks shortly before or after this time.

4. Attack No. 2 was a submerged periscope attack against a large
loaded transport which left the convoy with two escorts when the convoy was
attacked by the DRUM a few minutes before. A good firing position was attain-
ed and four torpedoes were fired. One was observed to hit and one was timed

— page 50 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE

F95-221/A16-3
Serial (054)
C-C-N-P-T-D-N-N-T-A-I.

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367), Report of First War Patrol.

— page 51 —
FCS-22/A16-3
Serial: 077
CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS ICEFISH Report of
First War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of First War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander Sub-
marine Division TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE.

2. The damage occasioned by the severe depth charging on 26
October was extensive but it is believed that all necessary repairs can be
completed during the current refit. Tube damage appears light with little
possibility of distortion but will be analyzed at an early docking.

3. Great credit is due the personnel of the ICEFISH who on
this first war patrol conducted themselves with such efficiency and forti-
tude during the severe depth charge attacks.

4. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are most heartily
congratulated for damage inflicted on the enemy.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-TWO

Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
14 November 1944

...J. SUITS.

Copy to:
Comsubdiv 221
CO ICEFISH

— page 52 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02644
CONFIDENTIAL

[HANDWRITTEN: S & MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET] [HANDWRITTEN: hch]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
25 November 1944.

[HANDWRITTEN: 12 Dec 44]
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
ICEFISH Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 582.
U.S.S. ICEFISH - FIRST WAR PATROL.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of First War Patrol.
(19 September to 13 November 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the ICEFISH was conducted in
areas south of Formosa. The ICEFISH along with the U.S.S. DRUM (SS228),
and the U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS276) formed a coordinated attack group with
the commanding officer of the SAWFISH, Commander A.B. Banister, U.S.
Navy, as the group commander.

2. On her first war patrol the ICEFISH, despite very
severe enemy anti-submarine measures common to this area, delivered
three aggressive attacks upon two large enemy convoys. A long range
contact with two enemy cruisers and two destroyers could not be deve-
loped into an attack. The convoy contacted by the ICEFISH on 24
October was attacked at various times by the U.S.S. SNOOK (SS279), the
U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS276), the U.S.S. SEADRAGON (SS194),
the U.S.S. DRUM (SS228) as well as the ICEFISH and possibly others. The
ICEFISH despite enemy aircraft attempts to thwart her attack apparently
got one hit into an unidentified target. The SNOOK attacked this same
convoy three minutes after the ICEFISH in a reported position about 13
miles north and 15 miles east of the reported position of the ICEFISH
attack. The SNOOK saw two hits in her target and the ICEFISH heard
one in hers. Both ships heard intense characteristic breaking up
noises sufficient to substantiate opinions that the target sank, al-
though neither target was actually seen to go down. In fact the ICE-
FISH heard two series of breaking up noises about 10 minutes apart.
Just whose targets breaking up noises each heard will never be clear
to anybody but the enemy who we are sure felt the torpedo hits. While
evidence is not conclusive it is estimated that two enemy ships were
sunk in these attacks. The attack on 26 October was a beautifully
executed sound attack, and here again one hit being seen amidships on
the target and another heard plus intense breaking up noises indicate
another sinking. Safe recovery from the very severe depth charging
after this attack was due only to the outstanding courage and ingen-
uity of all hands.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this successful first
war patrol. The ICEFISH is credited with having inflicted considerable
damage upon the enemy during this patrol.

- 1 -

[STAMP: EXTRA : ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG.consr.MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO LABS/OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4255]

— page 53 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02644

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
ICEFISH Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 582.
U.S.S. ICEFISH - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of First War Patrol.
         (9 September to 13 November 1944).

— page 54 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS367/A16-3
Serial (02)

U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
20 January 1945

CONFIDENTIAL (struck through)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367).
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-TWO.
 (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
 (3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367), Report of War Patrol number Two.

Enclosure: (A) Submarine Patrol Report.
 (B) Track chart (with original).

1. Enclosure (A), covering the second war patrol of this vessel
conducted in East China Sea during the period 8 December 1944 to 20 January 1945,
is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: (handwritten signature over typed name)]
R.W. PETERSON

DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/30/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 106112]

— page 55 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o 1000 030 11
1-50-00 0414

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived MAJURO, Marshall Islands, 13 November 1944 for refit by Submarine...
Division 221 Relief Crew and U.S.S. HOWARD W. GILMORE.

Major items of work were:
Repaired #3 and #4 F.B.T. vent risers, stopped many hydraulic leaks, repaired
#1 periscope, cleaned #2 periscope optics, and repaired other items damaged on first
patrol.
Drained, flushed and renewed oil in hydraulic system. Found large quantity of
carbon in strainer as result of lub oil used in system.
Overhauled #3 and #4 main engines.
Drydocked, not depermed or wiped.
Given surface sound test; found shaft squeal at all speeds.
Lieut. Comdr. W.L. SHALL, U.S.N., was detached. Lieut. Comdr. G.G. HINMAN,
U.S.N., and Lieut. G.A. PALMER, U.S.N., reported aboard for duty.
Fifteen men were detached; fifteen were received.

Conducted training exercises from 30 November to 5 December 1944, including
firing of three practice torpedoes, battle surface gun firing, and coordinated
attack exercises with SANFISH and DRUM. Loaded torpedoes, ammunition and stores
6 and 7 December 1944. Readiness for sea date: 8 December 1944.

- 1 -

— page 56 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(E) NARRATIVE

8 December 1944
0702(M) Underway from Majuro on second war patrol in accordance with ComTaskForce
Seventeen Operation Order 401-44 of 3 December 1944, as a unit of Task Group 17.11
to be composed of U.S.S. SPOT, U.S.S. ICEFISH and U.S.S. BALAO. Escorted by U.S.S.
RALSEY.
1115(L) Released escort.
1406(L) Made trim and deep dive.
1457(L) Sighted 2 SBD aircraft at 7 miles. (Aircraft contact #1).
After a prolonged period of SJ radar interference, at 1848(L) had SJ radar ship
contact, range 31,450 yards. Ship tracked out to 36,500 yards. Unidentified.
(Ship contact #1).

9 December 1944
1718(L) Made training dive and exercised at emergency drills.

10 December 1944
0552(L) Radar contact with U.S.S. SPADEFISH, on opposite and parallel course.
Exchanged recognition signals by radar. (Ship contact #2).
0635(L) ABK triggered by aircraft which was not sighted. (Aircraft contact #2).
1830(L) Transmitted ICEFISH first to Comsubpac, action to SPOT and BALAO request-
ing change in position of scheduled rendezvous. We had been experiencing navi-
gational difficulties, finally discovered to be caused by an improperly calibrated
zig clock, which had set us to westward.
1931(L) Two SJ radar contacts; exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. SPOT and
U.S.S. BALAO. (Ship contact #3).
2040(L) U.S.S. SPOT and BALAO aboard to transfer mail. After several unsuccess-
ful attempts to get a line over, due to darkness and heavy seas, it was decided to
delay transfer until daylight. Joined company with SPOT and BALAO, in column as
follows: ICEFISH, SPOT and BALAO. 4 miles distance between submarines.

11 December 1944
0605(L) Effected transfer of mail from SPOT and set course for SAIPAN.

12-13 December 1944
Conducted daily training dives, fire control drills, and school of the boat.

14 December 1944
1450(K) Sighted PB2Y, 15 miles. (Aircraft contact #3).

15 December 1944
0315(K) SJ radar contact on land, 75,000 yards, identified as ANATAHAN Island.
0548(K) Sighted and exchanged calls with escort, PC 1127.
1018(K) Moored to U.S.S. FULTON, TANAPAG HARBOR, SAIPAN. It has been found that
when in company with other submarines, ICEFISH requires 3 engines for their 2
engine speed and 4 engines for their 3 engine speed.

16 December 1944
Commander Task Group 17.11 held conferences regarding forth-coming patrol. Topped
off with fuel and provisions. Effected minor repairs and obtained new zig clock.

- 2 -

— page 57 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

17 December 1944
1358(K) Underway from SAIPAN enroute assigned area in accordance with ComTask
Group 17.11 Operation Order 2-44 dated 17 December 1944. Escorted by
2000 Released escort. All times hereafter will be ITEM unless otherwise designated.
Formed scouting line normal to base course; 10 mile interval between submarines
as follows: SPOT in center, ICEFISH on left, and BALAO on right.

18 December 1944
0419 SJ radar contact on unidentified aircraft, 8,000 yards, which closed to 2
miles, was sighted and then opened out. (Aircraft contact #4). Made training
dives and held fire control drills.

19-20 December 1944
Held usual drills. Greased topside after dark on 20th.

21 December 1944
1004 Received orders from CTG 17.11 to proceed as previously directed. Orders
called for ICEFISH to proceed toward NANSEI SHOTO at three engine speed for inde-
pendent entry into area. Changed course to head for entrance south of AKUSEKI JIMA.
1443 Had weak APR contact at 153 mcs., identified as probably from aircraft. Dived,
and transmitted "diving for aircraft" signal previously agreed upon. (Aircraft
contact #5).
1530 Sighted friendly submarine, bearing 018°T, range 10,000 yards, heading in our
direction. This position was about right for SPOT. (Ship contact #4). Changed
course to work off track. Then range closed to 6,000 yards, went to 100 feet, and
at 1612 sound heard his screws stop not too far from us. Planed up and began
(Aircraft contact #6) circling at 2 miles, so went back down to 100 feet and began
transmitting identification signal on sound gear. Sent it several times slowly
and deliberately. Was going to tell other submarine we were near, but had no
success. Kept stern pointed for his last bearing and worked away.
1830 Surfaced.
1837 SJ radar contact - land, bearing 355°T, range 90,000 yards.
1932 Had APR contact at 153 mcs., evidently land based, which swept continuously
all night.
2245 SJ radar interference, followed by contact at 7,750 yards. Exchanged
recognition signals with U.S.S. WHALE. (Ship contact #5).
2336 APR contact at 80 mcs., weak but steady, evidently land based, and probably
on SUMANOSE or YAKU SHIMA, since it was blanked out while we were passing south of
AKUSEKI SHIMA.

22 December 1944
0146 Passed AKUSEKI SHIMA abeam to starboard, 8 miles.
0348 Sighted GAJA SHIMA light, steady for 2 minutes, then off and was not seen
again.
0453 Had APR contact at 157 mcs., weak and sweeping every 5 minutes, probably
land based.
0559 Submerged on northerly course, along line from NAGASAKI to OKINAWA.
0954 Sighted RUFE, 5 miles. (Aircraft contact #7).

- 3 -

— page 58 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

22 December 1944 (Contd)
1026 Sighted ZEKE or KATE, 4 miles, in a glide toward the periscope. Smooth seas,
so went to 150 feet. (Aircraft contact #8).
1118 At periscope depth, plane not in sight.
1630 SJ radar out of commission for three hours.
2124 Had APR contact, 146 mcs., apparently land based, sweeping slowly, once every 8 minutes.

23 December 1944
0059 APR contact at 155 mcs., believed land based, which grew progressively strong-
er as we worked northward. At 0200 this radar appeared to steady on us, suddenly
cut off, was seen again at 0300, and faded out at 0430.
0341 SJ radar interference at 346°T. Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S.
SEA POACHER. (Ship contact #6).
0435 APR contact, 152 mcs., getting progressively stronger, apparently from air-
craft.
0543: Aircraft which evidently has been tracking us, became saturated and
commenced keying more frequently. At 0546 got a quick SD radar check, range 7
miles. Simultaneously lookout sighted running lights of aircraft coming in on port
bow. Dived. (Aircraft contact #9). Since it was only a half-hour until daybreak
remained submerged; continued through area between DANJO GUNTO and FUKAE
SHIMA.
1503 Sighted large, unidentified bomber, 10 miles. (Aircraft contact #10).
1504 Heard distant pinging which faded out quickly, believed coming from north-
ward. Could see nothing though visibility was unlimited.
1555 Surfaced 16 miles north of DANJO GUNTO and had two APR contacts, land based,
at 73 mcs., strong. The latter made one or two sweeps, then steadied on us. The
former continued sweeping, never becoming very strong. Believe the 73 mcs., radar
is located on DANJO GUNTO, since, after running and opening range to 22 miles, it
commenced sweeping, but continued on us, steadi-
ly, until that time.
1917 APR contact, 146 mcs., having all appearances of aircraft. Signal strength
grew rapidly in intensity, was saturated a good part of the time, and kept
1940 had second APR contact, also on aircraft, with same operating charac-
teristics. Had exceptional visibility, clear skies, three-quarter full moon and few
clouds, so headed west on three engines. We were apparently tracked by these two
planes for over two hours, their signal strength saturated, both keying. Made frequent
sweeps on SJ radar during this time. At 2105 had one of them for a few
seconds at 26,000 yards. (Aircraft contact #11).
2247 Sighted two patrol vessels on port bow, bearing 230°T, SJ range 7,500 yards,
which commenced closing them to northward, then worked around them to westward,
them to northward, the patrol continued to westward. (Ship contact #7). Lost
contact at 10,000 yards.

24 December 1944
0040 Entered assigned area.
0044 Stern lookout sighted vessel on port quarter, bearing 138°T, range 9,250
yards, down moon; SJ range check indicated a patrol vessel, closing. Put on 4
engines to keep range open until moonset, at 0115. Tracked him at 18 knots, range
steady. At 0053 had momentary SJ contact, 17,000 yards, in direction of patrol,
evidently aircraft. (Aircraft contact #12). At 0110 patrol gave up the chase,

- 4 -

— page 59 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH . . .

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

24 December 1944 (Cont'd)
reversing course; contact was lost at 13,400 yards. From pip size and speed
estimated this to be a large PC or Chidori type. (Ship contact #8).
0252 SJ radar contact on two small, unidentified vessels, believed to be patrols,
bearing 230°T, range 8,000 and 7,900 yards, respectively. Avoided and
lost contact.
0525 APR contact, 77 mcs., evidently from S. ISHU TO.
0628 Submerged on westerly course for patrol of NAGASAKI - CHINA shipping routes.
Patrolled vicinity south of S. ISHU TO. Probability of ship movements through this
area is indicated by unusual patrol activity.
1908 Surfaced 40 miles south of S. ISHU TO.
2223 SJ radar contact, 5,600 yards, which opened rapidly and was lost at 10,500
yards. Believed to be aircraft. (Aircraft contact #13).

25 December 1944
0337 to 0539 Sighted glows of three bright white lights over horizon, bearing
160°T, 068°T and 000°T; each was on for about one hour; possibly aircraft float
lights, since characteristics were similar to those dropped by aircraft in our
vicinity on first patrol.
0631 Submerged for patrol south of S. ISHU TO on NAGASAKI - TSUSHIMA - SHANGHAI
shipping routes.
1900 Surfaced. Patrolled to westward, then to northward, toward YELLOW SEA area,
across routes from S. ISHU TO - SOCOTRA ROCK, S. ISHU TO and KOKUZAN TO SHANGHAI.
Took half-hourly soundings during the night; these checked well with those
charted. Standing high periscope watch at night due to exceptionally good visi-
bility.

26 December 1944
0639 Submerged on northerly course for patrol of line from KOKUZAN TO CHINA
coast. On this dive we hit something which bumped and scraped along the hull to
starboard.
Since entering the area for extended submerged operations bow planes and
steering, and stern planes to a much less extent, have grown progressively noisier.
This noise seems to be centered in the Waterbury speed gears, and is transmitted
throughout the boat through hydraulic lines, causing them to vibrate and rattle
objects in their vicinity. (See MAJOR DEFECTS).
1312 Rough seas from north. Sighted red object, 500 yards, with appearances of a
mine. Lost sight of it almost immediately as it went under and never appeared
again. Due to prevalence of considerable patrol activity this area and improba-
bility of sighting mine in heavy seas, did not surface.
1832 Surfaced in bright moonlight, very rough seas, and had immediate APR contact,
155 mcs., identified as aircraft, which, from past experience, was judged to be
close enough to have contact. Went back to periscope depth. (Aircraft contact #14)
1850 Planed up to 40 feet, still had strong 155 mcs., contact so went back down to
periscope depth.
1924 Making periscope sweeps to locate aircraft prior to coming up again. After
a period of several minutes, on the next horizon sweep, sighted a patrol vessel,
PC type, zero angle on the bow, about 4,000 yards. (Ship contact #10). The first
impression was that he was making high speed in our direction, so went to 150 feet
after watching him close on same course for a few minutes. Believe to be aircraft

- 5 -

— page 60 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

26 December 1944 (Cont'd)
was working with him.
Rigged for silent running for the first time in area. When bow planes and
steering telemotors were used in hand operation, their chattering and rumbling
could be plainly heard in all compartments; we were far from able to run silently.
Worked away from bearing of patrol; whose screws were never heard, and surfac-
ed at 2228.
2230 APR contact, 159 mcs., fairly strong, sweeping regularly every 30 seconds.
Appeared to be ship-borne and believe it came from patrol vessel in the vicinity.
Worked around his estimated position and then continued on to northward.

27 December 1944
0407 Sighted small patrol vessel ahead, estimated 7,000 yards, but could not make
SJ contact. (Ship contact #11). Patrolied to southward remainder of night.
0610 Submerged on southeasterly course for patrol across DAEKOKUZAN - SHANGHAI
line.
1145 Sighted large junk with sails, bearing 220°T, northerly course, 10,000 yards,
speed about 8 knots into the wind. Junk was pinging. (Ship contact #12).
1620 Sighted a second junk, under sail, bearing 242°T, 6,000 yards, on northeast-
erly course. (Ship contact #13).
2013 APR contact, 159 mcs., with same characteristics as patrol seen night of 26th.
2015 Received Comsubpac serial 37 George.
2240 Sighted patrol vessel, bearing 212°T, 9,000 yards, no SJ contact, heading in
our direction. (Ship contact #14). At this time he commenced using his radar,
159 mcs., sweeping. Opened out to eastward and soon lost sight of him; his radar
faded out an hour or so later. These patrols are not sighted, despite excellent
visibility, until they suddenly appear at 8,000 - 10,000 yards. They are too
small for torpedoes and we have never been able to make SJ contact.
2245 While securing the auxiliary engine the field excitation switch shorted out,
setting a fire behind the board and blowing the after auxiliary board breakers.
Rigged temporary battery ventilation circuit and shifted to emergency steering
until repairs were completed 3 hours later. (See MAJOR DEFECTS).

28 December 1944
0013 Sighted another patrol vessel, bearing 170°T, 8,000 yards, and at 0045 had
159 mcs., contact, using sweep every 30 seconds. (Ship contact #15).
0613 Submerged for patrol across likely routes from SAISHU KAIKYO to SHANGHAI.
1958 Surfaced and continued patrol south and southwest of SAISHU TO.

29 December 1944
0203 Weak APR contact, 160 mcs., with characteristics of patrol vessel radar;
faded out at 0345.
0623 Submerged on northwesterly course for patrol across line from DAEKOKUZAN -
SHANGHAI.
1957 Surfaced.
2305 Sighted two small darkened patrols, bearing 002°T, 7,000 yards, no SJ contact.
(Ship contact #16).
Note considerable increase in patrol activity since previous patrols this
area, but no shipping in evidence, possibly due to our presence.

- 6 -

— page 61 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

30 December 1944
0607 Submerged.
1148 Heard first of a series of 123 distant depth charges; nothing in sight
through periscope for 20,000 yards.
2009 Surfaced 40 miles south of SAISHU TO.
The condition of the hydraulic system has become such that reduction in
noise is considered necessary before proceeding farther into the area. Decided to
patrol area south of SAISHU TO until situation could be rectified.
2102 SJ radar interference, bearing 000°T, intermittent sweeps.
2150 SJ radar contact, bearing 310°T, assumed on bridge to be friendly submarine
until lookout reported running lights of aircraft on same bearing, elevation 15
degrees. Dived. (Aircraft contact #15).
2218 Surfaced. All clear. Aircraft was probably a transport.
2219 Again had SJ radar contact, bearing 235°T and at 2240 exchanged recognition
signals with U.S.S. FIRMIN. (Ship contact #17).

31 December 1944
0608 Submerged for patrol of NAGASAKI - TSUSHIMA - SHANGHAI lines.
0800 Heard first of a series of 40 distant depth charge explosions. Nothing
sighted.
1949 Surfaced.
2256 Sighted two very bright, large, rectangular lights, blinking, close to
horizon. Nothing quite like these ever seen by anyone on bridge. No SJ contact.
They did not look like fishermen's lights. Surrounding areas have been depth
charged extensively recently. Suspected submarine trap and avoided. (Ship
contact #18).

1 January 1945
Patrolled in same vicinity as yesterday.

2 January 1945
Patrolled in same general vicinity as previous two days.
2230 Sighted two lights, bearing 340°T; appeared to be in same vicinity as those
seen 31 December. No SJ contact. Believed to be fishing boats. (Ship contact #19)

3 January 1945
0621 Submerged on easterly course.
Waterbury gears still are excessively noisy, despite continued efforts
to relieve the situation. The din in torpedo rooms when this machinery is run,
and the chattering and hammering in hydraulic lines, is beyond reason; our ability
to make an undetected submerged approach on escorted ships is very much in doubt.
When in the silent running condition, heavy rumbling and chattering in bow
planes and steering telemotors, plus a loud, occasional thud in the vicinity of the
rudder, and a thumping of the bow planes, both present prior to this patrol,
preclude quiet running. Personnel have been justifiably concerned over this con-
dition.
It was therefore decided to leave the area, and to notify SPOT and BALAO
via Comsubpac and N.M.
1024 Heard distant explosion.
1035 Sighted small raft carrying a small rough-looking red canvas shape. Passed
within 100 yards.

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— page 62 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

3 January 1945 (Cont'd)
1047 Eight distant depth charges.
1236 JP heard light, fast screws (160 - 180 RPM). Tracked contact and found it to
     be stopping at intervals, drawing closer, then farther away, moving north,
     then south. Could see nothing, and JK could not hear contact. Visibility estimated
     8,000 - 10,000 yards. Sonic conditions in this area are excellent. 1306 screws
     faded out. (Ship contact #20).
1340 Departed area.
1915 Surfaced, heading for DANJO GUNTO.
1932 SJ radar interference on two submarines at 090°T and 120°T - too far for
     identification. Believed to be part of Bennett's Blazers.
2040 Received Comsubpac serial 72 Zebra.
2215 Had few minutes of heavy railing interference on SJ. Did not look like our
     radar, and had no radar contact.
2220 APR contact, 73 mcs., weak and sweeping, believed on DANJO GUNTO.
2245 SJ radar contact on DANJO GUNTO, bearing 131°T, 56,000 yards.
2309 Had same 95 mcs. contact as when passage through this vicinity was made
     enroute to area - weak and sweeping.

4 January 1945
0029 Making passage between DANJO GUNTO and FUKAE SHIMA. DANJO GUNTO now steadied
     on us continuously so increased speed to open out; this radar followed us out for
     32 miles from DANJO GUNTO, at which time course was changed to southward. APR contact,
     156 mcs., with characteristics of aircraft, which became progressively stronger,
     then saturated at 0322, at which time we dived. (Aircraft contact #16).
0345 Surfaced. Making 4 engine speed. Still had aircraft in vicinity, alter-
     nately weak, strong, then saturated on the screen. Did not dive since he evidently
     was merely tracking.
0559 Dived and worked off track to westward.
1045 Three distant explosions.
1518 One distant explosion.
1912 Surfaced; heading for AKUSEKI on three engines.
1920 APR contact, 152 mcs., weak; looked like aircraft.
2045-2155 Two flashes of SJ radar interference and at 2156 exchanged recognition
     signals with U.S.S. PIRANHA. (Ship contact #21).
2345 Weak APR contact at 156 mcs. - lost at 0010 - believed aircraft.

5 January 1945
0218 Commenced passage of NINSEI SHOTO south of AKUSEKI. During and after passage
     made continuous attempts to transmit ICEFISH serial 2, to notify Comsubpac, SPOT
     and BALAO of our position and reason for departure from area, but could get no
     response.
0310 Sudden, saturated APR contact, 156 mcs. - land-based.
0600 Submerged.
1013 Two distant explosions.
1852 Surfaced and immediately began transmitting. Finally cleared serial 2
     through NPN, after great difficulty with interference, at 2018.

6 January 1945
0559 Submerged east of NINSEI SHOTO.

- 8 -

— page 63 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

6 January 1945 (Cont'd)
1120 Sound reported two faint pings at 250°T. Surfaced to investigate. All
clear, so continued submerged patrol.
1411 Heard series of 13 distant explosions in quick succession.
1901 Surfaced.

7 January 1945
On surface, proceeding toward Pearl in accordance with orders of Comsubpac.
1840 Transmitted ICEFISH serial 3 to Comsubpac.

9 January 1945
1534 PR contact, 162 mcs., sweeping slowly, analyzed as IFF gear of friendly
aircraft.

20 January 1945
0630(VW) Made rendezvous with PC 483.
1150(VW) Arrived Sub Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

- 9 -

— page 64 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER

No unusual weather was experienced. In the area south of SAISHU TO the sky
was overcast and cloudy until about two hours after sunset when it became especial-
ly clear with excellent visibility. Several days of high winds and heavy seas from
the northwest were experienced while in the area. These storms reached gale force
on two nights a course to ride them out was set.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Tidal currents and currents conform in general to H.O. area charts and to
various H.O. sailing directions. Lack of accurate tidal information time prevented
prediction of expected currents.
30 miles southwest of KUSAKAKI SHIMA a current setting 060°T, drift 1 knot
was experienced.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL

A light which was believed to have been GAJA SHIMA was observed to be burning
for about 2 minutes. Characteristics: Fixed white. It was then extinguished and
was not again sighted.
No other navigational lights in the area were observed to be burning.

- 10 -

— page 65 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH . . .
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
(F) SHIP CONTACTS

No. | Time | Lat. | Type | Initial | Est Course | How Con- | Remarks
| Date | Long | | Range | & Speed | tacted |
1 | 1848(L) 10-36 | SS | 31450 | 270 | SJ | Tracked target out to
| 8 Dec. 170-34 | | yds | 7 | | 36500 yds.
2 | 0552(L) 17-21 | SS | 8500 | 090 | SJ | Exchanged recognition
| 10 Dec.170-34 | | yds | 15 | | signals on SJ with
| | | | | | | U.S.S. SPADEFISH. Lost
| | | | | | | contact at 10350 yds.
3 | 1931(L) 21-00 | SS | 15000 | — | SJ | Rendezvous with SPOT &
| 10 Dec.169-45 | | yds | | | B.L.O.
4 | 1530(I) 29-34 | SS | 10000 | — | Sight | Friendly sub believed
| 21 Dec.131-45 | | yds | | | to be SPOT.
5 | 2248(I) 29-26 | SS | 7750 | — | SJ | Exchanged recognition
| 21 Dec.129-50 | | yds | | | signals on SJ with
| | | | | | | U.S.S. WHALE.
6 | 0341(I) 31-30 | SS | App. | — | SJ | Interference only. Ex-
| 23 Dec.129-58 | | 20 mi | | | changed signals on SJ
| | | | | | | with SEA POACHER.
7 | 2247(I) 32-31 | 2 patrol | 7500 | — | Sight | Boats blinked red &
| 23 Dec.127-30 | boats | yds | | | green lights at us. SJ
| | | | | | | not sweeping when sight-
| | | | | | | ed. Lost contact on SJ
| | | | | | | at 10200 yds.
8 | 0044(I) 32-35 | Chidori | 9250 | 290 | SJ | Lost contact at 13400
| 24 Dec.127-00 | patrol boat | yds | 18 | | yds.
9 | 0252(I) 32-40 | 2 small | 7900 | — | SJ | Not sighted.
| 24 Dec.126-29 | patrols | yds | | |
10 | 1924(I) 33-48 | Patrol | 4000 | 240 | Sight | Bright moonlight night.
| 26 Dec.123-57 | Boat | yds | | (periscope) Had dived on APR con-
| | | | | | | tact (155 minutes). 50 min-
| | | | | | | utes before. Sighted
| | | | | | | boat through periscope
| | | | | | | with zero angle on bow
| | | | | | | closing rapidly. Plan-
| | | | | | | rigged for silent running. Sound
| | | | | | | of screws.
11 | 0407(I) 33-49 | Small | 7000 | — | Sight | Bright moonlight night.
| 27 Dec.123-16 | patrol boat | yds | | | No SJ contact.
12 | 1145(I) 33-19 | Chinese | 10000 | — | Sight | He was either pinging
| 27 Dec.123-57 | Junk | yds | | (periscope) or using fathometer.
| | | | | | | On northerly course.
13 | 1620(I) 33-17 | Chinese | 6000 | — | Sight | Large 2 masted junk.
| 27 Dec.124-06 | Junk | yds | | (periscope) No pinging. Northerly
| | | | | | | course.
14 | 2240(I) 32-52 | PC | 8000 to | — | Sight | PC type or larger.
| 27 Dec.124-20 | | 10000 yds | | | No SJ contact.
15 | 0013(I) 32-50 | Patrol | 8000 | — | Sight | No SJ contact.
| 28 Dec.124-45 | Boat | yds | | |

- 11 -

— page 66 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Cont'd)

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

| No. | Time | Date | Lat. | Long. | Type | Initial Range | Est Course & Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|
| 16 | 2308(I) | 29 Dec. | 32-47 | 124-35 | 2 Small Boats | 7000 yds | - | Sight | No SJ contact. |
| 17 | 2240(I) | 30 Dec. | 32-30 | 126-13 | SS | - | - | SJ | Exchanged recognition signals on SJ. U.S.S. PIRANHA. Interference only - no contact. |
| 18 | 2256(I) | 31 Dec. | 32-24 | 126-29 | - | - | - | Sight | Two bright large rectangular lights blinking close to horizon. |
| 19 | 2230(I) | 2 Jan. | 32-30 | 126-27 | 2 Fishing Boats | - | - | Sight | No SJ contact. Sight- ed two lights near horizon believed to be from fishing boats. |
| 20 | 1236(I) | 3 Jan. | 32-14 | 126-56 | - | - | - | JP | JP sound picked up light fast screws. SJ had no contact and nothing could be seen. |
| 21 | 2156(I) | 4 Jan. | 30-24 | 128-54 | SS | 6150 yds | - | SJ | Exchanged recognition signals on SJ with U.S.S. PIRANHA. |

- 12 -

— page 67 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

No. | Time | Lat. | Initial | Est. | How Con- | Remarks
    | Date | Long. | Type | Range | Course | tacted |
1   | 1457(L) | 19-01 | SBD | 7 mi | | Sight | Angle of elevation 6°.
    | 8 Dec. | 130-30 | | | | |
2   | 0635(L) | 18-12 | Unk | | | ABK | Aircraft triggering our
    | 10 Dec. | 170-20 | | | | | ABK. Not sighted.
    | | | | | | | Angle of elevation 1°.
3   | 1450(K) | 18-07 | PB2Y | 15 mi | | Sight | Angle of elevation 1°.
    | 14 Dec. | 170-20 | | | | |
4   | 0419(I) | 16-47 | Unk | 8000 | | SJ | Closed to 2 mi and turned
    | 18 Dec. | 142-35 | | yds | | | away.
5   | 1443(I) | 29-28 | Unk | | | APR | Dived on APR contact.
    | 21 Dec. | 129-34 | | | | |
6   | 1614(I) | 29-30 | Betty | 2 mi | | P | Angle of elevation 4°.
    | 21 Dec. | 129-30 | | | | |
7   | 0954(I) | 30-18 | Rufe | 5mi | North- | P | Angle of elevation 5°.
    | 22 Dec. | 129-05 | | | easterly | |
8   | 1028(I) | 30-21 | Zeke | 4 mi | | P | Angle on bow zero, coming
    | 22 Dec. | 129-09 | or | | | | in fast. Planed down and
    | | | Kate | | | | rigged for depth charge.
    | | | | | | | Angle of elevation 3°.
9   | 0548(I) | 31-56 | Unk | 7 mi | | Sight | SD contact at 7 mi when
    | 23 Dec. | 128-54 | | | | | we dived. Angle of
    | | | | | | | elevation 4°.
10  | 1503(I) | 32-17 | Unid. | 10 mi | | P | Angle of elevation 4°.
    | 23 Dec. | 128-33 | Bomber | | | |
11  | 1917(I) | 32-23 | Unk | | | APR | Saturated signal at 146
    | 23 Dec. | 128-24 | | | | | mcs. Had contact on SJ
    | | | | | | | at 26,000 yds for instant.
12  | 0053(I) | 32-36 | Unk | 17000 | | SJ | Small ping. Range
    | 24 Dec. | 127-00 | | yds | | | opened rapidly to 10500
    | | | | | | | yds. Lost contact.
13  | 2223(I) | 32-40 | Unk | 5600 | | SJ | 155 mcs. 1000 pps.
    | 24 Dec. | 126-06 | | yds | | |
14  | 1832(I) | 33-38 | Unk | Approx. | | APR | Sighted running lights.
    | 26 Dec. | 123-57.5 | | 14 mi | | |
15  | 2150(I) | 32-24 | Unk | 5 mi | | Sight | SJ had contact same
    | 30 Dec. | 126-15 | | | | | bearing 9050 yds.
16  | 0301(I) | 32-07 | Unk | | | APR | Saturated signal. 155
    | 4 Jan. | 129-00 | | | | | mcs. 500 pps.
17  | 1920(I) | 31-03 | Unk | | | APR | 152 mcs. 1000 pps.
    | 4 Jan. | 128-50 | | | | |

- 13 -
[HANDWRITTEN: V]

— page 68 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
(H) ATTACKS
No worthwhile targets were seen in the area, and no attacks were made. The
one possible exception was a large FC or Chidori type patrol vessel which we were
not in position to attack.

(I) MINES
One floating mine was encountered while in the area. This was seen only for
a short time because of rough seas. It was reddish-brown in color.
No minelaying or mine sweeping activities were observed.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
Many patrols were sighted on a bright moonlight night north and west of.DANJO
GUNTO, and were frequently encountered in the area west and northwest of SAISHU TO.
One Junk was heard to ping (may have been fathometer). Patrol vessels, for the
most part, were small, about FC size, and some were evidently equipped with radar
(159 mcs.), which they apparently used only when they had made sight contact or
suspected our presence due to an earlier sighting. Their radar did not seem to be
effective when at long range, but they did not seem to be swept by, never
steadying on us. This suggests that their equipment may be for use as aircraft
warning, or used to signify to aircraft that a submarine is in the vicinity. There
is evidence that Jap surface patrols, aircraft and shore stations attempt coordin-
ation in anti-submarine measures.
On one occasion, when surfacing 16 miles north of DANJO GUNTO, a land-based
radar made contact, and was steady until range had opened to 22 miles when its
sweep was resumed. This was followed shortly by aircraft tracking as evidenced by
saturated signals for a period of over two hours. Shortly after they disappeared
several patrol vessels were encountered along our track.
On a second passage north of DANJO GUNTO we were tracked until the range to this
island was opened to 33 miles, when sweeps were resumed. This was followed by air-
craft tracking for a considerable time. Immediately after surfacing on 26 December,
in bright moonlight, a strong APR aircraft contact was made. The aircraft remained
in the vicinity, as evidenced by an attempt to surface a few minutes later. A
radar equipped patrol put in an appearance. He did not ping.
This was 65 miles from KOKUZAN TO. Upon surfacing and for considerable time there-
after we had a 159 mcs. contact, sweeping every 30 seconds.
The number of patrols sighted at great distances from land was a surprise
after reading reports of previous patrols in this area.
The pass south of AKUSEKI JIMA was clear of patrols and aircraft on both
passages. A strong saturated radar signal was encountered in this vicinity on the
outward passage, believed to be in the near vicinity of AKUSEKI.

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— page 69 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS

(a) Hydraulic System

The factor which terminated this patrol was excessive noise in the hydraulic
system. The principal offenders were the bow planes and steering systems, which
hammered and vibrated heavily when in power control, and which were
very noisy in hand control.

After about three days in the area, it was noticed that the bow planes and
steering Waterbury speed gears, which had been noisy previously, but never
caused any particular concern, gradually were developing a loud chattering and
hammering noise which was transmitted through hydraulic control lines throughout the
ship. As time went on this noise became worse. When first noticed, an investigat-
ion was started to determine the cause. It was first suspected because of the noise
that this was air hammer, that this was the cause; the systems were vented once
each watch thereafter but no entrapped air was found. It was then thought that lack
of lubrication of steering and bow planes packing glands might be responsible. The
ship had been greased regularly, once each week, and the noise did not appear,
therefore, to be from this source.

The steering "A"-end speed gear in the after torpedo room sounded as though
there were excessive clearances and something loose in the speed gear. Some of the
noise was traced to a loose threaded bushing on the speed gear tilting box shaft,
but the major part came from within the speed gear itself.

The bow planes "A"-end in the forward torpedo room chattered and rumbled and
caused similar heavy vibrations in the hydraulic control lines. The speed gear
sounded as though there were excessive clearances, and noise was of such strength
as to blank out JP sound operators.

It was suspected that cold oil may have been responsible, but the heat given
off by the speed gears when running, threw out this theory.

In hand control, the steering and bow planes telemotors, in the control room,
were excessively noisy, apparently due to abnormal clearances. They chattered
and rumbled and could be heard throughout the boat, at slow and high speeds, and
interfered to some extent with JP sound operators.

Seven gallons of black, dirty, oil were drained from speed gears from time to
time, replacing with clean oil added to the vent and replenishing tank, but this
action produced negative results in reduction of noise.

On the first patrol, during a heavy depth charge attack (See report of First
War Patrol), a casualty to the hydraulic system occurred which drained most of the
oil from the supply and replenishing lines to bow planes, stern planes and steering
control systems. During this emergency, when control of these systems was lost,
air parties replenished the oil with 24 gals. of lub oil, some of
which was from the engine sump tanks, 6 gals. of fuel oil for thinner, and 37 gals.
of cooking oil.

Enroute from patrol to refit the equivalent of one full strainer of gritty
carbon was removed from the strainers, and more was found during which
time the entire system was drained, flushed and replenished with clean hydraulic
oil. It is evident that some carbon remained in the system after these measures
were taken, since it was continuously collected in the strainers during this patrol.

After investigating every other suspected cause, the presence of dirt and
carbon, plus some fine metal filings in the strained oil drained from speed gears,
led to the belief that this was the cause of the trouble. Since it was impractic-
able to drain, flush and replenish the system in the area, it could not be

- 5 -

— page 70 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH
c/o Fleet Post
San Francisco,
Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS (Cont'd)
definitely determined whether the noise was caused by dirt alone, or whether it was
a result of excessive wear in the gears because of the contamination, or both. The
latter conclusion seems to be the logical one, in view of lack of noise reduction when new oil was used in the
speed gears.
It is believed that the low temperatures in the area resulted in increased
friction in bearings and stuffing glands and that the heavy load, accompanied by
wear in the speed gears and telemotors were the factors involved.
An irregular loud thud, which has been frequently heard by personnel aft of
the control room, and has sometimes been reported as distant depth charges, occurs
from time to time, and is particularly noticeable when submerged. It is believed
to be in the rudder gear outside the boat, but could not be traced and could not be
produced in a series of investigations.
A thumping in the bow planes, between 5 degrees dive and 15 degrees rise,
when planes are moved toward rise, is believed due to a binding in the packing
gland. Greasing has no apparent affect on this.
A knock in the hydraulic steering system in the after torpedo room is heard
when rudder is reversed in hand power. It can be eliminated by shutting off either
supply or return line to Waterbury speed gear. The cause of this was not determined,
but sounded as though it came from within the speed gear, or in the high pressure
relief manifold.
The bow planes ram is scored and should be replaced.
The entire hydraulic system should be thoroughly cleaned, and all Waterbury
speed gears should be overhauled as necessary or replaced during refit.

(b) Electrical
27 December 1944: While securing auxiliary generator from battery charge the field
excitation switch became short-circuited and started a fire in the auxiliary
generator switch board, burning up both the seperate and self-excited field
excitation supply wire for the seperate-excited switch burned, parted and dropped
across the bus bar for the battery ventilation blower causing the after auxiliary
power circuit breaker to trip out.
The bus tie switch was then closed so as to take power from the forward
auxiliary switch board. When the after auxiliary circuit breaker was closed a fire
was started in the after auxiliary switch board. The circuit breaker was tripped
out and the ship did not have any auxiliary power aft of the forward engine room.
In emergency repairs were made and auxiliary power was taken from the
emergency lighting circuit. Emergency repairs were made and auxiliary power was
restored at 0100, 28 December and normal operation of all gear was restored. A new
field excitation switch was installed 28 December while on all day dive.
This is the second casualty of this type on this switch board and it is
believed that the switch now in use is not properly designed to take care of the
current. It is therefore requested that a '60 amp. rotary snap switch or a
pole-double throw knife switch be installed with suitable covers required for
safety.

- 16 -

— page 71 —
U.S.S. CEFISH
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS (Cont'd)

(C) Miscellaneous
(1) The conning tower hatch was found to be warped prior to the first patrol,
and a specially fitted gasket is therefore used. This hatch is steel and should
be replaced with a steel hatch.

(2) During last patrol trouble was experienced with contamination of fresh water
with copper. It is believed that this is a result of verdigris forming around the
copper and bronze fittings in the system, later washed into the ship's fresh water
tanks, when water is transferred to the tanks from distillers. Lines were coated
inside, in vicinity of distillers during last refit, and resulted in considerable
improvement. There is still a coppery taste in the water, however, which is
particularly noticeable when the water is warm.

(L) RADIO
(1) Reception of the NPM fox schedule in the operating area was in general,
quite good. Relatively little jamming and interference were encountered and the
signal strength was usually three or greater. 4515 KCS. and 6045 KCS., were the
best frequencies during the evening hours; 13655 KCS. was the best during and about
daybreak, and 16730 KCS. was the best during the daytime. No serials were missed.
Four transmissions were made during the patrol. The first serial was flown
on 12705 KCS. through station ZVH to NPM, after the latter could not be raised for
a direct transmission. Numerous repetitions were necessary before the message was
finally cleared. Position was east of [UNCLEAR: PALE] ISLAND.
Transmission of the second serial was attempted on two successive nights on
the first night no station could be raised on any of the "NERK" series of
frequencies. A number of stations could be heard on the lower harmonics, but we
were unable to recognize any of them or to raise a station. A broken-key type
jammer added to the difficulties.
The following night call-ups were again made on 8479 KCS. and 12705 KCS.
Finally, NPM was recognized as one of the many stations working on 8479 KCS. and
after a direct call, this station answered and took our message. The transmission
of the message itself was rapid once contact was established. No jamming was
evidenced on this occasion.
Serial three was sent directly to NPM on 8470 KCS., when this station answer-
ed our call almost immediately. No trouble was experienced on this transmission.
The fourth serial was also cleared to NPM on 8470 KCS., but with some
difficulty. For three hours attempts were made to raise various stations
on the "NERK" frequencies. NPM came in on once on 12705 KCS. with a strength four
signal and agreed to relay our transmission, but then never came in again after the
heading of the message was sent. After almost three hours of calling, the message
was transmitted blind on 12705 KCS., but no receipt on the fox schedule made it
evident that it had not been received. Three hours later, after daybreak, NPM
was raised almost immediately on 8470 KCS., and the message was cleared with no
trouble.
No messages were handled on the wolf pack frequencies during the entire
patrolling time in the area.
Reception of radio Chungking was very good; the signal strength was good and
there was no interference or jamming. No transmissions were made to this station.

- 7 -

— page 72 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(L) RADIO (Cont'd)
    No material troubles were experienced during the patrol and except for con-
    tinual low ground readings on the antennae, equipment performance was satisfactory.
    Before all transmissions, a hot-air blower was directed into the antenna trunk for
    at least an hour, and antennae insulators were washed with fresh water.

(M) RADAR
    SJ Radar: In position Lat. 32-18N Long. 123E heavy railings, bearing 014°T
    were seen on the SJ for a few seconds, and were not seen again. There was no con-
    tact within range on that bearing, and interference was of such short duration no
    other data was obtained.
    SJ radar interference from other U.S. Submarines was the only other SJ inter-
    ference experienced. This caused no difficulty and was used for exchanging recogn-
    ition signals.
    During full moon nights, with unlimited visibility, SJ radar was used only
    as a receiver, until sight contact was made. On dark nights, intermittent sweeps,
    from 2 - 10 minutes were the rule.
    Magnetron #706 AY was in use.
    The SJ radar operated very satisfactorily throughout the patrol, being out
    of commission on only one occasion, for three hours.

    Typical Ranges: SAISHU TO - 90,000 yds.
                     U.S. Submarines - 15,000 yds.
                     PC or Chidori patrol - 13,400 yds.

    SD Radar: This gear was used only when surfacing or when close aircraft were
    suspected, keyed about 2 seconds at these times. Ranges were quite mediocre,
    being up to 20 miles on friendly aircraft and 7 miles on the only contact made in
    the area.

    APR: Was used continuously on the surface. Its value is great, but would
    be increased a hundredfold if a directional antenna could be fitted, and the
    antenna so placed that checks could be obtained at depths of about 35 feet instead
    of the present 40 - 45 feet.

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
    Sound conditions in the area were considered to be very good, especially for
    sonic gear. This conclusion was based upon the sound of own screws and other
    ship's noises, and the hearing of screws on JP, the source of which could not be
    seen. It was necessary to operate the bow planes in hand power in order not to
    interfere with JK sound to an extent which rendered this gear useless, parti-
    cularly on bearings 20 - 30 degrees either side of the bow.
    JK sound leads to the spare receiver in the torpedo room were found to be
    too short. This is a requested item for refit.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
    No density layers were noted down to 150 feet in the area.

- 3 -

— page 73 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY
Health of the crew was, in general, excellent. One man suffered a severe
abrasion of the right shin from a fall. There is one case of chronic seasickness.
One officer suffered a persistent infection of the finger as a result of a small
scratch inflicted in SAIPAN, and was off the watch list for three days. One
electrician suffered a second degree electrical burn of right hand and wrist when
the auxiliary engine excitation switch shorted out and was off the watch list for
three days. The improvement in the condition of drinking water over that of the
last patrol was marked, and there were no further illnesses from this source.
Food was excellent. Thanks to the training received by our Burke on the
U.S.S. ARD-18 at MAJURO, baking was superb throughout the patrol.
Habitability was very good. During the one short period of silent running
the boat was very comfortable.

(Q) PERSONNEL
The training of personnel continued throughout the patrol. The excellent
work of our Submarine School and the general training program is very apparent in
new personnel, both officers and men. The reversion to the former system of
limited rates has resulted in increased competition amongst candidates for advance-
ment.
Morale was excellent.

(a) Number of men on board during patrol

— page 74 —
CONFIDENTIAL

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

(U) RADIO AND RADAR COUNTERMEASURES
- In the below table, dial readings are the same as frequencies
  and PRF were measured on SPA.
- No evidence of lobe switching could be determined.
- No method of determining polarization of enemy signals was available.
- All aircraft contacted seemed to be making surface sweeps.
- Patrol vessels encountered may have been using radar for air or surface
  sweeps. Their signal strength was not great at 10,000 yards as that of aircraft
  at 12 miles. Patrol vessels swept irregularly; they seemed to start sweeping after mak-
  ing sight contact or when our presence was known due to previous sighting.
- No jamming by the enemy by use of windows or reflectors was noted.
- On one occasion, heavy railings were seen on the SJ for a few seconds durat-
  ion, believed to have been jamming. Pulse rate was estimated at 400 - 500 cps
  lower or higher than SJ.
- One attempted radio transmission was interfered with by a strong, nearby
  station sending a single character continuously. This jamming did not start until
  we began transmitting.

U.S.S. ICEFISH
                                                                East China Sea
                                2nd War Patrol

Intercept equipment: AN/APR-1
Analyzing equipment: AN/SPA-1

No. | Date | Time (-9) | Freq. | Pulse Rate | Pulse Length | Position
    |      |           |       |            | micro-secs   |
1   | 12-21-44 | 1445      | 153   | 300        | 5            | 29-10N | 129-40E
    Weak signal, sweeping, small ragged pulse, assumed aircraft.
2   | 12-21-44 | 1940      | 153   | 500        | 8 - 10       | 29-10N | 130-10E
    Initial contact weak; grew to saturation as we passed between. Apparently
    land based.
3   | 12-21-44 | 2315      | 80    | 400-500    | 20 - 25      | 29-10N | 129-55E
    Weak but steady. Did not appear to be sweeping. Assumed land-based.
4   | 12-22-44 | 0420      | 153   | 500        | 12           | 29-36N | 129-11E
    On for five minutes. Assumed land-based.
5   | 12-22-44 | 0450      | 157   | 500        | 8            | 29-36N | 129-11E
    Weak contact. On for 5 sec. intervals. Never grew strong. Morning dive.
6   | 12-22-44 | 2121      | 146   | 500        | 10           | 30-35N | 129-19E
    Present when we surfaced, sweeping at constant rate; 8 mins. between sweeps,
    beamed out direction 15 - 20 secs.
7   | 12-23-44 | 0055      | 155   | 500        | 20           | 31-08N | 129-10E
    Sweeping irregular. Apparently land-based. 0200 quite strong; steadied on
    us and then switched off. After this, swept steadily about every 5 mins.,
    nearly saturated when maximum strength. Probably as a result of this-
8   | 12-23-44 | 0435      | 152   | 1200       | 5 - 8        | 31-36N | 129-00E
    Swept at about 3 mins. intervals until moderately strong, then began keying;
    "on time" 1 to 2 sec. 0545 sweeping and keying irregularly; saturated when
    maximum. Assumed aircraft. Morning dive.
9   | 12-23-44 | 1850      | 73    | 500        | 25           | 32-20N | 128-25E
    Was saturated when we surfaced. Assumed from Danjo Gunto (16 mi. to south)
    1910 steadied on us. 2255 lost contact; Danjo Gunto about 55 mi.

                                - 20 -

— page 75 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

No. | Date | Time (-9) | Freq. | Pulse Rate | Pulse Length micro-secs. | Position
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
10 | 12-23-44 | 1850 | 95 | 500 | 15 | 32-20N | 128-25E
| | Had contact on surfacing. Never very strong. Sweeping irregularly.
| | 2305 lost contact.
11 | 12-23-44 | 1900 | 146 | 500 | 20 | 32-21N | 128-25E
| | Always very weak. Assumed land-based.
12 | 12-23-44 | 1915 | 185 | 1000 | 15 - 20 | 32-23N | 128-25E
| | Always very weak. Assumed land-based.
13 | 12-23-44 | 1917 | 148 | 1000 | 5 - 8 | 32-23N | 128-25E
14 | 12-23-44 | 1940 | 154 | 1000 | 5 - 8 | 32-23N | 128-17E
| | Apparently aircraft. Followed approximately 2 hrs., fading in and out but
| | always becoming saturated about every 2 mins. No SD contact.
15 | 12-24-44 | 0525 | 77 | 500 | 25 | 32-39N | 126-45E
| | Initial contact very weak. Probably from Saishu To (45 mi.). Sweeping about
| | 1 rpm. Morning dive.
16 | 12-24-44 | 1915 | 77 | 500 | 25 | 32-45N | 126-05E
| | Had contact on surfacing, very weak. Apparently same as #15. Distance to
| | Saishu To 45 mi.
17 | 12-25-44 | 1945 | 77 | 500 | 25 | 32-40N | 125-45E
| | Same as #15 and #16. Very weak.
18 | 12-26-44 | 1835 | 155 | 1000 | 8 | 33-37N | 123-56E
| | Initial contact quite strong. Keyed at irregular intervals. Dived. Assumed
| | aircraft. 1850 strong as soon as APR antenna broke water. 2230 fairly weak.
19 | 12-26-44 | 2230 | 159 | 650 - 700 | 6 - 8 | 33-37N | 123-55E
| | Always fairly weak. Sweeping about 2 rpm. Some kind of false echo or pulse
| | about 2 micro-sec. long following main pulse about 2 micro-sec. Morning dive.
20 | 12-27-44 | 2015 | 159 | 650 - 700 | 6 - 8 | 33-10N | 124-07E
| | Apparently same as #19. Never got strong. Made only 5 sweeps.
21 | 12-28-44 | 0045 | 159 | 650 - 700 | 6 - 8 | 33-53N | 124-42E
| | Apparently same as #20. Never very strong. 35 - 60 secs. between sweeps.
| | Beamed our way 5 - 7 secs.
22 | 12-28-44 | 0330 | 77 | 500 | 25 | 32-44N | 125-16E
| | Apparently same as #15, 16 and #17. Initial contact weak but steady. Soon
| | began sweeping irregularly. 0610 morning dive. Contact of moderate strength.
| | 2000 surfaced. Contact very weak. Saishu To about 45 mi. 12-29-44, 0130
| | faded out.
23 | 12-29-44 | 0200 | 160 | 600 | 6 - 8 | 32-50N | 125-10E
| | Always very weak. 0345 contact faded out.
24 | 12-30-44 | 0235 | 77 | 650 | 30 - 35 | 32-33N | 125-23E
| | Apparently from Saishu To. Sweeping slowly and irregularly.
25 | 1-2-45 | 0115 | 77 | 650 | 30 - 35 | 32-34N | 126-02E
| | Same as #24. Weak.
26 | 1-3-45 | 2220 | 73 | 500 | 25 | 32-23N | 127-50E
| | Weak. Sweeping irregularly.
27 | 1-3-45 | 2310 | 95 | 750 | 25 | 32-23N | 127-53E
| | Sweeping irregularly. Weak.
28 | 1-4-45 | 0030 | 73 | 500 | 30 | 32-20N | 128-28E
| | Made one sweep, then steadied on us for 5 min., then swept slowly. Range to
| | Danjo Gunto 32 miles. 0045 #27 and #28 both saturated.

- 21 -

— page 76 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

CONFIDENTIAL

No. | Date | Time (-9) | Freq. | Pulse Rate | Pulse Length micro-secs. | Position | Remarks
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
29 | 1-4-45 | 0215 | 95 | 750 | 15 | 32-17N | 128-45E
30 | 1-4-45 | 0300 | 156 | 500 | 7 | 32-12N | 128-53E
| | Swept irregularly, then steadied on us for 2 min., then swept and keyed.
| | 0324 steadied on us for 2 min. and off 2 min. 0324 steadied on us. 0327 dived. Believ-
| | ed to be aircraft. 0425 surfaced. #29 and #30 weak.
31 | 1-4-45 | 0555 | 154 | 500 | 25 - 30 | 31-30N | 129-00E
| | Weak.
32 | 1-4-45 | 1922 | 152 | 500 | 6 - 7 | 31-06N | 128-51E
| | Weak. Only heard twice. May be same as #33.
33 | 1-4-45 | 2155 | 152 | 800 | 6 - 8 | 30-39N | 128-53E
| | Sweeps about every 4 mins., keying 2 or 3 times on each sweep. Initial con-
| | tact strong. Contact weaker. Sweeps and keying more frequent.
34 | 1-4-45 | 2345 | 156 | 800 | 8 | 29-59N | 128-56E
| | Very weak. 1-5-45 0100 lost contact.
35 | 1-5-45 | 0310 | 156 | 500 | 8 | 29-20N | 129-29E
| | Turned on suddenly at above position. Saturated. Same characteristics as
| | #2. Possibly making sector sweeps. Occasional keying. Suspected aircraft
| | at first but finally decided it was land-based due to manner of sweeping and
| | intensity with distance from islands.
36 | 1-5-45 | 0400 | 156 | 500 | 12 | 29-16N | 129-36E
| | Initially strong. Irregular sweeping, occasional keying. About 1 min. be-
| | tween sweeps.
37 | 1-5-45 | 0430 | 80 | 500 | 25 | 29-13N | 129-49E
| | Always weak. Slow, irregular sweeping. 0559 dived. Still had #36, nearly
| | faded out.

(V) REMARKS

None.

TORPEDOES

A full load of MK 18 Mod 1 torpedoes was carried. No difficulty was exper-
ienced in routine of MK 18 Mod 1 torpedoes except for two hydrogen burning wires
which burned out and were replaced. Average torpedo temperatures were
70°F. Torpedoes were charged on an average of every 7 days. It is anticipated
that the spare skid carried in the forward torpedo room will be replaced with the
new Pearl Harbor design portable skids.

- 22 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 23]

— page 77 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY TWO

FB5-42/A16-3
Serial ( 03 )
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS ICEFISH (SS367)
Second War Patrol.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
21 January 1945

The Commander Submarine Division FORTY TWO.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of War Patrol
Number Two.

1. The second war patrol of the U.S.S. ICEFISH was
conducted in the East China Sea and was of forty-three days
duration of which eleven were spent in the area; sixteen days
submerged.

2. This patrol was characterized by material dif-
ficulties which caused termination of the patrol, by the lack of
possible targets, by an average number of anti-submarine patrol
vessels and aircraft and by collection of extensive data on
enemy radar. No attacks were made on the enemy.

3. After eleven days in the area the Commanding
Officer decided to terminate the patrol due to noise in the
hydraulic system. The hammering and chattering were undoubt-
edly caused by the system still being contaminated. During
the ICEFISH's first war patrol a severe depth charge attack
caused such damage that most of the hydraulic oil in the
system was lost. This was replaced with lub oil, fuel oil
and cooking oil. In spite of extreme efforts during refit
to clean the system, apparently those efforts were not suc-
cessful. During the forthcoming refit, by the Submarine
Base and Division Forty-Two Relief Crews, the entire system
will be given a most thorough overhaul.

4. On return from patrol the U.S.S. ICEFISH was
clean and shipshape as expected of any ship commanded by
Commander R. W. PETERSON.

5. The Division Commander congratulates the Com-
manding Officer, officers and crew of the ICEFISH upon their
return from this arduous and heart-breaking war patrol. The
data submitted on enemy radar is detailed and complete. It
adds a great deal to our knowledge of the enemy. It is re-
gretted that this veteran submarine skipper did not have an

-1-

— page 79 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.
11/wf

23 January 1945.

F05-4/A16-3
Serial: 068
CONFIDENTIAL

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. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of Second War
Patrol.

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

[HANDWRITTEN: H.V. O'Regan]
H. V. O'REGAN.

— page 80 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(1)
Serial 02

CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
ICEFISH Report of
Second War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 651
U.S.S. ICEFISH - 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. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of Second War Patrol
(8 December, 1944, to 20 January, 1945).

1. The second war patrol of the ICEFISH, under the command
of Commander R. W. Peterson, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the East China
Seas Areas.

2. Unfortunately, this patrol after eleven days in the area
had to be terminated due to faulty performance of the hydraulic system.
During these eleven days the ICEFISH, who sank two enemy ships on her
first patrol, was afforded no opportunity to attack the enemy.

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

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7)
CNO (5)
Cincpac (6)
ICPCA (1)
Comservpac (1)
Cinclant (1)
Comsubslnt (1)
S/M School, NL (8)
CO, S/M Base, PH (2)
Comsopac (1)
Comscowespac (2)
Comsubscowespac (1)
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubspac (1)
ComsubspacAd (3)
CTG 71.9 (20)
SUBAD, II (2)
ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
All Squadron Commanders, (2)
Substranpac (2)
All Submarines, Pacific (1) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
[STAMP: Reg. No. 15584]
[STAMP: 2 01682]

W
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
25 January 1945.

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

J. H. BROWN, Jr.,
Deputy ComSubS[UNCLEAR: pac].

[SIGNATURE: E. J. Auer]
E. J. AUER,
Asst. Flag Secretary. EXTRA
[STAMP: ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]

— page 81 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS367/A16-3
Serial: (06)

[TYPED CROSSED OUT: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED
BY OP-09B9 DATE 5/30/72]

                                                U.S.S. ICEFISH

                                                c/o Fleet Post Office,
                                                San Francisco, California.
                                                20 April 1945

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367).
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED-TWO.
      (2) Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
      (3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
      (4) Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH, Report of War Patrol number Three.

Enclosures: (A) Subject report.
            (B) Track Chart (Comsubspac only)
            (C) Exposed Film (Comsubspac only)

1. Enclosure (A), covering the third war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the EAST CHINA SEA northeast and east of FORMOSA during the period
20 February 1945 to 20 April 1945, is forwarded herewith.

                                                [SIGNATURE: R.W. PETERSON]
                                                R.W. PETERSON.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 119614]

— page 82 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived Pearl Harbor from Second War Patrol 20 January 1945. Refit was accomplished
by Submarine Division 42 Relief Crew and the Submarine Base.

The Training Period was conducted under the supervision of Commander Submarine
Division One Hundred Sixty One. This was one of the most pleasant and beneficial
training periods experienced by the officers of this ship.

During refit the following major work was accomplished:

(a) New installations:
Double hand switches; ST radar; 40 mm. gun forward of conning tower; DRT in
control room; DCDI; air-conditioning booster in control room; SJ radar TBT
transmitter; dummy Pit log; filters on suction side of hydraulic plant
IMO pumps; stop valves in compensating water lines to fuel ballast tanks;
new mufflers on all main engines; new Waterbury speed gears
for steering and stern planes.

(b) Major overhaul items:
Bow plant telemotors and Waterbury speed gears for bow planes, steer-
ing and stern planes were overhauled. The bow planes Waterbury was found
to have been improperly assembled at the factory and in bad condition,
causing excessive noise. The steering and stern planes Waterburys were
finally renewed, without appreciable reduction in noise level. Vents in
the high points of hydraulic lines were installed (there had previously
been no method of eliminating all air). The hydraulic system was flushed
and the oil renewed several times. The bow planes ram was rolled to
eliminate flat spots and smooth up scores. Installation of vents reduced
bow plane noise to an appreciable extent and steering and stern planes
noise to a lesser but notable degree.

The normal refit was extended from 4 February to 9 February when during routine
cleaning of #3 and #4 main generators by the Submarine Base, resistances dropped
from 7-8 megohms to 300,000 ohms, necessitating removal of brush rigging and end
bells, spraying and cleaning to bring readings to normal. Refit was again extended
from 9 February to 12 February for further work on hydraulic system and for along-
side sound test.

Conducted training exercises 12 - 17 February, which included lifeguard train-
ing, firing of 5 MK14 3 A and 8 MK27 torpedoes, and special exercises.

Loaded ship 18 and 19 February. Readiness for sea 20 February 1945.

- 1 -

— page 83 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH

(B) NARRATIVE

List of officers and chief petty officers on board with number of war patrols.

NAME | NO. WAR PATROLS
Comdr. R.W. PETERSON, U.S.N. | 7
Lt. Cdr. G.G. HINMAN, U.S.N. | 1
Lieut. G.A. PALMER, Jr., U.S.N. | 1
Lieut. K.G. NICHOLS, U.S.N.R. | 10
Lieut. S.E. CLARK, U.S.N. | 5
Lieut. K.V. LINDSTROM, U.S.N. | 5
Lieut. N.H. WALTER, U.S.N.R. | 0
Lt.(jg) J.A. REILLY, U.S.N.R. | 2
Lt.(jg) P.J. SCHAUER, U.S.N.R. | 2
Lt.(jg) L.M. ISAACS, U.S.N.R. | 2
O'BRIEN, J.F., CGM(T)(SS) U.S.N. | 4
WOODSON, D.R., CQM (SS) U.S.N. | 4
SMITH, C.E. Jr., CTM(AA)(T)(SS) U.S.N. | 10
NORRIS, J.R., CMOMM (SS) U.S.N. | 8
EASTON, J.W., CMOMM(AA)(T)(SS) U.S.N. | 12
WITT, C.M., CMM(AA)(SS) U.S.N. | 10
HAGER, J.P., CPhM(AA)(T) U.S.N. | 1

20 February
1332(VW) Underway from Pearl in accordance with Comsubspac Operation Order 19-A-45,
enroute GUAM. While standing out of the harbor we were forced over to the edge of
the channel, inside the entrance buoys, by three LCI's cutting diagonally across
the channel. A strong northerly breeze, plus having to kill headway to keep from
colliding with these vessels put us very close to the reef on the southern edge of
the channel. It was one of the best examples of poor sea manners and lack of
consideration for the other vessel ever seen.
1440(VW) Proceeding with escort. Made trim dive at 1636 and released escort at
2000.

21 February - 1 March
Conducted daily fire control problems, training dives, emergency drills,
battle surface drills, and school of the boat. Fired all automatic weapons.

21 February
1200(X) Position: Lat. 20-47.5N Long. 163-06W.

22 February
1200(X) Position: Lat. 20-30.5N Long. 168-28.5W.

23 February
1200(X) Position: Lat. 20-38.2N Long. 174-20W.

24 February
1135(Y) Crossed 180th meridian. Omitted February 24th.

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25 February
1200(M) Position: Lat. 20-22.8N Long. 179-46.8E.

26 February
1200(M) Position: Lat. 20-06N Long. 173-58E.

27 February
1200(L) Position: Lat. 20-05.5N Long. 168-20E.

28 February
1200(L) Position: Lat. 19-44N Long. 163-45E.
2228 Transmitted ICEFISH request for rendezvous to C.T.G. 17.7.

1 March
1200(L) Position: Lat. 19-47N Long. 160-23E.

2 March
1200(K) Position: Lat. 18-37N Long. 154-36E.
2155(K) SJ radar contact on what appeared to be a friendly escort carrier with
destroyer escort bearing 286°T, 31,950 yards. Changed course to northward to
avoid and exercised fire control party.

3 March
1200(K) Position: Lat. 17-07N Long. 148-30E.
2206(K) Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. HAKE. HAKE and PARGO in company,
headed east.

4 March
0157(K) A dozen or so B-29's flew over us close aboard, headed north. (A.C. #1).
0954(K) Exchanged recognition signals with PBY. (A.C. #2).
1130(K) Effected rendezvous with PC 824.
1612(K) Moored starboard side to U.S.S. GREENLET, along port side of U.S.S.
HOLLAND, APRA HARBOR, GUAM.

5 March
Delayed in getting underway due to a cracked overboard exhaust line, requiring
welding. Commanding Officer conferred with Commanding Officer, U.S.S. KINGFISH
and Executive Officer, U.S.S. SAWFISH regarding forthcoming patrol.

Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet Op. Ord. No. 55-45 forms ICEFISH,
KINGFISH and SAWFISH into a coordinated task group as follows:
ICEFISH - Comdr. R.W. Peterson - C.T.U. 17.16.1 (and C.T.G. 17.16).
KINGFISH - Cdr. T.E. Harper - C.T.U. 17.16.2
SAWFISH - Lt. Cdr. D.H. Pugh - C.T.U. 17.16.3 (SAWFISH to join group at a
later date).

6 March
1439(K) Underway from alongside U.S.S. HOLLAND, in company with U.S.S. KINGFISH,
escorted by DD 682, in accordance with Comsubspac Operation Order No. 55-45 and
C.T.G. 17.16 supplementary operation order No. 1-45.

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6 March (Cont'd)
1852(K) Released escort and formed scouting line with KINGFISH 10 miles on star-
board beam.
Hereafter, unless otherwise designated, all times are ITEM.

7 March
1200 Position: Lat. 16-13N Long. 140-29E.

8 March
1200 Position: Lat. 18-51N Long. 136-12E.

9 March
1200 Position: Lat. 20-28N Long. 131-23E.
2000 Effected rendezvous with KINGFISH to transmit amplifying instructions due to
our arrival a day early in the area.

10 March
1200 Position: Lat. 20-43N Long. 125-35E.

11 March
0320 Entered patrol area south of SAKISHIMA GUNTO.
0624 Submerged on northerly course.
0858 Surfaced.
1035 Sighted YONAKUNI JIMA, bearing 010°T, 47,000 yards.
1057 Submerged.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-06N Long. 122-52E.
2007 Surfaced 21 miles east of YONAKUNI JIMA and set course to pass between YONA-
KUNI and IRIOMOTE JIMA's.

12 March
0039 APR contact, 155 mcs., believed to be on YONAKUNI JIMA.
0612 Submerged 3 miles north of IRIOMOTE JIMA. Patrolled during day off northern
coast, took pictures, investigated harbor, and saw nothing.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-33N Long. 123-44E.
2004 Surfaced 13 miles north of IRIOMOTE and had strong 146 mc., land based radar
contact, believed to be located on ISHIGAKI JIMA.

13 March
0003 Requested SEA POACHER rendezvous.
0030 Patrolled between UOTSURI SHIMA and ISHIGAKI.
0607 ISHIGAKI radar was sweeping very strongly, so submerged 18 miles north and
closed the coast. Patrolled 3 - 4 miles off the coast during the day, took
pictures, and saw there was no shipping around.
1126 Sighted a BETTY to southward, making a landing on south coast of ISHIGAKI.
(A.C. #3).
1200 Position: Lat. 24-00N Long. 123-57E.
2010 Surfaced 13.5 miles north of island and set course for scheduled rendezvous
with SEA POACHER, due to leave the area March 14.

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14 March
0030 Effected rendezvous with SEA POACHER, learned via line throwing gun that they
had sighted nothing but 7 luggers and a few aircraft. Assigned IKIMOTE patrol
station to SEA POACHER and notified KINGFISH. Also notified Comsubspac that ICEFISH
had relieved SEA POACHER on lifeguard station off northeast FORMOSA.
0630 Submerged on line from UOTSURI to YONAKUNI.
1200 Position: Lat. 25-24N Long. 123-22E.
1929 Surfaced, patrolled to south and west during the night.

15 March
0210 APR contact, 200 mc., which had appearances of aircraft. Maintained SJ radar
silence and it soon disappeared. (C.C. #4)
0335 APR contact, 77 mc., land based, believed located on SUO WAN (always had this
when in this vicinity).
0445 APR contact, 166 mc., apparently from vicinity of SUO WAN.
0555 APR contact, 100 mc., suddenly saturated, with all appearances of aircraft.
Simultaneously SJ radar had pip at 17,500 yards, closing fast. No indication on
SD, so plane was flying low. (C.C. #5).
0602 Submerged 12 miles east of KUSUN TO, range to aircraft on SJ radar 11,500
yards. Strong currents to northeastward.
1200 Position: Lat. 25-10N Long. 122-20E.
1959 Surfaced 32 miles northeast of SANCHO KAKU in force 5 seas, from northeast.
2122 S.W.FISH joined the pack; transmitted supplementary patrol instructions. Pack
is to conduct an independent patrol due to late arrival of SAWFISH. Special
assignments in other areas in the near future for KINGFISH and S.W.FISH, and the
permanent lifeguard station being patrolled by ICEFISH. Area is divided up
longitudinally as follows: ICEFISH between FORMOSA and 123-30E; SAWFISH between
123-00 and 124-00E; KINGFISH to eastward of 124-00E.

16 March
0602 Submerged on westerly course 30 miles southeast of KUSUN TO on lifeguard
station.
0620 Surfaced to check reported SJ radar interference in direction of FORMOSA.
When operator found "interference" to be from internal source.
0624 Dived again when operator found "interference" to be from internal source.
1142 Surfaced on station 22 miles east of KUSUN TO to render lifeguard services
for B-24 strike scheduled to start at 1215. Seas force 5 - 6 from 030°T, skies
heavily overcast, wind 20 knots, ceiling about 1000 ft. Patrolled at two engine
speed on east and west courses.
1154 Many aircraft on SD, all showing IFF, passing 8 - 10 miles from us. Moved
closer to FORMOSA to get under their route.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-51N Long. 122-19E.
1303 Group of friendly aircraft passed overhead but could not be seen. SJ showed
them to be headed back toward the PHILIPPINES. Heard nothing on VHF or alternate
1446 No contact for over an hour, nothing on VHF or alternate frequency; dived.

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17 March
Wind and seas now force 6 from northeast.
0609 Submerged.
1122 Surfaced 29 miles east of S.NCHO K.KU in force 6 seas and closed to 17 miles
for lifeguard duty.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-59N Long. 122-31E.
1320 Many aircraft contacts, all showing friendly IFF.
1340 Heard one pilot on VHF saying one of his wings was giving trouble and had
emergency IFF signal. He finally announced that his wing was "OK", but we continued
to get the emergency IFF until lost at about 26 miles on SD. During this time we
had no success in establishing communications on VHF or the alternate frequency.
1427 Lost all aircraft contacts, heard nothing on either lifeguard frequency.
1450 Submerged 21 miles east of KUSUN TO.
1954 Surfaced; patrolled during the night toward K.RENKO.

18 March
0621 Submerged 10 miles OFF FORMOSA coast, south of K.RENKO counting on a strong
northerly current which did not materialize, to give us a long submerged cruise up
the coast. During the day patrolled northward 3 miles offshore. Saw nothing
unusual - farms and various columns of smoke at isolated points in the mountains.
No shipping present in the harbor at K.RENKO. Observed long rows of buildings
resembling barracks behind the town; took some pictures.
1200 Position: Lat. 23-47N Long. 121-40E.
1950 Surfaced 10 miles east of K.RENKO. Sighted two unidentified irregularly flash-
ing lights at K.RENKO which appeared to be sending dot and dash. Closed the coast
5 - 7 miles off the beach. This section of the coast has no
railroad, so only connection between KEELUNG and K.RENKO would appear to be by boat,
road or footpath.
2252 Received aviator's report on convoy believed headed for KEELUNG. Stationed
ICEFISH northeast of PEIT.U K.KU with MENK. SHO bearing 335°T, 10 miles.
to cover routes to FORMOSA and S.KISHIM. GUNTO: KINGFISH northeast
of PEIT.U K.KU S.WISH to west of and near UOTSURI SHIM.: KINGFISH east of UOTSURI
SHIM. and KINGFISH.
G.KI.

19 March
0609 Submerged northeast of PEIT.U K.KU with MENK. SHO bearing 335°T, 10 miles.
During the day patrolled northeast of KEELUNG off 100 fathom curve. Experienced
strong, variable currents as strong as 3 knots and had difficulty with steering.
Kept in sight of MENK. SHO and HOK. SHO to keep position.
1200 Position: Lat. 25-22N Long. 122-12E.
1947 Surfaced 22 miles northeast of S.NCHO K.KU after an uneventful day. Had APR
contact, 158 mc., reported by SE. PO.CHER to be on HOK. SHO.
2145 Weak, sweeping PR contact, 101 mc., 30 - 35 microsecs. This had all
appearances of land based radar, though sweeps were very irregular, and varied in
intensity from just heard to 1/4 inch height on the scope. SE. PO.CHER believed
KEELUNG to have 98 mc. This looked like KEELUNG.
2220 Received S.WIFISH message notifying pack commander of departure from area K.K.
for special assignment.

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19 March (Cont'd)
2328 Heard motors of an approaching aircraft. Dived on general principles, and
O.O.D. sighted plane coming over us at 200 ft. elevation before he had the bridge
cleared. This plane came in from a black rain cloud, was hurriedly identified as a
4-engine job, probably and EMILY. (A.C. #6).

20 March
0002 Surfaced.
0019 Again had weak APR contact, 101 mc., only momentarily.
After our previous experience this contact was viewed with suspicion. Though the
strength and pulse width were indicative of land based radar, the method of sweep-
ing and the varying intensity were not, so made infrequent checks on the SD and SJ
when the signal reached 1/4 inch height on the APR scope. Had no other signal on
the APR at this time.
0102 Had SD contact at 5 miles, closing to 1450 yards on the SJ as we went under.
(A.C. #7).
0216 Surfaced. Had weak APR contact, 100 mc., but it did not bother us again
during the night. Had been using ST for surface sweeping, and SJ only for necess-
ary navigational fixes, but apparently the SJ is well known to the enemy. For the
remainder of the night used infrequent sweeps on the SJ. Patrolled during the
night northeast of PEITAU KAKU, in same general vicinity as yesterday.
0606 Submerged 23 miles northeast of SANCHO KAKU in rough seas, with heavily over-
cast skies, for patrol of routes from east to KEELUNG.
1200 Position: Lat. 25-10N Long. 122-27E.
1956 Surfaced and set course for rendezvous with KINGFISH.
2348 Effected rendezvous, exchanged information by line-throwing gun and assigned
new area limits to fill gap left by departure of SAWFISH.

21 March
0600 Submerged 15 1/2 miles east of KUSUIAN TO. Patrolled northward outside 100
fathom curve. Observed large tower-like structure on SANCHO KAKU, probably the
light, and location of radar. Seas very rough, but visibility fair this day.
2002 Surfaced 25 miles northeast of SANCHO KAKU and patrolled during the night
across routes east and northeast of KEELUNG.
2236 Had weak APR contact, 101 mc., same as on night of March 19 - 20. It is now
believed that this signal comes from KEELUNG, as it is never seen until north of
SANCHO KAKU. This does not explain the aircraft contacts of that night, however.

22 March
0603 Submerged 23 miles northeast of SANCHO KAKU. Patrolled eastern approaches to
KEELUNG.
1200 Position: Lat. 25-07N Long. 122-27E.
1520 Skies cleared due to wind shift to eastward; surfaced for surface patrol.
1748 Wind shifted to northward, skies again were heavily overcast, seas making
up; dived.
2000 Surfaced 30 miles north of YONAKUNI. All navigation in the area to date has
been by SJ radar. YONAKUNI is a valuable landmark and is closed frequently when
position is in doubt. Have found currents fairly consistent at 2.0 knots, north-
easterly, when submerged. On the surface, currents vary from .5 to 2.5 knots,
depending on wind direction.

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22 March (Cont'd)
Patrolled to eastward during the night, planning to submerge off ISHIGAKI to watch
the air raid tomorrow. KINGFISH is now assigned permanently to life guard duties
south of ISHIGAKI and S.WFISH is away on special duty, so ICEFISH now has all of
the area north of S.KISHIM. GUNTO.

23 March
0611 Submerged 10 miles north of ISHIGAKI JIMA with saturated PR contact, 146 mc.,
believed located on north coast. During the day closed 4 miles offshore. Visibili-
ty was very poor due to northerly winds, heavy seas and accompanying surface haze
and fog.
1950 Surfaced in force 5 - 6 seas from northward. Set northerly course at steerage-
way. Stopped on one occasion to keep from taking a green one over the bridge.
2001 Had several weak sweeps of SJ radar interference, bearing 270°T, estimated
range 35,000 yards. (Our No. 1 radar operator is an excellent judge of the distance
of one of our submarines by the appearance of the interference and there has never
been an occasion when the bearing and range of contact was not within 3 or 4 de-
grees, and 3000 yards of his estimate.) This interference had all the characteris-
tics of SJ radar. In creasing intensity of interference and change in bearing to
a southeasterly course.
2110 After repeated attempts to get an answer to our challenge without success,
changed course to 270°T and increased speed to close.
Radar Officer and radar operator both said this was SJ radar interference, from all
indications.
2235 Had first sweep of interference in 1 hr. - 10 min., now bearing 255°T and
closer.
2305 Interference now bearing 235°T, much stronger, with intermittent sweeps.
2330 Had weak pip at 21,000 yards, bearing 220°T. Greatest range obtained on one
of our submarines heretofore has been 17,000 yards, but atmospheric conditions and
sea conditions might increase this effective range. (S.C. #1).
The interference on the screen had the same pulse width as our SJ and was sweeping
intermittently, just as is our custom. There was no indication of its being any-
thing but SJ radar, except for the exceptional range obtained on the first contact
the fact that it it seemed weaker than our SJ for the distance involved. Changed
course to head for the contact.
2342 Plot and TDC agree on course 140°T, speed 8, for 10 minutes.
2345 Contact changed course to 325°T; we changed to 300°T. Plot and TDC now check
on speed 6 - 7 knots.
2355 Now have second pip, weak and fading, at 17,000 yards, 1500 yards closer than
contact No. 1. Also have indications of a second radar, but definitely not SJ.

24 March
0005 Plot and TDC now have the targets stopped or circling. We are sweeping inter-
mittently due to enemy attempts at radar jamming.
0006 Sent contact report to KINGFISH and asked for her position.
0015 Momentary pip on third target, 21,000 yards, and to southwest of contacts
No. 1 and 2 which now check on course 130°T, speed 2 to 6 knots. We changed to
140°T. Now have a third radar, also identified as not being SJ.

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24 March (Cont'd)
Repeated attempt to get this message off failed due to poor conditions and to
strong enemy jamming. Once raised NPN and sent the first 50 groups, but could not
clear message to this station. One hour later tried all frequencies and again fail-
ed to raise anyone.
Believed Comsubspac's answers from KINGFISH and PUFFER would explain all.

25 March
0602 Submerged 22 miles north of ISHIGAKI JIMA on a southerly course. Patrolled off
the 100 fathom curve covering northern approaches to ISHIGAKI.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-47N Long. 124-20E.
1520 Sighted IRIOMOTE, bearing 300°T, 10 miles, on southerly course.
2000 Surfaced.
2200 Received Comsubspac serial two three directing full report so sent 250 group
explanation which was cleared, without difficulty, to NPN.

26 March
Repeated yesterday's patrol.

27 March
0602 Submerged and patrolled during the day between IRIOMOTE and YONAKUNI; SAWFISH
is patrolling north of ISHIGAKI.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-16N Long. 123-20E.
1951 Surfaced; during the night patrolled between IRIOMOTE and YONAKUNI.

28 March
0558 Submerged 21 miles northeast of YONAKUNI for patrol of possible traffic routes
to west of IRIOMOTE and through the pass patrolled yesterday.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-39N Long. 123-15E.
2001 Surfaced and had an immediate aircraft contact on both SD and SJ radars at
two miles, so went back down to periscope depth before even opening the hatch.
(A.C. #8).
2053 Surfaced.
2125 Three separate APR contacts at 151-152-155 mcs. All three sets were being
keyed and fairly strong. Lost them in 30 minutes. All appeared to be from aircraft
(A.C. #9).
2345 APR contact, 151 mc., apparently aircraft. (A.C. #10). Lost this one almost
immediately.

29 March
0121 APR contact, 160 mc., fading in and out, but getting stronger.
0137 Dove when a quick SD check showed aircraft at 5 miles, closing to 3 miles.
(A.C. #11).
0210 Surfaced.
0554 Dove 22½ miles northeast of YONAKUNI for aircraft at 6 miles on SD; it closed
to 2 miles as we went under. (A.C. #12).
1200 Position: Lat. 23-43N Long. 123-25E.
Patrolled during day in same vicinity as yesterday.

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29 March (Cont'd)
1815 Sighted MARY, bearing 135°T, 8 miles. (A.C. #13).
1905 Sighted TESS, bearing 315°T, 6 miles. (A.C. #14).
2014 Surfaced and set course for rendezvous with SAWFISH.
2348 Effected rendezvous with SAWFISH; gave SAWFISH our lifeguard station off
FORMOSA for 3 days, while we patrol to eastward.

30 March
Submerged patrol on line from UOTSURI to ISHIGAKI.
1200 Position: Lat. 25-26N Long. 123-42E.
2000 Surfaced 19 miles southeast of UOTSURI SHIMA. Have SJ radar interference
sweeping irregularly, 8 rpm. Changed course to close. Interference
gradually became weaker and finally faded out. Believe it was from a
friendly submarine in the area to northward.

31 March
Submerged patrol north of pass between ISHIGAKI and MIYAKO.
1200 Position: Lat. 25-14N Long. 124-43E.
2004 Surfaced 4½ miles off 100 fathom curve north of MIYAKO JIMA.
2009 APR contact, 99 mc., believed located on MIYAKO, weak and sweeping.
2038 APR contact, 152 mc., from aircraft; was fairly strong but soon disappeared.
(A.C. #15).
2145 APR contact, 200-225 mcs., very weak, lost in a few minutes. Had characteris-
tics of U.S. surface ship radar.
2355 Weak APR contact, 155 mc., aircraft radar. (A.C. #16).

1 April
0015 155 mc., contact still playing around, now being keyed at saturation.
0022 Dove with APR contact at 10 miles closing to 7.
0126 Surfaced 15 miles south of SEKIBI SHO.
0539 Submerged 20 miles north of TARAMA JIMA for submerged patrol across routes
from north and east to ISHIGAKI.
0704 Sighted TOPSKY, bearing 045°T, 8 miles, headed west. (A.C. #17).
0951 Sighted unidentified bomber with appearances of navy Liberator, 10 miles,
northeasterly course. (A.C.#18).
1200 Position: Lat. 25-05N Long. 124-49E.
1202 Surfaced for surface patrol to westward.
1234 Sighted rusty, barnacle-covered drifting mine and for the next 40 minutes
expended 300 rounds of 200 mm., several magazines of carbine and Tommy gun
ammunition at ranges 50 - 150 yards; believe we got several 20 mm. hits, but the
mine would not sink or explode.
1317 Keyed APR contact, 160 mc., apparently aircraft. Sent gunners below and
cleared area. (A.C. #19).
1655 Submerged, with APR contact stronger.
1756 Sighted H.P., bearing 225°T, 4 miles, headed east, and carrying a 500 lb.
bomb. (A.C. #20).
2002 Surfaced 26 miles south of UOTSURI and headed west to exchange areas with
SAWFISH.

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2 April
0024 Had SJ interference, bearing 260°T, then contact with S.WFISH at 7000 yards.
When communications were established learned S.WFISH had dived for an
aircraft and therefore had not been able to exchange recognition signals on earlier attempts.
Exchanged information on the area, which amounted to practically nothing except
weather, since nothing has been seen by any of the pack.
0216 Received lifeguard assignment for hours 0800 - 1200 south of K.RENKO, if we
could make it. Station was 105 miles from our present position and a 2.5 knot
current to buck all the way. Put on 4-engines and headed south for assigned
station. Estimated arrival time 1000. (U.C. #21).
0520 APR contact, 158 mc., aircraft, but weak and sweeping. (U.C. #21).
0623 Just before sunrise sighted unidentified aircraft astern, closing, 8 miles.
Submerged. Our planes are supposed to be many miles to southward, so believed this
was a Jap. (U.C. #22).
0650 Surfaced, had an APR contact, 148 mc., possibly land based. Went ahead at 4
engine speed.
0705 Sighted 8 aircraft, bearing 045°T, 8 miles, coming out of heavy clouds. Dived.
These were thought to be fighters. (U.C. #23).
0733 Surfaced.
0758 SD contact, 6 miles, closing. Have been getting periodic quick checks as
skies have become more overcast. Dove. (U.C. #24).
0824 Surfaced.
0911 Strong APR contact, 155 mc., apparently aircraft. Lost in 20 minutes.
(U.C. #25).
1045 APR contact, 156 mc., apparently aircraft. Faded out in 5 minutes. (U.C. #26).
1105 Arrived on station; no air cover in sight; nothing on VHF.
1200 Position: Lat. 23-19N Long. 121-57E.
1230 Air strikes are obviously finished. Can see the FORMOSA coast clearly in ex-
cellent visibility 20 miles west of us. Submerged and headed north,
2005 Surfaced 16 miles southeast of OCHO PII, and headed for the coast, planning on
a close-in surface patrol to northward. Closed to 3 miles off OCHO PII. Sighted
one steady white light on land; no other activity observed. We are using ST radar
when close in to the coast, for surface searching.
2101 APR contact, 153 mc., strong; made only one sweep; aircraft. (U.C. #27).
2212 APR contact, 160 mc., land based.
2215 Suddenly had a saturated 77 mc., contact so loud it almost blew a fuse. This
radar is thought to be located on SANCHO KAKU or SUO WAN; evidently we are far to
north of our estimated position.
2251 Set course for lifeguard station assigned for tomorrow, between 1400 and 1700.

3 April
0915 Submerged 19 miles north of K.SHO TO, with a 96 mc., APR contact (probably
from that island) strong and steady on.
1200 Position: Lat. 22-49N Long. 121-39E.
1507 Sighted PBM,
1508 Surfaced on station 10 miles north of K.SHO TO and exchanged identification
over VHF with air escort of PBM and two P-38's. Saw American bombers over
FORMOSA. (U.C. #28).

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3 April (Cont'd)
1557 Escort left the area, so headed northeast to open out from the coast; air
strike finished. KUSHO TO radar strong and steady.
1654 Sighted 4-engine seaplane, 8 miles, headed in our direction. Dove. (A.C.#29).
2003 Surfaced 26 miles east of SANSENDAI.
2004 SJ radar contact, bearing 076°T, 4850 yards, reported to be about the size of
a large can buoy. Made a fast 270 degree turn and headed for the contact. SJ
lost contact on the turn and though we ran in that direction to close within 2000
yards, the pip did not reappear. Decided that this was not a raft, and did not
want to spend any more time looking for a submersible pip the size of a large can
or buoy.
2038 After searching on the outskirts at 2000 to 3000 yards, set a course toward
FORMOSA and cleared the immediate vicinity. (Possible Midget Sub - S.C. #2).
2039 APR contact, 158 mc., weak, apparently aircraft. (A.C. #30).

4 April
0502 APR contact, 153 mc., saturated. SD radar contact at 8 miles, closing.
(A.C. #31).
0503 Submerged 8 miles off 100 fathom curve east of KARENKO.
1200 Position: Lat. 23-54N Long. 121-46E.
1918 Surfaced 15 miles southeast of OCHO PII and patrolled between FORMOSA and
YONAKUNI.JIMA during the night.
Had APR contacts at 155 and 168 mcs., on surfacing. Apparently aircraft. (A.C. #32)
1935 Lost APR contacts at 155 and 168 mcs.

5 April
0505 APR contact, 150 mc., saturated until we dived, land based.
0518 Submerged 6 miles off NANZANYAKU BI and worked south during the day to
KARENKO just off the 100 fathom curve. No activity observed.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-06N Long. 121-44E.
1931 Surfaced 15 miles east of NANZANYAKU BI and patrolled up the coast during the
night.
2110 APR contact, 153 mc., fairly strong and sweeping; land based.

6 April
0555 Submerged 20.5 miles off 100 fathom curve east of KUSON TO.
1200 Position: Lat. 25-10N Long. 122-34E.
1931 Surfaced 38.5 miles northwest of YONAKUNI JIMA and patrolled on shipping lanes
between ISHIGAKI and KEELUNG during the night.
2355 APR contact, 160 mc., weak, land based.

7 April
0200 SJ radar contact on aircraft bearing 240°T, 12,670 yards, opening. Followed
him out to 18,000 yards on SJ radar. (A.C. #33).
0213 APR contact, 100 mc., making weak, slow sweeps, never more than 1/8 inch high.
Apparently this is same aircraft radar we had last time in this vicinity. (A.C. #34)
0235 SD contact, 6 miles, closing. Submerged. (Believe same as A.C. #33).
0259 Surfaced, all clear.
0323 Made one sweep with SJ radar and immediately picked up APR contact, 100 mc.,
which appeared intermittently until 0405 when it faded out.
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U.S.S. ICEFISH

(B) NARRATIVE

7 April (Cont'd)
0550 Submerged 35 miles northwest of YONAKUNI.
0647 Sighted unidentified aircraft to westward, 10 miles, on northerly course.
0800 APR.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-51N Long. 122-51E.
1458 Surfaced 20 miles north of YONAKUNI for a good look around.
1548 Submerged 21 miles northwest of YONAKUNI.
1931 Surfaced. During the night patrolled across routes to KEELUNG from east and
northeast. Considered visibility too poor to patrol this vicinity during the day
as visual landmarks are essential to navigation in this sector of the area.

8 April
0551 Submerged for patrol of eastern approaches to KEELUNG.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-54N Long. 122-47E.
1931 Surfaced. During the night patrolled between YONAKUNI and FORMOSA.

9 April
0551 Submerged 18 miles northeast of SANCHO KAKU.
0731 Sighted FR.NO. 20 miles to southward, headed west. (A.C. #36).
1200 Position: Lat. 25-16N Long. 122-23E.
1931 Surfaced 28 miles northeast of SANCHO KAKU. Patrolled to southward during the
night.
Pack 16 has been disbanded due to the departure this night of KINGFISH and
SAWFISH.
Converted #4 F.B.T.

10 April
0549 Submerged 12 miles southeast of OCHO PII. Closed coast to 4 miles during the
day. Rough seas from northward and poor visibility due to low-hanging clouds,
mist and rain.
1401 Sighted SALLY, on starboard bow, closing 2 miles. Went to 100 feet. Nothing
in sight at periscope depth 10 minutes later. (A.C. #37).
1951 Surfaced in Force 5 seas, 20 miles east of NANAZANKYAKU BI.
2138 APR contact, 155 mc.; aircraft, sweeping and weak.

11 April
0030 APR contact, 175 mc.; aircraft, strength increased rapidly to saturation.
0045 Quick SD check showed aircraft, 8 miles, closing. 5 miles as we dived.
(A.C. #38).
0100 Submerged. This aircraft seemed better than most in maintaining contact. Still
have his radar on APR.
0212 APR contact, 175 mc., saturated. Submerged. (Same as A.C. #38).
0312 Surfaced. All clear.
0546 Submerged 18 miles off 100 fathom curve east of KUSULN TO, on lifeguard
station for BRITISH carrier strikes on FORMOSA. Seas are force 4 - 5 from north;
heavy, low overcast and poor visibility. Poor flying weather.
1040 Surfaced on lifeguard station.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-49N Long. 122-29E.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

(B) NARRATIVE

11 April (Cont'd)
1620 Strikes have evidently been cancelled; no activity of any kind, heard or
     seen. Submerged.
1933 Surfaced, closing FORMOSA, 31 miles east of SANCHO KAKU.
1945 SD radar contact, 6 miles. Submerged when he closed to 4 miles. (...C. #39).
2007 Surfaced.
2247 Received word that carrier strikes had been delayed until 12th and 13th.
     Weather is beginning to clear due to wind shift to eastward.

12 April
0143 PR contact, 180 mc.; weak, but rapidly increased to saturation.
0149 Quick SD check showed aircraft, 8 miles. Submerged at range 5 miles. (...C.#40)
0241 Surfaced.
0532 Submerged 22 miles northwest of YONAKUNI, near lifeguard station, to be able
     to get an accurate fix on surfacing later.
0707 Unusually nice weather, with light overcast and light sea; surfaced, fixed
     position on YONAKUNI, and headed for our station.
     (Note: During the time the carrier strikes so many aircraft were sighted, these
     have been left out of the narrative as "...C.# for the sake of brevity.)
     Our orders for lifeguard did not specify the time of strikes, whether we
     should expect air cover, or what calls would be used by aircraft.
0716 Sighted 4 unidentified fighters circling and zooming to southward, 6 - 8
     miles on SD. Our station was 10 miles northwest of us. Headed south, however,
     thinking these might be our air cover. This belief was soon dispelled when one
     of these fired on another; the latter began trailing black smoke, and headed away,
     very low, almost in the water, either disappearing almost immediately over the
     horizon or crashing. The other three vanished into a nearby cloud. Bearing of
     damaged aircraft was 177°T; headed that way at best speed.
0755 Sighted 60 to 70 Avengers, Corsairs and Hellcats, to southward, heading for
     FORMOSA, 8 - 10 miles. 4 Corsairs, which were flanking the formation, headed our
     way, closed to 2 miles, sighted our flare, circled, and then, as we were about to
     claim them as escort, headed for FORMOSA.
0900 Have thoroughly searched the most probable area of the plane crash and have
     seen nothing. This search pulled us 16 miles away from assigned station. At this
     time heard first report of the morning on VHF: One possible pilot down, 1½ miles
     near SANCHO KAKU. Message was improperly phrased and meaningless. The voice was
     flat and sounded like a Jap. Asked FLOUNDER, who had just opened up, for a check
     on the message. Heard FLOUNDER check and eventually he determined that the
     message was probably meant to be a report of a pilot down, 1½ miles off SANCHO KAKU.
     5 minutes later heard another report of a pilot down, but this was improperly phrased, giving an impossible bearing.
     Several checks by us, FLOUNDER and a new station, assumed to be
     a carrier, brought the report that it was probably meant to be a position bearing
     from PEATAU KAKU. When the first report was received we headed
     at best speed, and asked FLOUNDER if we could expect aircover for
     this rescue. Received reply, "WAIT" and later heard the carrier inform FLOUNDER
     that CHICKENS would be on their way soon. That was probably our escort.

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(B) NARRATIVE

12 April (Cont'd)
0923 RODEO ABIE now seemed to be taking an active part in affairs, and had an
AMERICAN voice, while FLOUNDER was BRITISH. Established communications with RODEO,
who said he and FLOUNDER would investigate the two reports of pilots down off
FORMOSA.
0924 Sighted two Corsairs, 3 miles, closing, which turned away as we fired our
flare.
0939 Fired flare for the benefit of a Hellcat coming in fast, 6 miles, and he turn-
ed away. Evidently we still haven't made the team.
Informed RODEO ABLE of our sighting of the damaged plane, and he replied he and
FLOUNDER would make a search of that area after searching the vicinity of the other
two reports. We are still headed for SANCHO KAKU, plainly visible, at 4 engine
speed.
1001 Had first experience with SD jamming, which occurred several times later.
1002 Many Avengers, Corsairs and Hellcats headed east, evidently returning to
carriers.
1014 Sighted Mariner with two escorting Corsairs 5 miles south headed for FORMOSA.
Communications were particularly strong now, so determined that these must be
RODEO ABLE and FLOUNDER. At last we have made the team and have a semblance of air
cover. Gave RODEO details of our damaged plane sighting.
1033 Relayed message to submarine in area northwest of FORMOSA for FLOUNDER, who
could not make contact over VHF. This message reported a pilot in water in his
area, 25 miles, 330°T from PEITAU KAKU. (This report was changed several times
during the day, and relayed by us each time it was heard.)
1100 After listening in on search instructions between RODEO and FLOUNDER, received
report from RODEO that they had made a thorough search at both positions reported
and could find no indications of downed pilots, that he and FLOUNDER would now
search our reported positions. Told RODEO we would head down that way, too. In a
few minutes sighted Mariner and Corsairs coming from FORMOSA, heading for position
we had given them.
1103 RODEO and FLOUNDER appeared to be searching too far to westward, so repeated
the position, giving time of sighting, position, and set and drift of current, as
had previously been done, and asked him to check his position.
1109 RODEO and his escorting Corsairs now appeared to be coming more to eastward.
At 3 miles, Mariner changed course slowly in our direction, and, when we were
about to wave our greetings, opened up to FLOUNDER with "ENEMY SUBMARINE ON MY
STARBOARD BOW, GET HIM!" Looked around and decided that was us. We still hadn't
made the team, so we fired our flare and established the fact that we were the ones
who had been talking to him all morning. He explained he hadn't known our position,
and that was quite logical, though we were certain he had seen us at least once
during the many times we had had him in sight.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-51N Long. 122-31E.
Earlier, we told the carrier of our sighting, asking if they could sub-
stantiate the event. At that time, the answer was, "THEY WERE NOT CHICKENS".
1201 Gave carrier full details of the dog fight and again asked if they could
substantiate. Reply was, "YES, THANK YOU. THAT WAS A RAT". This meant enemy.
By this time we were back at the morning position and the aircraft, which were
conducting a square search, had found nothing.

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(B) NARRATIVE

U.S.S. ICEFISH

12 April (Cont'd)
1215 Headed back toward SANCHO KAKU to conduct an independent search of the two
positions earlier given off that point. Aircover was expected to arrive before we
could get close to FORMOSA.
1314 Identified ourselves to our aircover, 4 Hellcats, the first we have had to
ourselves.
Escort announced that one of the two reports we were headed to
investigate had been cancelled and that the other was in error, and was meant to be the same as that
which we had relayed to the lifeguard submarine northwest of FORMOSA. This left us
with a beautiful escort of 4 fighters with no place to go, so conducted a search
along retiring courses of aircraft to their carriers.
1432 Aircraft departed due to low fuel.
1436 Submerged 22 miles east of KUSUAN TO.
2001 Surfaced 30 miles east of KUSUAN TO.
2030 APR contact, 180 mc., aircraft, sweeping fast. Signal rapidly increased to
saturation, and at
2031 APR contact, 4 miles, closing to 2. (A.C. #41).
2046 Surfaced.

13 April
0534 Submerged within 5J range of YONAKUNI, near lifeguard station.
0656 Sighted single unidentified aircraft, 10 miles to northward, streaking toward
FORMOSA. (A.C. #42).
0705 Surfaced in smooth seas; skies overcast. Headed for station 10 miles to west-
ward.
0724 Friendly IFF on a large group of aircraft, 13 - 15 miles, not sighted.
During the morning many Avengers, Corsairs and Hellcats were sighted in small
groups. Headed east. Fired flares, exchanged signals by flashing light, but were
unable to raise a station on VHF.
0905 There did not seem to be much activity, no calls for services, so asked
carrier over 4475 KCS if they had anything for us and received reply, "NOT YET".
0944 Sighted a drifting mine, rusty, but with little visible sea growth. Exploded
it with 20 mm.
1002 Sighted Navy Liberator escorted by 2 Hellcats, headed east at high speed. Ex-
changed calls with SLEEPLESS 6, asked him if there was anything for us.."NOTHING".
1012 Fired flare for 4 Hellcats coming in from a cloud on the starboard beam, and
they turned away.
During the morning relayed messages between aircraft and the carrier, and
between carriers.
1057 Received message announcing the death of the President of the United States.
1112 No activity for an hour or so, asked carrier if our services were
needed. Received reply that they would have nothing more for us this date.
1125 Submerged 33 miles east of SANCHO KAKU.
1200 Position: Lat. 25-00N Long. 122-36E.
1910 Sighted unidentified fighter, 10 miles to southward, streaking eastward.
(A.C. #43).
1933 Surfaced 33 miles north of YONAKUNI. APR does not pick up usual land based
radar of this vicinity.

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CONFIDENTLAL
(B) NARRATIVE

13 April (Cont'd)
1938 SD contact, 4 miles. (A.C. #44). Submerged.
2009 Surfaced.
2024 SD contact, 10 miles, opening. No indication of aircraft on APR. (A.C. #45).
2034 Above contact closed to 4 miles, so dived. 2 minutes later he had
closed to 4 miles, so dived. (Believe same as #45).
2125 Surfaced.
Found that APR antenna was open circuited inside the dipole insulator. Had
made necessary repairs and had got one of 6 holding bolts reinstalled when at
2145 SD contact, 9 miles. (A.C. #46). Dived at 6 miles and had him at 3 miles on
SD as we went under.
2154 Loud explosion, believed to be a 500 lb. bomb at least one mile distant.
2315 Surfaced. Had severe vibration due to water leakage through APR cable where
it passes through the hull over the SD. At periscope depth this became a small
deluge and shorted out the SD. About this time, received the report that the
range step of the SJ was out of commission.

14 April
0006 APR back in commission, followed shortly thereafter by SD and SJ.
0137 SD contact, 10 miles. Then range closed to 8 miles submerged. (A.C. #47).
0225 Surfaced.
During the night received orders to depart area.
0532 Submerged 34 miles southwest of YONAKUNI, for a little rest after a hectic
night. Aircraft will probably be searching this area this morning.
1200 Position: Lat. 24-10N Long. 122-23E.
1249 Surfaced, heading south to leave the area.
1255 APR contact, 153 mc., aircraft, sweeping, weak and strong. Apparently he was
making a square search of our morning position.
1345 Strength of APR contact had increased to near saturation. Skies heavily over-
cast; did not want to use radar and give-away our position; dived to wait for him
to finish search of our vicinity. (A.C. #48).
1617 Surfaced, heading south on 4 engines to clear the area. Maintained radar
silence.
1925 APR contact, 153 mc., aircraft. Soon faded out. (A.C. #49).
2057 APR contact, 160 mc., which reached saturation. Looked like aircraft, but
believed to be from vicinity of KISHO TO.
2100 Departed area.

15 April
Enroute GUAM on surface.
1200 Position: Lat. 20-44N Long. 123-20E.
1415 Exchanged identification with Navy Liberator. (A.C. #50).
2200 Held memorial services in honor of the late Franklin D. Roosevelt.
2307 Weak APR contact, 200 mc., with fast sweep, believed to be from friendly sur-
face ships at great range.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH
(B) NARRATIVE

16 April
0701 Sighted friendly task force, bearing 105°T. Changed course to northward and
submerged.
0724 Task force appeared to be closing range, so fired smoke bomb, surfaced, showed
silhouette to destroyer at 18,000 yards, attempted to exchange recognition by
searchlight, but to no avail. Either he was satisfied with our friendly character
or did not see us. Opened out to north and soon lost sight of task force.
1200 Position: Lat. 20-47N Long. 127-53E.

17 April
0318 Have weak interference on SJ radar from three or more ships at great distance
to eastward, drawing slowly to southward.
0407 APR contacts at 228 and 198 mcs., resemble air search radars.
0750 SD radar contact on friendly aircraft at 18 miles. (A.C. #51).
1200 Position: Lat. 20-48N Long. 132-53E.
1525 Sighted large unidentified bomber, 200°T, 13 miles, showing friendly IFF.
(A.C. #52).

18 April
0244 SD contact on friendly aircraft at 16 miles. (A.C. #53).
0620 SD contact on aircraft at 6 miles, range opening. No IFF seen. (A.C. #54).
1200 Position: Lat. 18-13N Long. 137-10E.

19 April
0401 Sighted aircraft showing friendly IFF at 275°T, range 4 miles. (A.C. #55).
0515 Sighted aircraft, 090°T, 14 miles, unidentified, no IFF. (A.C. #56).
0653 Sighted aircraft, 025°T, 12 miles, unidentified, no IFF. (A.C. #57).
0925 APR contact, 118 mc., resembles SD radar.
0935 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. HADDOCK and passed her on opposite
courses.
1200 Position: Lat. 15-39N Long. 141-23E.
1510 Sighted Liberator, 120°T, 6 miles, with IFF. (A.C. #58).
1617 Sighted C-54 transport, 290°T, 6 miles, with IFF. (A.C. #59).

20 April
1315(K) Rendezvoused with escort, DE 701.
Arrived APRA HARBOR, GUAM.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(C) WEATHER

The weather in the area was in general fair with moderate temperatures
throughout. On twenty of the thirty-four days spent in the area the
sky was completely overcast and the visibility was poor. Seas of force four or greater were
experienced during thirteen days of the patrol. The wind and sea directions were
predominately NNE.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

The Kuroshio was very pronounced in its effect in the area between the east
coast of FORMOSA and YONAKUNI JIMA. This current conformed in general to that
shown on the chart, but was influenced by the wind and sea. An average current
with a set of 045°T and a drift of 2 knots was experienced.
Nearer the coast of FORMOSA in the vicinity of KARENKO the current was weak to
strong and variable except north and east of SAIUCHO KAKU, FORMOSA where the
currents were extremely variable and unpredictable. Here strong tidal currents seem-
ed to blend with the Kuroshio but reference to tide tables still did not permit a
prediction of what to expect. Sets varying from 330°T to 010°T with a maximum
drift of 3.5 knots were experienced twenty miles northeast of SAIUCHO KAKU. Ten
miles north of SUAO TO, a southwesterly current with a drift of 1.7 knots was
experienced.
Currents north of YONAKUNI, IRIOMOTE and ISHIGAKI conformed generally to those
shown on the chart. Close off the northern shores of these islands the current was
reduced with an average set of 060°T and a drift of 0.7 knots.
North of MIYAKO a current setting 115°T with a drift of 1.2 knots was experienc-
ed.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

With the strong currents existing and with the sky completely overcast 60% of
the time with accompanying poor visibility, accurate navigation in the area would
have been practically impossible had it not been for the SJ radar. YONAKUNI JIMA
was an excellent point for fixing position with the SJ. In obtaining fixes off the
coast of FORMOSA with the SJ, the PPI scope was invaluable in showing the relation-
ship between mountain ridges, valleys, flat areas, etc.
During daylight while navigating close inshore off FORMOSA, narrow valleys and
tangents cut in fairly well. The high peaks on FORMOSA could be identified only
when one's position was fairly accurately known. These high peaks were obscured
most of the time by low clouds.
The eastern end of YONAKUNI JIMA is apparently incorrectly charted on H.O.
Chart No. 5306 since this tangent would not cut in with either radar or periscope
bearings on other parts of the island.
No navigational lights in this area were observed to be burning.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course & Speed | How Con- tacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 Mar 2330 | 24-52 123-26 | 3 patrols or escorts | 21,000 17,000 21,000 | Circling 2 to 8 knots | SJ | Equipped with radar giv- ing SJ interference. |
| 2 | 3 Apr 2004 | 23-16 121-51 | Unk | 4,850 | Unk | SJ | Pip disappeared while turning to head for. May have been small sub. |

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

No known new types of enemy aircraft were encountered in the area.
With one possible exception, which was the aircraft sighted flying overhead
on the night of March 19 - 20, all night flying aircraft contacts were equipped
with radar within the range of the low frequency APR unit. The one exception
appeared to use radar of 101 mc., with 30 - 35 microsecs., pulse width. Since
KEE LUNG evidently has radar of 100 mc., very similar, it is questionable whether
these are separate and distinct contacts or one and the same. KEE LUNG radar was
picked up whenever we were north of SANCHO KAKU, close to FORMOSA. However, on several
occasions, when in this vicinity, aircraft contacts were made. When there
was the only APR contact extant at the time, and one these occasions, this APR con-
tact varied in intensity much the same as aircraft radar.
On one occasion, after diving for a night flying aircraft a bomb estimated at
500 lbs., was dropped in the vicinity. This was the only occasion when we were
bothered, except by the nuisance of having to dive.
On the whole, aircraft anti-submarine measures seemed apathetic as compared
with previous patrols. There was a marked increase in frequency of night aircraft
contacts after the BRITISH carrier raids on FORMOSA and ISHIGAKI. This may have
been due to the announcement of our presence by a U.S. Navy plane on the first day
of the subject raids; enemy aircraft became very persistent in their search there-
after.

(H) ATTACK DATA

None.

(I) MINES

No mining activity was noted.
Two floating mines were sighted. Attempts to explode the first were unsuccess-
ful. The second exploded readily when hit with 20 mm. The first was covered with
barnacles; the second was rusty brown in color, but little if any sea growth was
noted.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

No new forms of anti-submarine measures were noted.
Submergence when aircraft closed to within 7 miles effectively nullified their
threat.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

1. Hull and Machinery:
22 February: The exhaust elbow on #9 unit of #2 main engine developed a crack
around the base of the lower flange. This crack extended upward into the water
jacket permitting the leakage of fresh water and exhaust gases. Welding of
the crack stopped the leaks.
25 February: A crack was discovered in the water jacket of the inboard
exhaust valve on #2 main engine.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

On 3 - 4 March the U.S.S. HOLLAND repair force electric welded the crack with a
copper silicate rod, first drilling a small hole at each end to
prevent the crack from increasing. With normal pressure on the fresh water
system, several pin holes in the weld were disclosed. Peening temporarily
remedied this defect.
After several days operation, new cracks began to appear around the weld, the
latter itself cracking after one week's operation. No further cracks were ob-
served after 10 days.
The cause for the failure of the exhaust elbow and of the inboard exhaust valve
water jacket is not definitely known. However, it is believed that they may be
a result of the stresses set-up during a depth charge attack experienced on the
first war patrol.
8 March: The bridge repeater flooded. This flooding was caused by improper
packing of the cable by the repair force.
1 April: The boat began to acquire a port list of about 5 degrees. Blowing
the port tanks with the low pressure blower did not completely remove the list.
It is believed that #2B&D M.B.T.'s have either a leaky main vent or a leaky vent
riser. This defect will be determined and remedied during the next refit.
4 April: The field coil in #1 main engine auxiliary cooling pump burned out.
This motor has been flooded several times previously with salt water due to its
location just above the bilges. The motor had been properly cleaned each time.
Megger readings of 50 megohmes had been obtained prior to the burning out of the
coil. A short was probably caused inside the coil by corrosion of the enameled
wire by salt water.

2. Ordnance and Gunnery:
9 March: The 50 cal. ammunition stowage on the starboard side of the cigarette
deck was discovered to be flooded. Examination revealed that the gasket had
come loose and twisted. No evidence could be found of its ever having been
properly cemented in place. This ammunition stowage remained unusable during
remainder of the patrol.

(L) RADIO

In general, communications were satisfactory, particularly on wolf pack
frequencies.
Much trouble was experienced with the VHF until the following defects were
gradually eliminated one by one:
1. Receiver inoperative - replaced the noise gate tube, V7R, the second
detector tube V8R (12SQ75) and also the frequency doubler tube, V13R (6.C7),
and readjusted P1R.
2. Receiver inoperative on band one, removed short to ground in grid lead from
the crystal.

The lack of spare parts and circuit diagrams make servicing of the VHF
difficult. Several tubes in the VHF are not available for spares. The only circuit
information on board is a small mimeographed pamphlet which was received in Pearl
Harbor and which, while of great assistance, is not complete. An instruction book
complete with circuit diagrams, circuit element values, and drawings showing the
location of the various elements should be provided for the proper maintenance of
this equipment.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(L) RADIO

Considerable trouble was experienced in communicating with other boats on VHF
band one, when within 6000 yards. Good communications were impossible outside this
range. Communications with aircraft were quite successful and, on 12 April, during
the first raid on FORMOSA by BRITISH carrier task forces, we acted as relaying
vessel between aircraft and their carrier, between aircraft and another lifeguard
submarine and between aircraft.
Communications, ship to shore, were very satisfactory most of the time, but
were next to impossible on other occasions. Atmospheric conditions and enemy jamm-
ing were responsible. There is little confidence in our ability to clear a message
rapidly at any time desired.
One message, a position and weather report, was transmitted to CHUNGKING while
in the area. This station could not be raised and NPN relayed the message.
The operation of the other radio equipment was satisfactory.

(M) RADAR
SJ Radar:
The operation of the SJ was very satisfactory during this patrol. Mountain
ranges were picked up as far away as 200,000 yards on the third sweep. The total
length of time that the SJ was out of commission while on the surface was about
thirty minutes. Credit for this outstanding performance, and for the generally
excellent condition of other radio and radar gear is due, in no small measure, to
the ability of ANADRIAN, R.B., RT1c, U.S.N.R. His quick diagnoses and remedial
action have been outstanding.
Four times the failure of the regulated rectifier tube (5U4C) caused fuse F7
to blow.
Once arcing occurred in the SJ transmitter in a H.V. lead to the modulation
generator and once it occurred when the plate lead of the 705A arced across to the
chassis. The leads were taped and moved away from the chassis.
The following parts were replaced in the SJ during this patrol:
1 - Magnetron
2 - Klystron local oscillators (726B)
3 - TR tubes (721A)
6 - Regulated rectifier tubes (5U4G)
1 - 5D21 tube
1 - Cathode ray tube.
4 - IF tubes (6AC7)
1 - H.V. rectifier (2x2) in range indicator
2 - Crystals

Maximum ranges obtained on SJ radar:
Small island (750 ft. high) 54,000 yards
Birds - 5,000 yards

ST Radar:
The mica window covering the wave guide on the lower portion of the ST periscope
was changed once in Pearl Harbor soon after installation and once while on patrol
due to the leakage of sea water around the window into the wave guide. No
further trouble has been experienced.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(L) RADAR

ST Radar (Cont'd)
Three times fuse F3 was blown when the contact breakers on the selector switch
solenoid failed to operate when switching from SJ to ST. No damage was sustained
by the solenoid.
The ST tuning was unstable requiring frequent adjustment of the receiver tune
control and complete retuning of the ST about five times during the patrol. It is
understood that an automatic frequency control is at present under development.
The failure of the 5U4G's in the regulated rectifiers is attributed to the
additional load of the ST on the SJ radar.
The following parts were replaced in the ST radar during this patrol:
2 - Pre IF (6AK5) tubes
2 - TR tubes
2 - Crystals

Maximum ranges obtained on ST radar:
Small island (750 ft. high) - 30,000 with 42 ft. periscope
exposed.
High mountains - 28,000 yards with 2 ft. periscope exposed.

The ST radar became less sensitive as the patrol progressed.

SD Radar:
The operation of the SD radar was satisfactory.
Once the plate current became excessive (about 20 MA) and the overload relay
would not trip out. It was found that the ground connection for C102, the high
voltage rectifier condenser, was not making contact to the chassis. The
connection appeared to be firmly attached, but was found to be open circuited by
ohmeter test. A good ground connection was made and the trouble cleared.
The following tubes were replaced in the SD during this patrol:
1 - Sweep tube V211 (6V6)
1 - IFF amplifier V218 (6AG7)
1 - RF (9001)
1 - IF (6SK7)
2 - Oscillator tubes V101, V102 (8014A)

Maximum ranges obtained on SD radar:
Single aircraft - 8-20 miles
Group of aircraft - 30 miles
Land (high mountains) - 38 miles

IFF Equipment:
The operation of the ABK was satisfactory.
The operation of the BN was satisfactory, giving IFF signals on the SD at
ranges of 20 to 25 miles.
The following tubes were replaced in the BN during this patrol:
1 - V-25 (5-U4G)
1 - V-23 (15E)
1 - V-20 (6L6)

- 26 -

— page 110 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

(a) Radar Countermeasures.

(1) Intercept of enemy signals, with estimated location and character.

| Contact No. | Date | Time | Freq Mc. | PRF cps | Pulse length microsec | Lat.N | Long.E | Remarks |
| :| :--- | :--- | :------- | :------ | :| :---- | :----- | :------ |
| 1 | 12 Mar | 0039 | 155 | 500 | 10 | 24-42 | 123-16 | Land based on YONAKUNI JIMA. Sweep-ing very slowly and irregularly. |
| 2 | 12 Mar | 0545 | 157 | 450 | 10 | 24-48 | 123-38 | Land based on IRIOMOTE JIMA. Irregular sweeps. |
| 3 | 12 Mar | 2004 | 146 | 450 | 12 | 24-44 | 123-47 | Land based on ISHIGAKI JIMA, sat-urated when trained on our bearing at 13-20 miles. Irregular sweeps, slow then rapid then slow then rapid sweep. |
| 4 | 15 Mar | 0210 | 200 | 500 | 10 | 24-41 | 122-49 | Land based on SUOWAN, FORMOSA - weak, steady sweep. |
| 5 | 15 Mar | 0335 | 77 | 500 | 32 | 24-44 | 123-35 | Land based on SUOWAN. This contact was present at all times near N.E. FORMOSA and was saturated when close to SUO WAN. |
| 6 | 15 Mar | 0445 | 168 | 450 | 6 | 24-46 | 122-25 | Land based on FORMOSA - weak, sweep-ing about 1 rpm. |
| 7 | 15 Mar | 0550 | 100 | 900 | 12 | 24-50 | 122-16 | Aircraft. Weak at first then sudden-ly saturated. SJ picked up aircraft 7.5 miles. No SD contact. Dived. | Pulse before reaching saturation |
| 8 | 16 Mar | 0130 | 155 | 500 | 10 | 24-45 | 122-40 | Same as #1. Sweeping 4 rpm, then started keying. Swung ship and determined that minimum response came from approx. 120°T, bearing of YONAKUNI JIMA. |
| 9 | 16 Mar | 0220 | 160 | 200 | 7 | 24-45 | 122-32 | Aircraft. Strong and keying. Lost SD contact. |
| 10 | 16 Mar | 0545 | 160-161 | 500 | 7 | 24-45 | 122-46 | Land based - SANCHO KAKU, FORMOSA. Sweeping, 5 rpm. |
| 11 | 16 Mar | 0550 | 155 | 400 | 7 | 24-46 | 122-46 | Probably same as #1. Keying. |
| 12 | 16 Mar | 1210 | 98 | 500-700 | 5-15 | 24-35 | 122-25 | Land based on KEELUNG or PEITAU KAKU. Pulse width appeared to change on scope as radar swept across our bearing. Maximum width at maximum intensity. ¼" high on scope. |
| 13 | 17 Mar | 0135 | 98 | 500 | 30 | 25-06 | 122-27 | May be same as #12, but different pulse width. |

- 29 -

— page 111 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH

| Con-tact No. | Date Time | Freq Mc. | PRF cps | Pulse length microsec | Lat.N Long.E | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 17 Mar 1125 | 98 | 700 | 25 | 24-50 122-32 | May be same as #12, but different pulse width. |
| 15 | 17 Mar 1450 | 165 | 500 | 5 | 24-51 122-19 | Same as #6. |
| 16 | 17 Mar 2150 | 98 | 700 | 15-22 | 24-44 122-46 | Land based. Weak (Max. 1/16" on scope) and sweeping. Do not believe same as #12. |
| 17 | 19 Mar 0610 | 98 | 750 | 35 | 25-00 122-16 | Strong one sweep and #10. Several #13 and #14. |
| 18 | 19 Mar 1950 | 158 | 450 | 5-7 | 25-14 122-18 | Land based on HOKA SHO. Sweeps then off for 5 min., then several more sweeps. |
| 19 | 19 Mar 2145 | 101 | 750 | 30-35 | 25-15 122-21 | Varying, but weak intensity (Max. ¼" on scope). Had aircraft contact when intensity was max. 98 mc. Contact was not present and did not occur again in this vicinity. Believed to be aircraft radar, because of varying intensity. May have been #17. |
| 20 | 19 Mar 2230 | 158 | 450 | 5-7 | 25-19.5 122-10 | Same as #18 - max. ¼" on scope on one bearing for several minutes. |
| 21 | 20 Mar 0019 | 101 | 750 | 30-35 | 25-17 122-31 | Same as #19. At 0102 when intensity was maximum (¼"), dived for aircraft, 7 miles. |
| 22 | 21 Mar 2235 | 101 | — | — | 24-42 122-34 | Same as #19. Too weak to see on SPA. |
| 23 | 22 Mar 0510 | 101 | 600 | 35 | 25-08 122-23 | Same as #19. Sweeping 1-2 rpm. |
| 24 | 25 Mar 1905 | 146 | 400 | 12 | 24-54 124-20 | Same as #2. Sweeping, became saturated and started keying then trained off. Several times keyed after SJ sweep. Lost contact 2130. |
| 25 | 28 Mar 2125 | 151 | 900 | 8-10 | 24-42 123-22 | Aircraft. All four keying and high intensity. Lost contact at 2155. |
| " | " | 152 | 750 | 8-10 | " | |
| " | " | 155 | 900 | 10-12 | " | |
| " | " | 155 | 1300 | 10-12 | " | |
| " | " | 155 | 900 | 8-10 | " | |
| 26 | 29 Mar 2150 | 100 | 500 | 10-12 | 24-50 123-28 | Keying, weak. Aircraft. |
| 27 | 30 Mar 2220 | 100 | 700 | 35 | 25-17 124-55 | Two very weak sweeps. Aircraft. |
| 28 | 31 Mar 2009 | 99 | 700 | 35 | 25-17 124-55 | Sweeping. Land based, possibly on MIYAKO JIMA. |
| 29 | 31 Mar 2038 | 152 | 500 | 12-15 | 25-11 124-57 | One sweep. ¼" high. Aircraft. | - 30 - |

— page 112 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. ICEFISH

Con-
tact Date Freq PRF Pulse Lat.N Remarks
No. Time Mc. cps length Long.E
microsec
30 31 Mar 200-225 60 5-7 25-11 Very weak. Probably U.S. Surface
2145 124-55 craft.
31 31 Mar 155 900 5-7 25-20 Weak, sweeping slowly. Suddenly
2355 124-49 came on. SD contact,
keyed into saturation. Closed to 7
aircraft 10 miles.
32 1 Apr 160 - 6-8 25-08 Aircraft. Keying 1/8" high, never
1317 124-24 stronger.
33 2 Apr 158 500 8 24-18 Weak, sweeping slowly. Probably
0520 122-25 aircraft.
34 2 Apr 148 450 6 24-05 Possibly land based, on FORMOSA.
0650 122-19
35 2 Apr 155 500 8-10 23-46 Came on suddenly to 3/4", sweeping
0911 122-08 fast. Lost contact at 0925. No
aircraft sighted.
36 2 Apr 156 500 8-10 23-26 1" high. Sweeping slowly. Lost
1045 121-55 contact at 1050. No aircraft sight-
ed.
37 2 Apr 153 500 8-10 24-14 One sweep 3/4" high; aircraft.
2101 121-53
38 3 Apr 148 500 6 22-40 Irregular sweeps. Land based.
0445 122-21
39 3 Apr 96 600 40 22-40 ½" high, sweeping. Became sat-
0915 121-48 urated when 19 miles N.E. of
KASHO TO.
40 3 Apr 155 500 8 23-16 Weak. Sweeping - land based.
2015 121-50
41 3 Apr 158 - - 23-16 One sweep, very weak. Aircraft.
2025 121-50
42 4 Apr 153 900 8 23-50 Came on saturated; SD contact
0502 121-53 aircraft 9 miles. Dived.
43 4 Apr 168 500 6 24-03 Weak, several slow sweeps and out.
1918 121-48 Probably aircraft.
44 4 Apr 155 500 8 24-03 Weak at first, increased. Swept a
1918 121-48 few times and off. Aircraft.
45 4 Apr 153 400 8 23-55 Weak and sweeping. Land based.
2110 122-02
46 5 Apr 150 450 6-8 24-10 Came on saturated, stayed saturat-
0505 121-51 ed until we dived (20 min.) Land
based.
47 7 Apr 100 - 20 25-17 Weak, slow sweeps. Too weak to
0213 122-25 measure accurately.
48 10 Apr 160 250 8-10 24-36 Aircraft. Weak and sweeping.
0145 122-37
49 11 Apr 175 200 10 24-26 Weak and sweeping at first then
0030 122-34 steady on us and increased to sat-
uration. SD contact - aircraft 8
miles. Dived 0045; surfaced 0154
and still had 175 mc contact. In-
creased to saturation at 0212. No
SD contact. Dived.

Contact gave indication of antenna
switching arrangement for bearing. Two
superimposed pulses showed on SPA. Height
of each varied. Apparently aircraft.
We attempted to keep height of each equal.
- 31 -

— page 113 —
CONFIDENTI.L
U.S.S. ICEFISH

| Con-tact No. | Date Time | Freq cps | PRF | Pulse length microsec | Lat.N Long.E | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 12 Apr 0145 | 180 | 200 | 10 | 24-34 122-39 | Weak and sweeping, when first picked up increased to saturation. |
| 51 | 12 Apr 2030 | 180 | 60 | 3-5 | 24-50 122-33 | Sweeping extremely fast. Increased contact at 6 miles, closed to 4 as we dived. |
| 52 | 14 Apr 0518 | 154 | 450 | 6-7 | 24-07 122-23 | 4" high and sweeping. Land based. |
| 53 | 14 Apr 1930 | 153 | 500 | 6-8 | 23-28 121-57 | One fast sweep, weak. Aircraft. |
| 54 | 14 Apr 2100 | 160 | 400 | 5 | 22-58 121-43 | 4" high. Sweeping. Became saturated at 2145. Lat. 22-50 Long. 121-38. Land based, possibly on KASHO TO. |

Note: No attempt has been made to list all repetitions of land based radar
contacts. Estimates of location are based upon a plot of land based
contacts vs intensity.
Character estimates are based upon type of sweep, position,
and presence of aircraft.

(2) Jamming, own and enemy:

(a) Own - none.
(b) Enemy -
At 2330, 23 March 1945, Lat. 24-52N Long. 123-56E, contact was
made with three radar equipped vessels, believed to be patrols. Be-
fore actual radar contact, at 21,000 yards, the SJ interference on
our SJ radar scope appeared to have all the characteristics of
the case of two of three vessels; the third appeared to be 10 cm.
having a double pulse, but with narrow pulse width (about 3-5 microsecs.
(See Fig. 2) When closed to about 15,000 yards the first type was
analyzed as the same as SJ), and pulse repetition rate slightly higher.
(See Fig. 1) At ranges 9000 - 10,000 yards, they appeared to have
attempted to jam. This measure was not effective, since they
did not seem able to match frequencies for sufficient length of
time to bother us. The jamming took the appearance of high grass.
That our SJ was causing them interference was obvious. When the
[UNCLEAR: enemy] turned on for an intermittent sweep, they trained on our
bearing and commenced to jam.
From a comparison with other SJ equipped submarines, it was
estimated that the enemy radar was 2/3 to 3/4 as powerful as SJ.
Magnetron in use: 706 BY.

SD radar jamming was experienced for short periods of 15 - 30
seconds at a time while on lifeguard duty 12 and 13 April, in Lat.
24-50N Long. 122-32E. The effect of this jamming was to cause erratic
"jumping" of the sweep and simultaneous disappearance of the grass.

- 32 -

— page 114 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTI.L

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, R.D.R. AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

(a) Radar Countermeasures

(2) Jamming, own and enemy:

(b) Enemy (Cont'd)

[Diagram Fig. 1] [Diagram Fig. 2]
Fig. 1 Fig. 2

(b) Communications Countermeasures

(1) Intercept of enemy signals

No enemy signals were intercepted.

(2) Jamming by enemy

| Date | Lat.N | Long.E | Type | Freq. | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Mar | 25-04.5 | 122-28.5 | CW keying | 9090-6045 | Ineffective. |
| 24 Mar | 24-52 | 123-25 | CW keying | 9050 | Very slight. |
| 24 Mar | 24-52 | 123-25 | Verbiage key- | 4235 | Very effective, made clear- |
| | | | ing | | ing of message impossible. |
| 25 Mar | 24-48 | 122-02 | CW keying | 9050 | Ineffective. |
| 26 Mar | 25-07 | 124-19 | CW keying | 2374 | Strong, but did not hinder |
| | | | | | communications. |
| 27 Mar | 25-17.5 | 124-16.5 | CW keying | 9050 | Eliminated by shifting to |
| | | | | | 9090. |
| 27 Mar | 25-17.5 | 124-16.5 | Steady CW | 2350 | Made copying difficult. |
| | | | keying | | |
| 30 Mar | 25-10 | 123-30 | Broken keying | 2374 | Caused numerous groups to |
| | | | | | be missed. |
| 31 Mar | 25-25 | 123-17.5 | Steady keying | 2258 | Very effective, but not |
| | | | | | persistent enough. |
| 1 Apr | 25-36 | 124-45 | Broken keying | 9050 | Not effective. |
| 2 Apr | 24-50 | 123-00.5 | Broken keying | 2160 | Very effective, blocked out |
| | | | and bagpipe | | signal. |
| 11 Apr | 24-25 | 122-40 | Broken keying | 9090 | Ineffective. |
| 12 Apr | 24-42 | 122-47 | Buzz saw, brok- | 4475 | Prevented reception of |
| | | | en keying, sweep | | some messages. |
| | | | through and voice | | |

(3) Deception by enemy
Occurred on 13 March 1945, when attempting to transmit message on
4235 KCS. Station purporting to be NPN answered up, but would not
authenticate. This lack of authentication and indiscriminate use of
"Q" signals led us to conclude that it was actually an enemy station.

- 33 -

— page 115 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH
(U) COMMUNICATIONS, R.D.R AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES.

(c) Sonar Countermeasures

No sonar countermeasures were experienced.

(V) REMARKS

It is quite obvious that we have control of the sea and limited control of the
air in the area patrolled.
The only excitement on this patrol was during the strikes by BRITISH aircraft.
The only reports of downed aviators received during these raids were cancelled or
relayed to the lifeguard submarine in the adjacent area. ICEFISH therefore saved
no aviators.
The only contact in the area was with three patrol vessels or escorts which
carried radar similar to our SJ. One of these carried radar barely distinguishable
from SJ. Their tactics were to circle at slow speed, change course radically, and
attempt to jam our radar. They acted like an anti-submarine group. No contacts
were reported by either of the other submarines of the group.

- 34 -

— page 116 —
F35-202/A16-3
Serial: 014
CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS ICEFISH
A16-3 Ser: 06
of 4-20-45
Report of 3rd War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of War Patrol number
THREE.

1. The third War Patrol of the U.S.S. ICEFISH conducted
in the East China Sea, Northeast and East of Formosa was of sixty
days duration, thirty-five of which were spent on station. The
Commanding Officer of the ICEFISH was in command of a Coordinated
Attack Group which included the S.A. FISH and KINGFISH.

2. All but three days of this patrol were spent on
life guard duty. Our sky borne brethren put on a remarkable no
dunking display and provided ICEFISH no opportunities for life
saving.

3. Despite excellent area coverage there was but one
contact that afforded possibilities of attack (23 March). Close
initial radar ranges, definite radar indications, and unusual
evolutions of the three ships involved proclaim their probable
identity as patrol vessels. Unfortunately the opportunity to
close and investigate was lost when garbled messages fell on
ICEFISH in trouble and in need of assistance. In view
of the nature of the information received, the Commanding Officer
is considered justified in leaving his contact and heading for
FUFFLER's report position to render aid.

4. The ICEFISH is commended for her exceptional clean-
liness on return from patrol and for submission of a perfectly
prepared refit book. The ICEFISH is in very good material condi-
tion and no difficulty is anticipated in completing refit in the
normal fourteen day period.

-1-
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

21 April 1945.

— page 118 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY

                                        Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                        San Francisco, California.
                                        22 April 1945.

FC5-20/A16-3

Serial: 084

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO ICEFISH ltr. SS367/
A16-3, Serial 06 of
20 April 1945.

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

Subject:          U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of War Patrol number
                  THREE.

1.                Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of Commander
Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED TWO.

                                        L. S. PARKS.

— page 119 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0987 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
CONFIDENTIAL 1 May 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
ICEFISH Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Third War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 730
U.S.S. ICEFISH THIRD WAR PATROL.

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

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of Third War Patrol
(20 February to 20 April 1945).

1. The third war patrol of the ICEFISH was conducted in the areas
northeast and east of Formosa. The commanding officer, Commander R. W. Peterson,
was also the group commander of a coordinated attack group which
included the ICEFISH, KINGFISH, and SAWFISH. Lifeguard services were rendered in
addition to offensive patrol.

2. It is regretted that no targets or opportunity to effect rescue were
encountered during this patrol. The Force Commander wishes the ICEFISH better luck
next time.

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

MERRILL COMSTOCK.
DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) All Squadron and Div. (2)
CNO (5) Commanders, Pacific (2)
Cincpac (6) Substrainpac (2)
JICPOA (1) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
AdICPOA (1)
Comservpac (1) [SIGNATURE: @ Y. Hynes and]
CincLant (1)
Comsubslent (8) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
S/M School, NL (2) Flag Secretary.
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (1) EXTRA : ORIGINAL
Comsovespac (2) SORG_ MICRO
Comsubsovespac (1) PHOTO-LAB OP-16
CTG 71.9 (2) RETURN TO F-4253
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubspac (1)
ComsubspacAdComd (3)
ComsubspacSubordCom (20)
[STAMP: FILMED]

— page 120 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]

SS367/A16-3
Serial: (010)

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.
4 July 1945.

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367).
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division THREE HUNDRED-TWO.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY.
(3) Commander Submarines, SEVENTH Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH, Report of War Patrol number FOUR.
Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSub7thFlt)

1.
Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the HAINAN, HONG KONG, FORMOSA, SIAM GULF and JAVA SEA areas during
the period 15 May 1945 to 4 July 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R.W. PETERSON]
R.W. PETERSON.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9] [HANDWRITTEN: DATE 5/30/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 136605]

— page 121 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH

(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived GUAM from Third War Patrol April 20, 1945. Refitted by Submarine
Division 202 and U.S.S. PROTEUS April 21 - May 6, 1945.
This was an exceptionally thorough and excellent refit, all defects having
been expertly corrected and the ship made spotlessly clean. Officers and crew were
very appreciative, when they filed through the ship on an inspection tour, to find
everything perfectly ship-shape and (shades of prewar Saturday inspections) to find
relief crew cooks and mess cooks in whites, tables set, complete with new cloths
and a delicious roast of beef being prepared in the galley for our returning men.
It was an unexpected holiday for our cooks and was very gratifying to all hands.
Also, it was our best roast beef to date.
Ship was sound-tested May 8, 1945; not depermed.
Ship was drydocked.
Training, conducted under the supervision of Commander Submarine Division 202,
included 2 days of battle surface firing, surface and submerged practice approaches
and firing of 3 MK14-3A and 1 MK18-2 torpedoes.
Loaded May 14 with 16 MK14-3A torpedoes forward; 6 MK18-2 and 3 MK27 torpedoes
aft.
Readiness for sea May 15, 1945.
The following officer personnel changes were effected:

Transferred:- Lieut. Comdr. G.G. HINMAN, U.S.N.
            Lt.(jg) J.A. REILLY, U.S.N.R.
            Lt.(jg) P.J. SCHAUER, U.S.N.R.
Reported aboard:- Lt.(jg) J.F. HEARD, U.S.N.R.
            Ensign D.C. BEATTY, U.S.N.R.
            Ensign F.L. BRENGEL, U.S.N.R.

Twelve enlisted men were replaced from Division 202 relief crew.

- 1 -

— page 122 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE

                                        Officers and Chief Petty Officers
                  On Board with Number of Patrols (Includes ICEFISH Fourth)

NAME                                                              NO. WAR PATROLS

Comdr. Richard W. PETERSON, USN                                          9
Lieut. Grant A. PALMER, USN                                              3
Lieut. Keith G. NICHOLS, USNR                                           12
Lieut. Samuel E. CLARK, USN                                              7
Lieut. Norman H. PALTER, USNR                                            2
Lieut. Kenith V. LINDSTROM, USN                                          7
Lt.(jg) Jack F. HEARD, USNR                                              1
Lt.(jg) Lawrence M. ISAACS, USNR                                         4
Ensign Donald C. BEATTY, USNR                                            1
Ensign Frederick L. BRENGEL, USNR                                        1

SMITH, Charlie E. CTM(AA)(T)(SS), USN                                  12
WOODSON, Dan R. CQM(SS), USN                                             6
LINE, Gordon J. CRM(AA)(SS), USNR                                        5
NORRIS, Joseph W. CMOMM(SS), USN                                        10
ELSTON, Joseph W. CMOMM(AA)(T)(SS), USN                                 14
WITT, Charles E. CEM(AA)(T)(SS), USN                                    12
HAGER, John P. CPHM(AA)(T), USN                                          3

May 15
1501(K) Underway from alongside U.S.S. PROTEUS, APRA HARBOR, GUAM for Fourth War
        Patrol in accordance with Comsubspac OpOrder No. 107-45, enroute SWPA
        for patrol as ordered by C.T.F. 71. Escorted by DE 49.

1732    Made trim dive.
2035    Released escort.
2200    Set all clocks back one hour to -9 zone (ITEM) time.

May 16
1200(I) Position: Lat. 15°-55'N Long. 140°-58'E.

May 17
1200(I) Position: Lat. 18°-35'N Long. 136°-23'E.

May 18
1200(I) Position: Lat. 20°-39'N Long. 132°-00'E.

May 19
1200(I) Position: Lat. 20°-41'N Long. 128°-33'E.

May 20
0330(I) Made radar contact on BALINTANG ISLAND.

                                        - 2 -

— page 123 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE

May 20 (Cont'd)
0522(I) Submerged for passage of BALINTANG CHANNEL, keeping in mind the enemy
       submarine contacts previously made in this area. Routined torpedoes.
       No. 2 periscope will not shift to low power due, apparently, to a
       broken gear or ribbon. Will not attempt repairs since it is still good
       in high power.
1200 Position: Lat. 19°-51'N Long. 121°-44'E.
2027 Surfaced.
2033 Transmitted ICEFISH First to C.T.F. 71, reporting for duty in Southwest
       Pacific Area.

May 21
1200(I) Position: Lat. 20°-05'N Long. 118°-25'E.
1204 Sighted large unidentified aircraft, 14 miles to northward, closing. No
       contact on SD radar which we are keying 5 secs. out of every 30 secs.
       Submerged. (A.C. #1)
1250 Surfaced.
1532 With beautifully clear skies and unlimited visibility had SD contact at
       6 miles, closing, and at 3 miles still coming in when SD went under.
       Plane was not sighted despite excellent weather. (A.C. #2). This was not
       good range on what must have been a high flying aircraft. Checked the
       SD, found nothing wrong.
1714 Surfaced.
1823 Received C.T.F. 71 orders to patrol area south of HAINAN.
1910 Lookout sighted large unidentified aircraft, 10 miles, closing.
       Altitude was sufficient for a normal SD radar to make contact at 20 miles.
       Submerged. (A.C. #3)
2036 Surfaced.

May 22
0000(I) Set all clocks back one hour to -8 zone (HOW) time. Henceforth, all
       times will be HOW unless otherwise designated.
0711(H) Sighted large unidentified aircraft, 10 miles, high and closing from
       southward. Submerged. (A.C. #4). (Radar Officer is about ready to
       give up).
0852 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 18°-37'N Long. 114°-54'E.
1300 Another beautifully clear day, had SD contact at 3 miles which was in the
       transmitted pulse as we went under. This is a disconcerting experience,
       when neither SD or competent lookouts can detect aircraft. Today's and
       yesterday's fast, unsighted contacts are quite likely enemy interceptors
       flying high, lying in wait for friendly patrol planes. They evidently
       are not equipped with bombs. (A.C. #5). Again checked for SD trouble
       without success.
1518 Surfaced.

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May 23
0842    Sighted unidentified 2-engine bomber, 9 miles to westward, closing.
        Submerged. (A.C. #6). Held fire control drills, training new TDC and
        plotting officers.
1104    Surfaced.
1200    Position: Lat. 17°-45'N Long. 111°-43'E.
1741    Received C.T.F. 71 orders to patrol south of HONG KONG starting night of
        31st.
1800    Entered patrol area 68 miles southeast of HAINAN ISLAND.
2145-0045 Atmospheric electrical disturbances causing St. Elmo's fire which
        resulted in effectively blanking out all frequencies of the APR, and severe
        radio interference.
        During the night coated SD mast insulators with glyptol and brought
        mast readings up from less than 1 megohm to consistent readings of infinity.
        (It is routine on ICEFISH to wash all antennae insulators, VHF and APR
        antennae with fresh water each night after surfacing, followed by megger
        tests as practicable. This has paid dividends in the past.) We are now
        anxious to test the SD on a contact.

May 24
0216    Received aircraft contact report of shipping sighted in YULIN BAY May 21st.
        Cannot arrive off YULIN BAY until long after daybreak so will investigate
        tomorrow. Report is now almost two days old.
0520    Submerged 68 miles southeast of CAPE BASTION for patrol of possible
        shipping routes from HONG KONG-FRENCH INDO CHINA. Our last information
        on this area was verbal and very much out dated, so decided to check on
        our coverage, etc. Changed all tubes in SD and did some engine checking
        and repair. Held fire control drills.
1200    Position: Lat. 17°-14'N Long. 109°-53'E.
2019    Surfaced 52 miles southeast of CAPE BASTION and set course for patrol
        of YULINKAN BAY tomorrow, patrolling east and west during the night.
        Due to unlimited visibility in bright moonlight, SJ radar is being
        keyed infrequently.
2029    APR contacts at 152 and 75 mcs.; both contacts weak and sweeping irregu-
        larly. Believed to be land based.
2132    Weak APR contacts at 160 and 190 mcs., with aircraft characteristics, for
        brief period. (A.C. #7).

May 25
0506    Submerged for patrol off YULIN BAY. Closed to within 5 miles to look into
        harbor. Saw nothing in either YULIN or GAALONG BAY. Took moving pictures.
1200    Position: Lat. 18°-03'N Long. 109°-32'E.
1240    Sighted unidentified two engine aircraft 14 miles to northeast, heading
        to the northeast. (A.C. #8).
2029    Surfaced 19 miles southeast of CAPE BASTION. Decided to have a look
        at the southern part of the area.

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May 26
0502 Submerged 67 miles northeast of PRESQU'ILE de TIEN SHA, FRENCH INDO CHINA
       to routine torpedoes and hold fire control drills.
1200 Position: Lat. 17°-00'N Long. 109°-15'E.
1348 Surfaced for surface patrol in a large square to eastward and northward
       to intercept what ought to be shipping routes to HONG KONG, if there were any
       shipping.
1400 APR contact, land based, 152 mcs.
       At dark commenced patrol to southwest.

May 27
0506 Submerged 25 miles northeast of FRENCH INDO CHINA COAST, as far south as
       we can get in this area. Worked to westward. During the day maneuvered
       through a group of a dozen or so sailing junks, but no shipping was
       observed. These junks were all identical in appearance and were obviously
       fishing. (S.C. #1).
1200 Position: Lat. 16°-34'N Long. 108°-35'E.
2022 Surfaced and patrolled to northeast during the night.
2100 APR contact, 98 mcs., land-based, sweeping slowly.
2130 APR contact, 190 mcs., briefly, with aircraft characteristics. (A.C. #9)
2300 Sighted junk, 8000 yards; avoided.
       Proceeding for another day's submerged patrol of YULIN BAY. HAINAN radar
       is quiet tonight.

May 28
0511 Had strong APR interference from HAINAN, so submerged 22 miles south of
       YULIN BAY, closing.
       During morning haze and periscope fogging prevented sighting HAINAN.
1200 Position: Lat. 18°-53'N Long. 109°-41'E.
1237 According to our best estimate we should now be 7 miles south of CAPE
       RHINOCEROS but still can't see the island, so surfaced, sighted HAINAN
       and obtained SJ range of 18 miles, indicating a strong southerly set.
       With the existing surface haze decided we could see little if anything of
       the harbor, so commenced surface patrol to southwest.
2331 Commenced running through a large Indonesian junk fishing fleet, all with
       sails furled, lying to, nets out. Went close aboard several - saw noth-
       ing but frightened natives so did not molest them. (S.C. #2).

May 29
1200 Surface patrol. Held fire control and TDC drills, training new officers
       and crew.
       Position: Lat. 16°-47'N Long. 109°-58'E.
2000 Commenced closing HAINAN for submerged patrol tomorrow.

May 30
1052 Sighted aircraft, BETTY, 8 miles to southwest. (A.C. #10). This might
       have been a B-25. Identification was not positive.

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May 30 (Cont'd)
1155 Position now 3.5 miles south of YULINKAN BAY. Could see entire harbor,
     but no signs of shipping or other activity, except for white smoke in the
     hills behind the harbor. Observed an east-west line of large inverted-
     cone-shaped black buoys about 1 mile south of the shore line, and running
     from GAALONG BAY to YULINKAN BAY. (These may mark a channel through a
     mine field). Worked to eastward. Nothing seen in GAALONG BAY.
1200 Position: Lat. 18°-05N Long. 109°-37'E.
2014 Surfaced 18 miles south of HAINAN and set course to eastward, proceeding
     to area south of HONG KONG.
2020 APR contact, land-based, 190 mcs., with image frequency at 130 mcs. If
     the experts had not warned us, we probably would have thought these two
     different contacts.

May 31
0315 Departed area Charlie One in accordance with orders of C.T.F. 71.
0509 Trim dive and training dive.
0630 Surfaced.
0902 Sighted unidentified 2-engine aircraft, 8 miles, high and closing. SD
     radar again failed its test. Radar Officer again in the doldrums.
     (A.C.R. #11). No IFF.
1022 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 18°-45'N Long. 111°-38'E.
1341 Sighted unidentified 2-engine aircraft 10 miles to southward. O.O.D.
     dived before ascertaining plane's course. No IFF. No SD contact.
     (A.C.R. #12).
1416 Surfaced.
2008 Sighted bobbing lights of 6 fishing junks off southeast coast of HAINAN;
     avoided after closing sufficiently to identify. No SJ contact at
     estimated 8000 yards. (S.C. #3).
2026 SJ radar contact 2100 yards. Operator insisted it was not a bird but was
     a solid and steady pip. Avoided and lost contact at 2200 yards. It is
     very dark so doubt whether it could have been anything but debris.
     During the night let go a radar window balloon, attached by a long cord
     to the ship, in an effort to tune the SD. Best range, when tuning was
     optimum, 2 miles. (Radar Officer now stymied).
     During the night received C.T.F. 71 orders for lifeguard station
     along a route being flown by China based C-54's enroute to the PHILIPPINES.

June 1
0430 Submerged for high periscope patrol near tonight's station. Time available
     does not permit surface coverage of any likely spots and there seems no
     point in unnecessarily availing ourselves as target vessel for an enemy
     torpedo, as happened recently with TIGRONE in this area.
2006 Surfaced and patrolled on lifeguard station.

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(B) NARRATIVE

June 2
0330 Lifeguard duty completed; nothing for us today, so headed north toward
     GAP ROCK.
0457 Submerged.
1200 Position: Lat. 21°-06'N Long. 113°-57'E.
1955 Surfaced 39 miles south of GAP ROCK.
2010 APR contact, 76 mcs., land-based.
2135 Sighted aircraft 500 yards, flying up our starboard side at 100 ft.
     Submerged amidst controversy as to type, opinions varying
     from a big flying boat to a single-engine land plane. (A.C. #13).
2147 Surfaced. Patrolled to southwest during night.

June 3
0447 Submerged.
0539 Surfaced and headed for lifeguard station at maximum speed.
0918 In VHF communication with aircraft.
0946 Sighted PBM, 25 miles. (A.C. #14).
0948 Aircraft informed us he was returning to base and had nothing for us.
1016 Surfaced 36 miles southeast of GAP ROCK.
1020 Submerged.
1200 Position: Lat. 21°-24'N Long. 114°-23'E.
1358 Surfaced for air intelligence broadcast.
1413 APR contact, 164 mcs., land-based, possibly LEMA ISLAND.
1431 Submerged. No messages.
1727 Patrolled to south of HONG KONG during night.
     Aircraft reports of shipping in YULINKAN BAY continue to come in. An
     analysis of previous patrol reports, and our own lack of contacts south of
     YULINKAN lead to the conclusion that shipping uses the China coastal
     route, close in, thence through the channel north of St. John Island.
     This is all a blind-bombing zone, but, unless the west coast
     of St. John Island has been dredged, shipping enroute HONG KONG to HAINAN
     must pass south of the island, at which point the blind-bombing zone
     comes closest (about 7 miles) to the coast. Plan patrol off Point St.
     John in near future.

June 4
0243 Heard aircraft calling any or all submarines on APR. Established
     communication on VHF with PBM and sighted plane at 2 miles. (A.C. #15).
0445 Submerged.
0929 Surfaced for air intelligence broadcast. Nothing for us.
0952 Submerged.
1200 Position: Lat. 21°-02'N Long. 114°-31'E.
1728 Surfaced and set course to westward for patrol off St. John Point tonight
     and tomorrow, outside of blind bombing zone.
2045 Received C.T.F. 71 040153 directing ICEFISH to relieve BLUEGILL southwest
     of FORMOSA. Set course for new area at 3 engine speed.

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June 5
0108 Transmitted ICEFISH Third to C.T.F. 71 acknowledging orders.
1015 SJ radar interference bearing 045°T about 30 miles.
1116 Exchanged recognition signals by SJ with BUMPER. (S.C. #4).
1200 Position: Lat. 21°-33'N Long. 116°-42'E.
1846 Received lifeguard assignment for June 6.
2104 Heard voices on APR and established VHF contact with PBM, just as plane
passed overhead.
Took this opportunity to retune the SD radar, while aircraft circled us at
our request. Maximum range on a PBM - 3 miles! We have changed every tube
and checked everything conceivably defective.
2303 SJ radar interference, 130°T.
2320 Exchanged recognition with BLUEGILL. (S.C. #5).

June 6
0045 100 yards abeam of BLUEGILL waiting for their second boat (first one
collapsed about the time party was to embark).
0225 Comdr. E.L. Barr, U.S.N. came aboard for conference.
0235 Received message cancelling lifeguard duty. Weather is making up.
0340 Commanding Officer, BLUEGILL, left the ship after giving us much valuable
information on the area. BLUEGILL has had considerable trouble from Jap
aircraft in this area.
Weather is bad. SD not working, air strikes cancelled. BN, in test with
BLUEGILL gives no response. Will remain submerged and check equipment
today.
0413 Sighted unidentified aircraft, 1000 yards to eastward. No IFF. Passed
overhead as we dove. No SD contact. Very disconcerting. (A.C. #16).
0436 Land-based radar, 120 mcs.
0509 Submerged 42 miles southwest of NYOPI TA, FORMOSA. Worked all day on
SD and believe trouble has been remedied.
1200 Position: Lat. 21°-43'N Long. 119°-57'E.
1819 Surfaced for air intelligence broadcast.
1820 SD contact, 15 miles, a good pip. Surface patrolling will now be no
strain. (A.C. #17).
1830 Sighted unidentified aircraft 8 miles going into a rain squall. ABK was
triggered but BN gave no response.
1831 Received message from air intelligence correcting his 060637 to Long.
120°-50'E with information that a PBY would be air cover at 0900(I)
June 7th. As we had not received 060637, believed at this time that
the message must be a lifeguard assignment for tomorrow. The message
marbled the word "orbit" was translated as "cover" which implied a
routine lifeguard assignment.
1913 Received C.T.F. 71 message reporting a life raft with 5 survivors at
Lat. 21°-42'N Long. 121°-50'E, sighted at 1400(I) today, which placed
them in the vicinity southeast of KOTO SHO, far to eastward. Noted the
similarity between longitudes given in both messages. Will search near
KOTO SHO anyway since time of rendezvous permits. The corrected position

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June 6 (Cont'd)
2029        very close to VELE RETE rocks off south FORMOSA. Proceeded at best
            speed for position given in C.T.F. 71 message.
2241        Received message ICEFISH Fourth to C.T.F. 71, asking for a repeat of 060637
            and a recapitulation of times of air intelligence broadcasts, for,
            apparently we missed one.
            APR contact, 162 mcs., land-based.

June 7
0030        Arrived in vicinity of KOTA SHO and commenced search.
0050        Radio reported loud howl on 500 KCS, but no message. Swung ship using
            antenna for direction but note was of such varying intensity its
            direction could not be determined. Probably interference from KOTA SHO,
            7 miles distant.
0128        Commenced firing a series of green flares at 15 minute intervals.
            Received C.T.F. 71 message repeating correction to 060637; this time
            "orbit" was translated "orbit". Am now convinced that it refers to
            downed aviators, so set course for rendezvous with PBY south of FORMOSA
            at 0800.
0258        SJ interference, 150°T. Unable to identify but believed to be BLUEGILL
            enroute SAIPAN.
0636        At assigned rendezvous, sighted a PBM or PBY, 18 miles to southward.
            (A.C. #18). Unable to contact plane on VHF or 4475 KCS and he soon
            disappeared, headed west.
            For the next 3 hours sighted several B-25's and an (A.C. #19) occasional
            PBY, but no amount of coaxing by VHF, 4475 KCS, searchlight, flares,
            grenades or maneuvers on our part would persuade them to talk to us or to
            come near us. We were completely ignored. Meantime, ICEFISH proceeded
            north, estimating that with a consistent current of 2.0 - 2.5 knots be-
            tween 000° and 030°T along the east coast of FORMOSA the survivors, unless
            they were on the beach or on VELE RETE rocks, now in sight at 5 miles, and
            which two B-25's had circled off and on for 3 hours, could be 50
            miles, less the effect of a strong wind from northeast, from their report-
            ed position at 1400 yesterday. Had much earlier notified control station,
            "ARSENIC" that our aircover could not be contacted and had finally con-
            tacted an aircraft who relayed our position to PLAYMATE 14. We were still
            within sight of the rendezvous position.
0930        Had given up trying to get a cover over us and were heading north 4 to
            5 miles off the coast for an independent search when a PBY (A.C. #20)-was
            sighted 20 miles to southwest. Reversed course to close. Could not get
            him on aircraft frequencies, but through the PHILIPPINE control station,
            vectored him to our position, 4 miles off GARANBI PT.
0958        Playmate 14, now circling overhead, was ordered to keep us in sight and to
            search with us, a sector 350° - 030°T for 50 miles to northward, ICEFISH
            to run 4 to 5 miles off the coast at best speed. Any malevolent thoughts
            we may have had concerning aviators were soon dispelled by the enthusiasm,
            intelligence and cooperation of our aircover. Together we succeeded in

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June 7 (Cont'd)
  bring the 2 B-25's near enough to talk. Tried to enlist their services,
  but both reported they were returning to base because of trouble. The
  PBY covered us beautifully, flying west to the coastline overhead, then
  to eastward.
1116 Sighted first of 2 red flares bearing 320°T, 9000 yards. PBY headed over
  to orbit.
1127 Two rubber rafts and 6 survivors sighted 3000 yards off shore, less than
  1000 yards north of the reef which lies north of HACHIYO WAN. Also sighted
  two small fishing vessels closer in which we were tempted to shoot after
  our attention. Maneuvered to get north of rafts, and clear of reef.
  flooded, but decided against it as to deserve all
1138 Had all survivors aboard after a splendid job by the rescue party. Seas
  now force 3 from north and it was necessary for the executive officer
  and his rescue party to go into the water. Three of the survivors were
  in the rafts. All had to be lifted aboard. We later learned that
  they were trying to reach shore, determined that their chances of rescue
  would be better than at sea.
1145 Commenced clearing coast to eastward. Granted request of air cover to
  return to base, gave him a "Well Done", and a quick resume of injuries
  with names of aviators.
  PHM J.P. HAGER, U.S.N., formerly with the marines on Guadalcanal did
  a superb job of treating the injured under difficult conditions. He
  worked steadily for 2 days without sleep.
  The survivors were as follows:
  1st Lieut. D.R. ROWLAND, U.S.A.A.F. - Pilot - minor lacerations.
  1st Lieut. H.W. CATTS, U.S.A.A.F. - Navigator - minor lacerations,
  bruised leg,
  sprained ankle.
  2nd Lieut. P.J. KERN, U.S.A.A.F. - Co-pilot - Minor bruises and lacerations.
  S/Sgt. R.A. EVANS - Tailgunner - Severe lacerations of legs and head.
  S/Sgt. W.B. KUZIA - Engineer - Broken rib which punctured his back.
  T/Sgt. W.H. EDMONDS - Radioman - Internal injuries, multiple shrapnel
  wounds, shock.
1200 Position: Lat. 22°-09'N Long. 120°-57'E.
1433 Transmitted ICEFISH Fifth to C.T.F. 71 reporting rescue of aviators and
  requesting instructions.
1708 Proceeding to rendezvous with BUMPER in accordance with orders of C.T.F.
  71.
2345 APR contact, 180 mcs., rapidly approaching saturation. This contact
  agrees with BLUEGILL Jap aircraft information. (A.C. #21)
2350 SD contact 18 miles. No IFF; unable to raise on VHF.
2352 Submerged when range closed to 12 miles,still closing.

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(B) NARRATIVE

June 8
0010     Surface. Wind and seas building up, now force 4-5.
0130     Willie H. EDMONDS died from internal injuries and shock.
0412     Transmitted ICEFISH Sixth to C.T.F. 71 reporting death and anticipated
         difficulty in effecting transfer of survivors in heavy seas.
0415     Held funeral services and committed body of T/Sgt. Willie H. EDMONDS,
         #34125845, U.S. Army to the deep. (Position: Lat. 21°-00'N Long. 120°-
         00'E).
1200     Position: Lat. 21°-07'N Long. 120°-00'E.
1349     Made rendezvous with BUMPER. (S.C. #6).
1526     Relieved by BUMPER. Set course for SUBIC BAY, in accordance with
         C.T.F. 71 orders.
1805     SD contact, 13 miles. No IFF; unable to contact on VHF. (A.C. #22).
1812     Aircraft now at 3.5 miles, opening out. Not sighted.
1829     Same aircraft on SD, 10 miles, closing.
1831     Sighted 4-engine plane in glide toward us, 1½ miles on SD - or an
         EMILY or PB4Y-2. Submerged.
2010     In heavy seas. Barometer dropping; center of typhoon crossing
         our track.

June 9
1200     Position: Lat. 18°-05'N Long. 118°-40'E.
1242     SD contact, 10 miles, closing. No IFF; unable contact on VHF. Sighted at
         2 miles, headed for us. Identified as EMILY or PB4Y-2. (A.C. #23).
1310     Submerged.
1618     SD contact 8 miles. (A.C. #24).
1620     Surfaced as contact closed to 2 miles. No IFF; unable contact on VHF.
         Visibility very bad. SD is now performing well.
1631     Surfaced in force 5 seas from south.

June 10
0430     Rendezvous with escort, DE360.
0852     Moored to port side U.S.S. ANTHEDON, SUBIC BAY. Transferred survivors,
         fueled ship, made minor repairs, checked No. 1 generator, reading 60,000
         ohms. Commander Submarine Squadron Twenty-Six presented us with a new
         movie projector to replace one which was out of commission. Repaired on
         which had not been operating properly.

June 11
0802     Underway from alongside U.S.S. ANTHEDON enroute GULF of SIAM in accordance
         with C.T.F. 71 modification to Comsubspac OpOrder 107-45, as task unit
         71.1.3. Escorted by DE360.
1145     Released escort.
1200     Position: Lat. 14°-39'N Long. 119°-17'E.
1807     Made trim dive.

June 12
1200     Position: Lat. 13°-08'N Long. 113°-44'E.
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(B) NARRATIVE

June 12 (Cont'd)
1411 SD contact, 24 miles closing. (A.C. #25).
1416 Aircraft, now at 5 miles, not sighted. No IFF; unable to contact on VHF.
Submerged.
1433 Surfaced.

June 13
0822 APR contact at 78 mcs., two quick sweeps. Nearest land 105 miles distant.
Believed to be a skip phenomenon.
1200 Position: Lat. 09°-35'N Long. 110°-10'E.
1507 SD contact at 14 miles, closing. Submerged as the contact closed to 8
miles. No IFF. Not sighted. (A.C. #26).
1527 Surfaced.
2110 SJ radar contact bearing 340°T, range 1570 yards. Turned away and lost
contact. Experienced operator stated that it was a very good ply.

June 14
1141 Sighted periscope shears of a friendly submarine bearing 020°T on the
horizon.
1145 Closed to 4 miles and unable to again pick up the submarine. Believe contact
was the BERGALL who is in this vicinity on her way to SUBIC BAY. Proceed-
ed on to patrol area. (S.C. #7).
1200 Position: Lat. 06°-36.5'N Long. 109°-56'E.
1229 SD contact at 25 miles.
1236 SD contact closed to 14 miles. Submerged. Aircraft not sighted. No IFF.
No contact.
1407 Surfaced.
1431 SD contact at 26 miles, closing.
1436 Contact closed to 8 miles. Submerged. As we submerged there was friendly
IFF on the BN at 10 miles. (A.C. #28).
1449 Surfaced.
2257 Transmitted over Wolfpack to LAMPREY requesting patrol schedule of
LAMPREY and SELENE and suggesting rendezvous.
2307 Received message from C.T.F. 71 telling ICEFISH to take charge and
coordinate patrol of ICEFISH, LAMPREY and SELENE in GULF of SIAM.

June 15
0330 Entered area 98 miles northeast of KOTA BHARU.
0339 Transmitted over Wolfpack to LAMPREY and SELENE giving patrol instructions
for the sixteenth with boats on a line between PENANG CHANNEL and RONG
SAM LEM. Message receipted for only by the LAMPREY.
0558 Submerged for patrol on a northwesterly course 99 miles northeast of KOTA
BHARU.
1200 Position: Lat. 07°-39'N Long. 103°-11.5'E.
2001 Surfaced 98 miles northeast of KOTA BHARU and patrolled to the northwest
during the night.

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June 15 (Cont'd)
2034 Have been unable to raise the SELENE on Wolfpack so transmitted ICEFISH
action to LAMPREY and SELENE and info to C.T.F. 71 repeating
instructions for the sixteenth.
2316 Received Wolfpack message from LAMPREY stating that she and SELENE both
have patrol instructions for tomorrow.

June 16
0804 Had SJ interference bearing 020°T, sweeping, fairly strong. Attempted
unsuccessfully to exchange recognition signals with LAMPREY.
0906 Submerged on station for today's scheduled patrol east of PENNAN CHANNEL.
1200 Position: Lat. 09°-56'N Long. 101°-40'E.
1703 Surfaced.
1950 Sighted RUFE, 10 miles, closing. (A.C. #29). Submerged.
2052 Surfaced.
2250 Rendezvous with LAMPREY; exchanged area information. (S.C. #8).
Made night station with LAMPREY off PENNAN CHANNEL, and PATANI
ROADS and ICEFISH point assigned by C.T.F. 71 between LAMPREY and SELENE.

June 17
0437 APR contact, 212 mcs, sweeping, becoming stronger; characteristics of
BRITISH submarine radar.
0527 SJ contact, 8700 yards, bearing 300°T. Vessel on course 160°T, speed 12;
this was SELENE, so worked to eastward to clear. Radar contact was lost
shortly thereafter, indicating she had dived for approaching dawn.
(S.C. #9).
0630 Submerged 63 miles east of LAKON ROADS for high periscope patrol on
assigned point.
0725 Sighted what was thought to be 8 to 10 feet of SELENE'S periscope, 3000
yards to southeast. Changed course away and opened out to northward;
sound reported water noises, possibly light fast screws. Sighted two very
small craft in sight at 55 feet. Planed up to 50 feet and sighted two very
0739 small trawlers or launches - distance 15,000 yards, bearing
315°T, speed 10 knots, headed west. Sea conditions were ideal for gun
attack but in view of other indications, the necessity of a high speed
resultant disclosure of our position, decided gun attack would not be
profitable. (S.C. #10).
1200 Position: Lat. 9°-07'N Long. 101°-08'E.
2016 Surfaced.
Instructed LAMPREY and SELENE to continue on present station. Water off
LAKON ROADS (7-9 fathoms) is too shallow for submerged patrol. SELENE
can close the shore on her station with 18-20 fathoms of water close to
HILLY CAPE, thus sighting anything hugging the coast. Decided to conduct
surface patrol across GULF, exploring PULO WAI and islands in northeast
GULF, relieving LAMPREY off PENNAN CHANNEL in three days.

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June 18
0618 Submerged to routine torpedoes.
0918 Surfaced. Set course to eastward. Patrolled across GULF of SIAM, then
to north and south, in sight of PULO PANJANG. Believe small craft came
from this vicinity.
1200 Position: Lat. 8°-50'N Long. 102°-05'E.
2337 Dived after converting #4 F.B.T.
2352 Surfaced.

June 19
0613 Submerged 5 miles west of PULO WAI. Closed to 1.5 miles, took pictures.
No signs of habitation; densely wooded to the water line, except for a
narrow sandy beach.
1200 Position: Lat. 10°-00'N Long. 102°-53'E.
Headed north to observe possible anchorage at KOH TANG and KOH RONG
ISLANDS.
2027 Surfaced 7.5 miles south of islands and passed between them. No signs of
any activity; no shipping.
2200 Chart covering this area shows numerous shoals and reefs reported in the
19th century; soundings are scarce. Depth of water averages 20 fathoms.
Worked to westward then to northward for submerged patrol west of pass
north of KOH KUT, a suspected route for shipping crossing the Gulf.

June 20
Submerged patrol to northward across pass north of KOH KUT, along 18-20
fathom curve, not definitely defined, about 5 miles west of islands. No
sign of activity.
1200 Position: Lat. 11°-47'N Long. 102°-16'E.
2008 Surfaced 14 miles southwest of KOH CHANG, proceeding west across GULF.
Plan inshore shallow water patrol at night along east coast, surface
patrol during the day. Do not believe submerged patrol in
this area will be productive. There are few places where depth of water
is sufficient for close in submerged patrol, many places less than 10
fathoms for miles off-shore.
2136 Unable to raise SELENE on Wolfpack frequency to answer her request to
explore to northward, so transmitted patrol instructions via NPT-1.

June 21
0103 Told CHARR, now in area, to patrol north around east GULF.
0614 Submerged 46 miles east of LEM TONG LAN.
0803 Surfaced for surface patrol south to PENNAN in west GULF.
0931 Sighted aircraft, HUFE, 7 miles to westward, northerly course. (A.C. 30)
Had not been using SD, but a quick check during dive showed him close
from 7 miles.
1003 Surfaced.
1200 Position: Lat. 10°-36'N Long. 100°-25'E.

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CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE

June 21 (Cont'd)
1500 Changed course to northwest to close coast for patrol tonight.
1539 Received C.T.F. 71 orders to proceed immediately to JAVA SEA. Set course
to comply, at 4 engine speed.
2108 Turned over SIAM GULF OTC duties to CHARR.
2319 Transmitted ETA assigned station, morning of 26th, to BULLHEAD in answer
to her reported position.

June 22
0635 APR contact, 223 mcs., sweeping and strong.
0636 Sighted H.M.S. SEASCOUT to northward, entering SIAM GULF. (S.C. #11).
0830 Departed SIAM GULF area. Slowed to 3 engine speed.
1200 Position: Lat. 6°-59'N Long. 104°-17'E.
1833-59 Trim dive.

June 23
1129 Sighted what appeared to be the mast of a small boat. Closed and sighted
a large tree stump.
1200 Position: Lat. 2°-51'N Long. 106°-53'E.
1756 Sighted small sailing vessel on horizon to southward. Closed and identified as a small
sailing junk. Avoided. First thought it to be H.M.S. SEANYMPH, enroute
in this area enroute SUBIC. (S.C. #12).
2205 SJ radar contact, 11,200 yards, stern, bearing 350°T. Lost contact at
12,260 yards. This should be H.M.S. SEA NYMPH. (S.C. #13).

June 24
0610 Submerged north of KARIMATA STRAIT.
1015 While firing an inboard slug torpedo, the torpedo was partially with-
drawn, the torpedo was forcibly ejected into the torpedo room, carrying
away fastenings and injuring a man in its path. (See the
Torpedo Data Computer Report). Slight damage was done to the vertical [UNCLEAR: run]
straightened and the torpedo was replaced in the tube.
1200 Position: Lat. 1°-03'S Long. 108°-24'E.
1953 Surfaced.

June 25
0000 Commenced transit of KARIMATA STRAIT at 4 engine speed.
0031 Crossed EQUATOR.
0615 Discovered East Bank abeam and entered the JAVA SEA.
1200 Position: Lat. 4°-15'S Long. 109°-40'E.
2147 Notified BULLHEAD and HARDHEAD of arrival on KARIMATA - CAPE SELATAN 1
the 26th and arranged rendezvous.

June 26
0411 SJ radar contact on three small vessels 5500 yards, bearing 145°T.
(S.C. #14). Tracked them at 5 knots, heading toward CAPE SELATAN. Closed
to investigate and identified as small (40-50 ft.) trading schooners.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE

June 26 (Cont'd)
carrying two sails. They appeared to be heavily laden and were making
good speed. With the restrictions imposed on shooting of sailing vessels,
manned only the automatic weapons, (too rough for 5 inch) and closed to
head them off for better inspection. The leader, instead of lowering his
sails, turned away and maneuvered to avoid.
0547 Fired one 40 mm. shell across his bow and waited for him to stop.
0549 No sign of his complying with our wishes, so fired a few bursts with 40 mm.
and one 20 mm. high. Either he dropped his mainsail in a hurry or it was
cut down by gunfire. Went close aboard, about 100 ft., and saw no
occupants. What had appeared to be a heavy load of cargo was now made out
to be a large cabin. Undoubtedly they were carrying cargo, but there
was sufficient doubt as to enemy character that, and the other
two were given the benefit of the doubt. Since they closed and they lowered sails, they were given the benefit of the
doubt. Do not believe the hull of our target was sunk at 0547.
0554 Proceeded to eastward toward rendezvous.
0612 Submerged.
0734 Surfaced.
0830 Sighted 2-engine bomber, identified as a SALLY, all ok at our
quarter. Submerged. (A.C. #31).
0854 Surfaced.
During the morning sighted several sailing vessels and asked for instructions.
1200 Position: Lat. 5°-54'S Long. 114°-21'E.
1240 Wolfpack message: BULLHEAD heading south; will not be at rendezvous.
1327 Wolfpack message: BAYA gave position and asked for instructions. In-
structed BAYA to rendezvous.
1445 At rendezvous with BAYA and PUFFER. Assigned patrol stations along
KANGEAN - MAKASSAR CITY line. (S.C. #16).
1744 Wolfpack message: HARDHEAD requested permission to remain on station
northwest of KANGEAN. Granted permission.
1958 Wolfpack message: BULLHEAD reports radar contact on 3 ships,
115°-15'E, bearing 280°T, 17,000 yards. No contact. BULLHEAD gave own
report at 2026 from BULLHEAD. BULLHEAD gave enemy report at 2026 from
BULLHEAD. BULLHEAD reported tracking 3 ships, and at 2040 BULLHEAD reported tracking
another submarine. This position was 102 miles bearing 210°T from
KANGEAN. Set course and speed to intercept east of KANGEAN.
Believe former is BAYA, latter PUFFER. Unable to exchange radar
interference of one submarine northeast and one southwest.
2144 Notified BULLHEAD of ICEFISH's position and that we were heading to intercept.
BULLHEAD to join at discretion. PUFFER was apparently heading south
and told to give relative position before joining.
2241 Wolfpack message: BLUEBACK has radar contact.
2247 Wolfpack message: BULLHEAD diving for attack.

June 27
0018 BLUEBACK has radar contact at 1°-32'S Long. 116°-00'E, 2 targets.
0030 BULLHEAD reports missing minelayer, 5 ft. depth settings and that
contacts are one AM and one CHIDORI.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE

June 27 (Cont'd)
0036 Last contact on sub believed to be BAYA bearing 222°T, 20,000 yards.
0055 BLUEBACK reports contact on a patrol boat.
0214 BLUEBACK attacking.
0217 BLUEBACK reports sinking minelayer and gives position of survivors.
0243 SJ radar contact, bearing 193°T, range 20,250 yards. Changed course to end-
       around. (S.C. #17).
0255 BULLHEAD has lost contact.
0308 Sent contact report to all boats.
0321 BAYA, which was thought to be PUFFER, bearing 140°T, 9800 yards, reports
       contact on sub, which is ICEFISH, bearing 270°T, 12,080 yards. This put BAYA ahead
       of target and in position for first attack.
0335 BAYA reports ICEFISH diving for attack. ICEFISH on port beam of target, 12,000 yards,
       working to position ahead. Target now on course 070°T, speed 14, zig-
       zagging radically.
0344 Sent contact report, target course, speed and position to PUFFER asking if
       she had contact. PUFFER replied she did not have contact.
0345 BULLHEAD reports she is heading west, speed 13.
0411 In position ahead of target, 10,000 yards, awaiting BAYA attack, when
       target suddenly headed south, slowed to 8 knots and then commenced radical
       maneuvers.
0435 Heard depth charges. BAYA must have missed. Commenced chase to south-
       ward.
0435 Target headed 270°T, speed 13. Headed northwest to head him off and
       force him toward PUFFER.
0501 Target came to 310°T. Transmitted report of position, course and speed to
       PUFFER now to westward, and BULLHEAD to southward.
0502 Message from BULLHEAD reporting unidentified radar contact, 13,000 yards,
       bearing 050°T, speed 17, Lat. 7°-25'S Long. 116°-45'E. A different target.
0511 Have radar interference of PUFFER, bearing 310°T, target is too far to
       make end around before daybreak. Broke off approach since
       present position is on track of BULLHEAD'S reported contact. She could
       not close and was low on fuel. Headed northeast and slowed. Daybreak
       approaching. PUFFER is in fair position to make contact on ship heading
       055°T.
0527 SJ contact on PUFFER, bearing 310°T, 13,950 yards.
0528 Lost contact on enemy, 192°T, 17,800 yards. No radar
0554 PUFFER reported surfacing after investigating small contact, course 055°T,
       5 knots, Lat. 7°-13'S Long. 116°-40'E.
0558 Sighted submarine, believed to be PUFFER, bearing 325°T. No radar
       contact. (S.C. #18).
0610 Told BULLHEAD we were on track of his contact and at this moment sighted
       through high periscope his contact, SJ range 22,950 yards. (S.C. #19).
       BULLHEAD reported his contact was a minelayer, speed now 18 knots. This
       was evidently BULLHEAD'S contact. Commenced tracking through high peris-
       cope. Obtained ranges out to 27,000 yards by SJ. In the light of day
       this ship looked much larger than the minelayer reported by BULLHEAD and
       cope.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE

June 27 (Cont'd)
                                                                ranges also indicated this. BULLHEAD did a magnificent job of
                                                                tracking and reporting.
0651 Sent contact report to BULLHEAD. Our contact was making 18 knots, course
                                                                050°T.
0805 Making no progress, still tracking on target's port beam, 18 knots. Had
                                                                called for aircraft assistance on Wolfpack without success, so transmitted
                                                                contact report to C.T.F. 71 suggesting aircraft attack. It was quite
                                                                possible some of our air patrols were in the vicinity and could strafe or
                                                                bomb this target.
0832 Target now on 070°T, slowed to 15 knots.
0841 BULLHEAD reported missing AM with 6 torpedoes. This was the target we had
                                                                tracked, but we believed it was the CHIDORI reported by BULLHEAD earlier.
                                                                Target now at 15 knots.
0921 In position ahead, 25,000 yards. Determined base course to be 070°T, with
                                                                5 minute legs 20° left and right, speed varying from 14 to 16. Submerged
1010 and turned to close. Nothing else was in sight

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CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE

June 27 (Cont'd)
1200 | Position: Lat. 6°-53'S Long. 117°-44'E.
1727 | Surfaced, proceeded westward to station on KANGEAN - CAPE SELATAN line.
1754 | Notified BAYA, BULLHEAD, HARDHEAD and PUFFER of failure to sink minelayer
     | and instructed BAYA and PUFFER to take station on KANGEAN - CAPE SELATAN
     | line.
1835 | BULLHEAD reports clearing the area tonight.
2113 | Transmitted to C.T.F. 71, reporting BLUEBACK'S sinking of enemy vessel and
     | applied for our contact report.
220  | BAYA requested rendezvous on assigned patrol line for transfer of venereal
     | patient to ICEFISH.
2311 | Exchanged recognition by SJ with BAYA, enroute patrol line.

June 28
0100 | BECUNA reports position in area, proceeding to station on patrol line
     | previously assigned - KANGEAN - CAPE SELATAN.
0846 | HARDHEAD reports scouting for contact south of KANGEAN, BLUEBACK patrolling
     | SURABAYA.
1030 | Transmitted message to PUFFER, BECUNA, BAYA and HARDHEAD that ICEFISH
     | would patrol south of KANGEAN, then leave area tonight.
1141 | At rendezvous with BAYA, transferred two patients from BAYA, and exchanged
     | mail by rubber boat.
1200 | Position: Lat. 5°-44'S Long. 115°-11'E.
1201 | Proceeded at 2-engine speed to southward to make
     | passage west of KANGEAN and KEMIRIAN ISLANDS. Told BAYA to follow us at
     | discretion.
1733 | KEMIRIAN ISL. abeam to port, 3 miles. Sighted several beached small
     | craft. During passage of strait sighted several sails in vicinity of
     | TAKAT reef. (S.C. #21). BAYA, following, bore 357°T, from SJ
     | interference, but is not in sight.
1804 | Sighted enemy class 7 minelayer through high periscope and from bridge,
     | bearing 083°T, on westerly course. Went ahead full on 4 engines, put him
     | across our bearing and tried to keep range open. Target speed estimated 18-20 knots.
     | (S.C. #22).
1816 | HARDHEAD reports negative contact in her area.
1821 | Target has wide pulse width 10 cm. radar and is sweeping across our bear-
     | ing. We cannot make SJ contact, but enemy is zig-zagging, closing.
1825 | Sent contact report to BAYA, now making passage west of KEMIRIAN, giving
     | quick set up of position, target course 270, speed 16.
1830 | TDC showed target drawing to southward slowly, on course 240°-250°T.
     | About 1840 (sunset at 1812) began to have difficulty in seeing enemy
     | through periscope, but could not close yet because of our background of a
     | very light western sky. Awaited BAYA'S contact report. Am afraid enemy
     | will change course radically after dark. We are dead ahead if target is
     | still on 250°T.
1835 | Had ST radar interference bearing 148°T, wrong bearing for BAYA.
1845 | Told BAYA to report when she had contact.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE

June 28 (Cont'd)
1852 SJ interference, B.Y.A. bearing 020°T. B.Y.A. should have contact. Communi-
     cated to B.Y.A. that we do not have contact and must make it soon
     if we are to stay ahead of this fast target.
1854 B.Y.A. reported having contact but gave no other information.
1907 Slowed to make SJ contact.
1914 Told B.Y.A. we did not have contact, and gave her our true bearing from her
     SJ interference at 020°T.
1915 SJ contact weak, bearing 317°T, and strong SJ interference from that
     bearing, 5000 yards south of RAAS ISL. Probably an escort sent out to join
     minelayer. (S.C. #23).
1925 B.Y.A. reported target now bearing 5°T, 14,5000 yards, course 260°,
     speed 16. This showed target had made a long right zig to north and was
     now tracking at 4-engine speed, 5000 yards south coast of RAAS ISL. Headed northeast and
     was at
1946 Made SJ contact on target at 309°T, 17,790 yards. (S.C. #24). If this
     was the same target, his speed was 20 knots overall.
     There were now three contacts on SJ - one small and one large (minelayer
     size), 300 yards apart, bearing 309°T, 18,000 yards, and SJ interference
     to make SJ contact. (S.C. #25)
     (Later it was determined that this was probably our first contact (S.C. #22).
     Tracking showed B.Y.A. overtaking two enemy vessels at 20 knots, enemy
     now on course 285°T, probably headed for RAAS STRAIT. At 4-engine speed
     we were still far from good position, but continued with end around and,
     since plot had B.Y.A. now very close astern of enemy, now tracking at 14
     knots, course 270°T, and was at 10,000 yards.
2054 B.Y.A. reported she was unable to close and had lost contact.
     This meant that the 3 ships we had been tracking were all enemy, one
     with SJ radar, making occasional sweeps.
     Continued tracking. 20 knot target now went out ahead of 14 knot
     targets and, when he had attained position 10,000 yards on their port bow,
     the three settled down to 16 knots, course 270°T, and ceased zig-zagging.
2121 We are unable to get ahead before entering restricted area of MIDURA
     STRAIT, distance 14 miles, so broke off approach and notified B.Y.A.
     The two large targets were of similar size; the smallest was probably
     a Sugar Charlie.
     Hunting is very poor indeed when a wolfpack considers a 600 ton,
     230 ft. minelayer a large target. Though small by past target standards,
     these high speed, alert vessels, radar equipped, make a tough target to maneuver around or to hit
     from an attack position southeast of
2215 H.HARDHEAD requested our ammunition. Her reported position southeast of
     RAAS STRAIT. Seas are too rough
     for rubber boat and H.HARDHEAD has been assigned lifeguard station off
     RAAS STRAIT. Wanted to cooperate, since she still had a long time in area.
     Felt we were letting her down, but told her "Negative. Do not believe
     operation is practicable under the circumstances."

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CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE

June 29
0552 Submerged north of LOMBOK STRAIT for day's patrol across STRAIT. Have
     been running 3 and 4 engine speed almost constantly since leaving SIAM
     GULF and have considerable engine repair and adjustment to make.
1200 Position: Lat. 8°-13'S Long. 115°-51'E.
1455 Sighted VAL (A.C. #31) patrolling across STRAIT, 3 miles to southwest.
1939 Surfaced.
2257 Commenced transit of LOMBOK STRAIT.

June 30
0017 Completed transit of STRAIT.
0019 APR contact, 164 mcs., which swept to saturation and steadied on our
     bearing. SD operator reported aircraft at 7 miles.
0029 Submerged.
0043 Surfaced when Radar Officer reported SD contact was on land.
0132 Had sudden APR contact, 181 mcs., saturated.
     Both APR contacts have faded out.

July 1
1200 Position: Lat. 18°-32'S Long. 113°-49'E.
1924 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. LIZARDFISH. (S.C. #...).

July 2
1200 Position: Lat. 23°-10.5'S Long. 112°-30'E.

July 3
1200 Position: Lat. 28°-50.5'S Long. 112°-55'E.

July 4
0630 Rendezvous with escort, H.M.A.S. GYMPIE.
0915 Moored alongside U.S.S. CLYTIE.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(C) WEATHER
Good weather was experienced in general. During the period 7 July to 9 July
1945, conditions similar to the early stages of a typhoon were experienced north
and west of Luzon. In the Gulf of Siam, clouds were prevalent and a false horizon
was experienced at night, due to atmospheric haze.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION
A slight current was found in the Gulf of Siam which was unpredictable.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
None.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(F) SHIP CONTACTS
| No. | Date Time | Lat. Long. | Type | Ini | Est. | Course | Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|
| 1 | 27 May | 16-34N 108-35E | Sailing Junks | --- | --- | --- | --- | P | During the day, sighted a dozen junks. All were engaged in fish- ing. |
| 2 | 28 May 2331 | 16-55N 108-11E | Sailing Junks | --- | --- | --- | --- | SN | Indonesian fishing fleet lying with nets out. Bobbing lights of fish- ing junks. |
| 3 | 31 May 2008 | 19-53N 111-33E | Fishing Junks | --- | --- | --- | --- | SN | U.S.S. BUMPER. |
| 4 | 5 June 1116 | 21-26N 116-18E | SS | --- | 14,750 | --- | --- | R | U.S.S. BLUEGILL. |
| 5 | 5 June 2320 | 21-26N 119-49.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

No. | Date Time | Lat. Long. | Type | Est. Initial Range | Course Speed | How Contacted | Remarks
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
17 | 27 June 0243 | 07-19S 116-27E | Minelayer or Chidori | 20,250 | 070°T 5-14 | R | After end 2.5 hours, gained posit- ion ahead, but contact reversed course after attack by U.S.S. BAYA. Tracked getting targets course, speed and zig zag. Submerged for approach after gaining position
19 | 27 June 0610 | 07-14S 116-40E | Minelayer Class 7 | 22,950 | 070°T 5-18 | SD | Sugar Charlie pinging.
20 | 27 June 1113 | 06-54S 117-04S | Patrol Vessel | 1,000 | - | P | Sighted numerous sail- ing vessels.
21 | 28 June 1733 | 07-04S 115-09E | Sails | - | - | SD | Tracked ahead while waiting for darkness and U.S.S. BAYA to make contact.
22 | 28 June 1804 | 07-12S 115-07E | Minelayer Class 7 | 20,000 | 070°T 5-18 | SD | Believed to be escort vessel sent out to es- cort minelayer.
23 | 28 June 1915 | 07-19S 114-47E | Unk | 19,100 | - | R | Unidentified.
24 | 28 June 1946 | 07-19S 114-43E | Unk | 17,790 | 230°T 20 | R | Believed to be BAYA, later determined that it was probably same as (S.C. #22).
25 | 28 June 1946 | 07-19S 114-43E | Minelayer Class 7 | 14,650 | 270°T 20 | R | Sighted at intervals during the day.
26 | 29 June | 08-13S 115-50E | 3 Sailboats | 6,000 | 090°T 5 | P |
27 | 1 July 1912 | 19-17S 113-16E | SS | 6,300 | 000°T 15 | R | U.S.S. LIZARDFISH.

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CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. ICEFISH

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS
Enemy aircraft activity was so meagre as to be ineffective.
Our own aircraft caused embarrassment on several occasions by their failure
to use IFF and by their tactics of flying close aboard during darkness.

(H) ATTACK DATA
(a) No torpedo attacks were made.
(b) One gun action took place as follows:

U.S.S. ICEFISH GUN ATTACK NO. ONE PATROL NO. FOUR
Time 0411 Date 26 June 1945 Lat. 5°-37'S Long. 113°-18'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Damaged A 40-50 ft. two masted heavily laden sailing schooner which refused to
drop sails after a 40 mm. shot across the bow, at 300 yards range. Was
accompanied by two other vessels of same type. Fired 24 rounds of 40 mm.
and 2 magazines of 20 mm. at sails, resulting in dropping the mainsail.
No return fire. Closed to investigate close aboard. Could not identify
cargo but doubt existed as to enemy character, so took no further action
when other two vessels lowered sails. Only the 40 mm. and one 20 mm. were
fired. Performance was satisfactory.

(I) MINES
No mines or minelaying activities were seen.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS
The minelayer chased on 27 June and again on 28 June, was equipped with 10 cm.
radar which was used, apparently, very seldom as a transmitter. Undoubtedly it
was used as a detector.
On both occasions, radar operators reported ST radar interference from the
vicinity of this vessel. While this seems incredible, there is a possibility of
a 3 cm. radar existing on this type vessel. During the submerged approach, 27 June,
the radar operator reported definite ST radar interference. There were no friendly
submarines in the vicinity.
Again, on 28 June, ST radar interference, bearing 148°T was so strong that
attempts were made to exchange recognition. The enemy then bore 090°T. BAYA,
distance about 10 miles, bore 020°T. There was no other friendly submarine within
30 miles.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
Hull
(1) Periscopes: On May 20, #2 periscope low-high power shifting failed, due
probably, to a broken ribbon. The periscope could not be shifted to low power
thereafter. On June 2, #1 periscope was becoming progressively harder to train
and indications are that some gritty foreign material has become lodged in the
bearings; some scoring is present on the barrel. This periscope should be removed
during refit. The leakage through the lower packing gland is excessive, even at
periscope depth. Some, but not all of this leakage is attributed to the deep
reference line cut in the barrel.

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CONFIDENTIAL
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
Hull (Cont'd)
(2) Starboard Air Compressor: A very noticeable knock is present when the
load is taken off the compressor. It is believed the third stage piston connecting
rod bushing has excessive clearance. The knock did not become worse during patrol,
but a complete overhaul of this compressor will be necessary.

(3) High Pressure Air Fittings: A bad leak was found in the emergency blow
cross-connection from #1 air bank to the 600# manifold. This connection was in-
stalled by Sub Base, Pearl in February 1945. Temporary silver-soldering repairs
were effected, which stopped the leak.
Several leaky high pressure air valves, including torpedo and impulse charging
connections in both torpedo rooms, several valves on the high pressure manifold,
and manifold valves for the hydraulic accumulator.

(4) Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system is excessively noisy. This was
thoroughly overhauled during the second refit in Pearl Harbor and the noise was
considerably reduced thereby.
There has been a gradual increase in noise level in bow planes, stern planes
and steering waterburys and telemotors since that time.

Engineering and Electrical
(1) Electrical (Auxiliaries)
(a) Pitometer Log: Some difficulty was experienced with the Pitometer
Log, necessitating eventual renewal of one control unit condenser, and the pump.
The sword arm clogged frequently as often as 2 or 3 times during a watch. It is
believed that mud, sea weed and marine organisms in shallow water, with accompanying
mud, sea weed and marine organisms is probably caused this difficulty.

(b) Constant Frequency Unit: The sleeve bearing on the upper synchro
motor froze due to a loose motor. The synchro motor was replaced. #7064 transformer due to a loose
secondary tap, was replaced.

(c) #3 AC-DC M.G.: A small fire was started behind the I.C. board when
a shunt field lead broke, causing a short-circuit. This was remedied
by installing a new lead. Vibration was the only reasonable cause found.

(d) Hydrogen Detector: Motor ran hot continuously and required flushing
out with light oil every 2 or 3 days. It was necessary to leave the front of the
unit open to prevent overheating and sticking.

(2) Electrical (Main Power)
(a) Bearings: At shaft speeds greater than 232 RPM the following bear-
ings run hot (162°-165°F):
#4 main motor, aft.
#3 main motor, aft.
After inboard pinion bearing of starboard reduction gear.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
    Engineering and Electrical (Cont'd)
        (b) Electrical (Main Power)
            (1) Main Generators: Prior to refit after the second war patrol all main
                generator resistance readings were above 6 megs (hot). During
                the second refit, at Pearl Harbor, during routine cleaning by Base personnel, readings on #1 and #3
                main generators have dropped to 300,000 ohms. Since that time, these generators have
                been consistently low. Readings are now (hot):
                    #1 - 600,000 ohms
                    #2 - 1 megohm
                    #3 - 1.7 megohm
                    #4 - 2.5 "

            (3) Lighting: Continual difficulty is experienced with small grounds on the
                lighting circuit. G.E. fans are the greatest offenders and require constant
                attention.
                During a deep dive the conning tower lighting fuse panel was flooded by the
                starboard running light cable. Investigation revealed a bad gasket in the running
                light. The lead was disconnected and the box cleared of grounds by fresh water
                treatment.

Engineering
    (1) On 20 May, renewed injector and both exhaust rocker-arms on #16 unit on
        #1 main engine; bushings worn causing noisy operation; in use 2264.4 hours.
    (2) On 5 June, stopped engine from smoking excessively by replacing injector
        in #5 unit on #1 main engine.
    (3) On 10 June, U.S.S. ANTHEDON replaced defective lube oil flexiable
        coupling on #2 main engine.
    (4) On 29 June, renewed packing in fresh water circulating water pump on #2
        main engine.
    (5) On 17 June, stopped engine from smoking excessively by replacing injectors
        on #5 and #15 units on #3 main engine.
    (6) On 20 May, renewed cracked lower shell and scored upper bearing shell on
        #15 unit on #4 main engine; in use 2592.1 hours.
    (7) One 18 June, muffler on #1 main engine commenced leaking. It is believed
        that the second refit at Pearl Harbor. The muffler is carrying away. #3 main engine muffler also appears to be leaking. Both mufflers
        were renewed during second refit at Pearl Harbor.

    Made periodic checks on all engines during patrol, cleaning air boxes, air
    mazes and tightening head holding bolts as necessary.

- 27 -

— page 148 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. ICEFISH

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE
     Torpedoes and Gunnery
     On June 24, 1945, during regular torpedo routine, an inboard slug was fired
from #9 tube. Torpedo #57970, MK18-2 was withdrawn approximately five feet in
order to secure it with the Pearl Harbor design holding strap. Impulse air was
bled down on all tubes and checked, before firing, at 45 lbs./in². The inner door
was fully open and the outer door jack nut was in the locked shut position. The
inboard vent was checked open. The interlock was broken and the tube was fired.
The torpedo was forcibly ejected into the torpedo room, carrying away the holding
strap deck padeyes, crashing into and smashing a bunk and injuring a man who was in
its path.
     Analysis of this casualty, under the circumstances, is difficult, but the
following conclusions have been drawn, since no other explanation comes to mind:
     (1) Roller clearances (.045") place the torpedo high in the tube;
     (2) The irregularities in diameter of the MK18 torpedo probably resulted in
         restriction of the air passage through the breech - end vent over the top
         of the torpedo.
     (3) The roller clearance allowed a free passage of air under the torpedo,
         which expended itself toward the outer door.
     (4) The breech-end vent, being effectively blocked, did not carry off
         sufficient impulse air, and the single clear vent remaining was of in-
         sufficient area to accommodate the impulse air behind the torpedo head,
         resulting in sufficient air pressure being built up in the tube to expel
         the torpedo into the room with such force as to tear out the holding strap
         padeyes, damage gear and break the leg of one man who could not get clear
         when he saw it coming.
     It is recommended that great caution be exercised if firing inboard slugs
with this torpedo. It should be withdrawn only sufficiently (1-2 ft.) to clear the
stop-bolt and should be secured in place with both fore and aft preventers. After
this experience, inboard slugs will not be fired in this vessel with a MK18 torpedo
in the tube.
     The only apparent damage to the torpedo was a slightly sprung vertical
rudder, which was straightened.

(L) RADIO
     All communication equipment operated satisfactorily. The contact spring on
the high frequency antenna inductance, K, of the TBL transmitter was replaced dur-
ing the last refit. It is the wrong type and is too weak; and should be replaced
during refit.
     VHF communications with aircraft were satisfactory. On one occasion, aircraft
were heard for an estimated distance of 30-50 miles. This is considered to be
ideal but by no means the average to be expected. 18-20 miles is usually maximum.

(M) RADAR
     The SJ operated very satisfactorily except for a period of a few
days when operation was erratic and sensitivity varied radically. This was
remedied in Subic by replacing the oscillator - converter unit, the "B.O. out"
coaxial cable, and the magnetron coupling unit.

- 28 -

— page 149 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(M) RADAR
SJ Radar (Cont'd)
Circuit elements replaced:
C 22A/B (shorted) and P10, Focus Potention Eter, (worn)
Tubes Replaced:
1 - 706 AY - Magnetron
9 - 5U4G - Regulated Rectifier
2 - 5C21 (V9)
2 - TR Tubes

Ranges:
Submarine
Aircraft (PP2Y)
DE
AM
Native Prau

2 - VR150-30 (V7,V8)
1 - 2x2 (V20)
6 - 6AC7 - IF amplifiers
1 - 6V6 (V3)
2 - Crystals

20,000 yards
33,000 "
23,750 "
27,000 "
7,000 "

ST Radar: The ST again operated erratically, requiring frequent tuning.
When it was operating properly ranges were excellent.
Tubes Replaced:
2 Local Oscillators
3 TR Tubes
2 Crystals
2 6AK5 Pre-If Amplifiers

Ranges:
Submarine
AM

10,000 yards - 7 ft. of periscope exposed
15,000 " - 11 "

SD Radar: The SD gave a great deal of trouble during the first portion of
the patrol but was very satisfactory after all the troubles were remedied. The
following troubles developed in rapid succession after leaving Guam:

(1) Reduced grass - found R207, the plate load resistor of the 2NO stage,
had decreased in value from 4,700 to 500 ohms. Replaced.
(2) Intensity potentiometer too high and could not be reduced - found intensity potentio-
meter, R273, had decreased in value from 250,000 to 100,000 ohms. Re-
placed. C246, the coupling capacitor in the blanking circuit, was
found faulty and replaced at the same time.
(3) SD antenna megger reading 200,000 ohms. Washed top of insulator with
fresh water and coated with glyptol. Readings were infinity for the
remainder of the patrol.
(4) Range on aircraft decreased steadily until maximum range was 3 miles.
It was found that the receiver antenna input cable was making poor con-
tact inside the duplexer unit, L105. After this was remedied operation
was very satisfactory.

Ranges:
Aircraft
Land

18-26 miles
60 miles

- 29 -

— page 150 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

(L) RADAR
IFF
ABK: The operation of the ABK was satisfactory. the APR began to
trigger the ABK when its local oscillator was tuned from 170 to 190 mc. The spare
unit was put in use and the triggering stopped.

BN: The BN operated satisfactorily for all but a few days during the
patrol. The transmitter tube, 15E, was replaced by a new tube which was shorted
and which caused the failure of C233. Both were replaced.
Tubes Replaced:
2 - 15E Transmitter tube
1 - 5U4G (V20)
5 - 6AC7 If amplifiers

Radar Detector
The APR and SPA operated satisfactorily.
Tubes Replaced:
5 - 6AC7 If amplifiers
1 - 6H6 (V20)
1 - 6AG7 (V10)
1 - 955 Detector and oscillator
1 - Crystal for TN-3

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS
The sound gear operated satisfactorily except for the fathomer receiver
drifting out of tune.
The QB selsyn hunts and hums, indicating either an overload, improper elec-
trical balance, or some other defect which, in two previous patrols, was temporarily
corrected, but recurrs on patrol.
On June 17, in the Gulf of Siam, JP sound contact was made on a small trawler
or launch. JP tracked this vessel for 25 minutes before it was sighted at approxi-
mately 15,000 yards, with 17 ft. periscope exposed.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS
On 27 June, Lat. 6°-54'S Long. 117°-44'E a density layer was found at 200 ft.,
below a 6°F isothermal. The negative gradient was 9° from 200 ft. to 380 ft.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY
Health and habitability were excellent. Surprisingly, the forward part of
the boat was cold when near the Equator.
Food was varied and well prepared.
Only two cases were serious enough for the binnacle list:
1 man - Fracture, compound, left fibula and tibia. A plaster cast was
applied. - 10 days lost.
1 man - Gastritis, acute - 9 days lost.

(Q) PERSONNEL
The performance of duty of personnel was satisfactory. Great interest was
shown by new officers and men in school of the boat, TDC and fire control drills.

- 30 -

— page 151 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

(Q) PERSONNEL (Cont'd)
    The receipt of "new blood" amongst officer personnel resulted in a general
improvement in spirit and workmanship during this patrol, indicating that there is
a limit of endurance, at least psychologically and that shifting of personnel, is
conducive to a virile spirit.
    The Executive Officer has completed 12 war patrols. Several men have made 12
or more war patrols and are being recommended for extended rehabilitation duty.

No. men detached after last patrol

— page 152 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. ICEFISH

(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES

(a) Radar Countermeasures.

(1) Intercept of enemy signals, with estimated location and character.

Con- | | | | Pulse
tact | Date | Freq | PRF | length
No. | Time | Lat. | Mc. | cps | microsec | Remarks
1 | 18 May | 75 | 450 | 35 | Land bases. Nearos
| 1445 | 20-48N | | | | Jima, 120 miles. Sweeping 12 RPM, in-
| | 132-51E | | | | creased to 3" high.
2 | 22 May | 70 | 500 | 20 | Fast sweeps at first then slow sweeps.
| 0932 | 18-48N | | | | Increased to 4" high before fading out.
| | 115-21E | | | | Land based.
3 | 24 May | 152 | 500 | 10 | Sweeping slowly. ½" high. Land based.
| 2029 | 17-48N | | | | Southern Hainan.
| | 109-41E
4 | 24 May | 75 | 500 | Wide | Weak. Land based. Southern Hainan.
| 2034 | 17-48N
| | 109-42E
5 | 24 May | 160 | - | 5 | Keyed on twice. 1/8" high. Probably
| 2132 | 17-37N | | | | aircraft.
| | 109-36E
6 | 27 May | 98 | 500 | 25 | One slow sweep. 1/16" high. Land based.
| 2100 | 17-07N | | | | Southern Hainan.
| | 108-45E
7 | 27 May | 190 | 1000 | 10 | Fast sweeps 1/8" high. Land based.
| 2130 | 17-07N | | | | Southern Hainan.
| | 108-47E
8 | 30 May | 195 | 1000 | 8 | Slow sweeps. 1" high. Land based.
| 2020 | 17-53E | | | | Southern Hainan.
| | 109-43E
9 | 3 June | 76 | 500 | 25 | Sweeping slowly. ¼" high. Land based.
| 1400 | 21-25N | | | | Near Hong Kong.
| | 114-23E
10 | 3 June | 164 | 500 | 6 | Sweeping slowly. Land based near Hong
| 1415 | 21-25N | | | | Kong.
| | 114-22E
11 | 6 June | 93 | 500 | 8 | Keyed on and off irregularly. Saturated.
| 0055 | 22-30N | | | | Land based.
| | 121-11E
12 | 6 June | 162 | 500 | 10 | Sweeping slowly. 1/16" high. Land based.
| 2245 | 21-50N | | | | Garambi area.
| | 120-10E
13 | 7 June | 175 | 500 | 15 | Saturated. Steady on us several times.
| 0915 | 22-04N | | | | Land based. Garambi area.
| | 120-14E
14 | 7 June | 161 | 500 | 7 | Saturated. Steady on us several times
| 0915 | 22-04N | | | | for too long as 15 sec. Land based.
| | 120-14E | | | | Garambi area.
15 | 7 June | 164 | 500 | 7 | Saturated. Land based. Garambi area.
| 0915 | 22-03N
| | 120-13E
16 | 7 June | 162 | 500 | 20 | Sweeping ½" high. Land based. Garambi
| 0915 | 22-01N | | | | area.
| | 120-13E
17 | 7 June | 101 | 500 | 7 | Keyed. ¼" high. Land based. Garambi
| 1055 | 22-02N | | | | area.
| | 120-12E
18 | 7 June | 180 | 500 | 10 | Keying 1/8" high. Increased to saturat-
| 2345 | 21-51N | | | | ion rapidly. SD contact 18 miles. 15
| | 120-47E | | | | miles at saturation. Closed to 12 miles.
| | | | | Submerged.

- 32 -

— page 153 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

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

| Contact No. | Date Time | Lat. Long | Freq Mc. | PRF cps | Pulse length microsec | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 8 June 2100 | 00-46N 120-07E | 60 | 500 | 35 | One slow sweep. 1/8" high. Land based. |
| 20 | 10 June 0505 | 04-01N 119-10E | 162 | 500 | 10 | Fast sweeps. 1/8" to ¼" high. Land based. |
| 21 | 13 June 1100 | 00-06N 120-43E | 78 | — | — | Two very weak sweeps. Land based. Near-est land 105 miles. |
| 22 | 30 June 0030 | 08-51E 115-44E | 164 | 400 | 7 | Sweeping slowly. Saturated. Land based, on southern Bali. |
| 23 | 30 June 1100 | 08-51S 115-44E | 181 | 150 | 5 | Sweeping irregularly. Saturated. Be-lieved lobe switching as two pulses were seen superimposed. Land based on southern Bali or Lombok. |

(2) One minclayer encountered had 10 cm. radar, which was used for occasional
sweeps.
ST radar interference was encountered twice when within 20,000 yards of
this same type minclayer (class 7 AM). It is believed DFing of SJ was done with
this radar.
No attempt at radar jamming was noted.

(b) Communications Countermeasures.
These consisted of the usual jamming of ship - shore frequencies, parti-
cularly in the 4235 and 8470 KCS. bands. 12705 KCS. was relatively free of inter-
ference and was used when atmospheric conditions permitted. There was some enemy
jamming of wolfpack frequencies. On one occasion, another station answered ICEFISH
call, but did not interfere when we answered the call.

(c) Sonar Countermeasures.
No new sonar countermeasures were experienced. The AM and SC encountered
on 27 June both pinged on the 17 KCS. band.

- 33 -

— page 154 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(V) REMARKS
Notes on Air - Sea Rescue

(1) The recently fitted cargo net was invaluable in the rescue of six injured
and exhausted aviators in rough seas.
(2) Army aviators use a "Fighter Grid" for interpolating geographical posit-
ions and are not sufficiently familiar with SOP-2A to allow for exchange of
positions, except for the day of their strike. Submarines on lifeguard duty should,
if possible, be furnished with "Fighter Grid" in areas where it is in use.
(3) Special attention should be given to the fact that our aviators had
in the open sea, but had given up hope of rescue. Had we arrived two hours later,
they would probably have been prisoners of war.
(4) Army pilots (and some navy) instinctively feel their chances of rescue are
better if they remain close to land. They should be briefed in the difficulties of
submarine rescue close in-shore.
(5) Air cover still has difficulty in making rendezvous. DFing of our SD and
SJ would greatly expedite.
(6) Army and navy aircraft, all assigned separately to search an area for
survivors, should be coordinated and should be placed under the direction of the
submarine commander in the area for the following reasons:
    (a) Air navigation is inaccurate; and the submarine would furnish a con-
        tinuous reference point.
    (b) The submarine commander has all available current charts, plus an
        intimate knowledge of the area and can intelligently coordinate the
        search to insure covering all possibilities. Assuming that survivors
        exist in an area and their position is known within 25 to 30 miles, a
        submarine with two aircraft can very effectively cover all possible
        positions. A submarine alone is ineffective and a submarine with
        only one aircraft is very much limited in area coverage.

This was a most invigorating and interesting patrol, despite lack of contacts.
Areas patrolled were HAINAN, HONG KONG, FORMOSA, SIAM GULF and JAVA SEA. Extended
patrolling in dry areas is most boring and devitalizing. The frequent changes of
areas was appreciated, though area coverage of each was consequently not as
thorough as had been hoped that a longer patrol in the area was planned, as a result of frequent shifts. It is
hoped that this was the only time this was the only patrol in the JAVA SEA will be possible in the near future, since
no shipping of any kind was seen. From the standpoint of morale, the area
was excellent. At least there is the hope always before one that the next
area will be more productive.

- 34 -

— page 155 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
6 July 1945.

F05-30/A16-3
Serial: 0104
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS ICEFISH (SS367) -
Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron THIRTY.
To : (1) The Commander-in-Chief, UNITED STATES FLEET.
     (2) The Commander Submarines, SEVENTH FLEET.
     (3) The Commander-in-Chief, PACIFIC FLEET.
Via :

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

1. The fourth war patrol of the U.S.S. ICEFISH under
command of Commander R.W. PETERSON, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
area of Hong Kong, Formosa, Siam Gulf and Java Sea areas. Patrol was
of 46 days duration with 31 days being spent in the patrol area. The
Commanding Officer of the ICEFISH was in command of a coordinated attack
group consisting of U.S.S. LAMPREY and U.S.S. SELENE in the Gulf of Siam,
and of an attack group consisting of U.S.S. BAYA, BULLHEAD, BOWFIN,
BLUEBACK and PUFFER in the Java Sea.

2. On 7 June with excellent cooperation of a P.B.Y. for air
cover the ICEFISH conducted a search off the East Coast of Formosa near
VELE RETE rocks for a life raft with six survivors. The search was well
planned and resulted in the ICEFISH rescuing six Army aviators. Rescue
was effected at 3000 yards off shore north of HACHIYO WAN. Three of the
survivors were stretcher cases and the other three completely exhausted
after 24 hours in the raft. One survivor died the next day. Due to
rough seas ICEFISH was unable to transfer survivors to U.S.S. BUMPER so
was ordered to Subic to effect transfer.

3. On 26 June ICEFISH contacted three trading schooners.
These were investigated and as there was doubt as to their enemy character
were not attacked. Two minelayers and a patrol vessel were contacted in
the Java Sea but could not be closed for attack due to their high speed
and radical maneuvers.

4. On 24 June while routining torpedoes and tubes, an inboard
slug was fired from #9 tube. A MK-8 torpedo has been withdrawn approxi-
mately five feet in order to secure it with the Pearl Harbor design
holding strap. 45#/in impulse pressure was used. When the inboard slug
was fired the torpedo was forceably ejected into the torpedo room carrying
fracturing and smashing deck padeyes; crashing into and smashing a bunk and
a man's leg who was in its path. The Squadron Commander concurs
in the analysis of the casualty but this could have been prevented if the
correct procedure had been carried out. Current instructions state that

-1-

— page 156 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON THIRTY                               05/in
FC5-30/A16-3                                                Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial: 0104                                                San Francisco, California,
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L                                     6 July 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS ICEFISH (SS367) -
Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

— page 157 —
FE24-71/A16-3
Serial 0252-A

UNITED STATES NAVY
11/An

18 July 1945

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
ComSubPac ltr. A16-3
Serial 010, dated 4 July
1945. Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of Fourth War
Patrol - Comment on.

1. The Fourth War Patrol of the ICEFISH, under the com-
mand of Commander R. W. PETERSON, U.S.N., was conducted in the
HAINAN, HONG KONG, FORMOSA, SIAM GULF and JAVA SEA Areas and con-
sisted of two phases separated by a fueling stop in SUBIC on 10
June. The Commanding Officer of the ICEFISH was in tactical com-
mand of coordinated groups consisting of LAMPREY and H.M.S.
SELENE in the GULF of SIAM and of RAYA, BULLHEAD, KRAKEN, HARD-
HEAD, BLUEBACK and PUFFER in the JAVA SEA.

2. During the First Phase of the patrol the ICEFISH
acted as lifeguard in the HAINAN-FORMOSA Areas, and had the
pleasure of rescuing six Army aviators. The search for these
survivors was greatly assisted by the enthusiasm, intelligence,
and cooperation of the PBY air cover. The rescue party did a
splendid job of bringing the injured airmen aboard in a force
three sea despite the fact that three of the survivors were
suffering from severe burns and the other three were completely exhausted
after twenty four hours in the rafts. Unfortunately, T/Sgt.
Willie H. EDMONDS, U.S.A. died the next day from internal in-
juries and shock, and was buried at sea. Area coverage was good,
but the only targets of the patrol were two minelayers and a
patrol vessel contacted in the JAVA SEA. These targets could not
be closed for successful attack because of their high speed and
radical maneuvers.

3. The award of the Submarine Combat Insignia is author-
ized for this patrol.

4. The Force Commander congratulates the Commanding Of-
ficer, Officers and Crew of the ICEFISH on the completion of this
patrol and on the rescue of six aviators.

[SIGNATURE: illegible]
JAMES FIFE,
- 1 - ORIGINAL COPY.
9408

— page 158 —
11/dn

FE24-71/A16-3 UNITED STATES NAVY
Serial 0252-A
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
18 July 1945

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to:
USS ICEFISH Conf. Ltr. A16-3
Serial 010, dated 4 July
1945. Report of Fourth War
Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of Fourth War
Patrol - Comment on.

Distribution
Cominch (3) Direct CTG-71.9 (2)
Vice Opnav (2) Direct ComSubRon-22 (2)
Vice Opnav Op-23c (1) ComSubRon-26 (2)
ComlstFlt (1) ComSubRon-30 (2)
Com2ndFlt (1) DivComsSubRon (1ea)
Com7thFlt (2) DivComsSubRon (1ea)
ComSubsls (30) DivComsSubRon (1ea)
ComSubs2ndFlt (4) S/M School, N.L., Conn. (2)
CTF-71 (7) Comdt.NYD, PugetSound (1)
CTG-71.5 (2) SubAd, Mare Island (2)
S/Ms 7thFlt. (1)

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

[SIGNATURE: J. B. Miller]
J. B. MILLER,
Flag Secretary.

[STAMP: COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET]
[STAMP: 15 AUG 1945]
[STAMP: RECEIVED]

- 2 -

— page 159 —
[STAMP: REG. NO. F-3090]
[STAMP: R. S. NO. 9 0103]
[STAMP: REG. SHEET NO 17]

UNITED STATES FLEET
COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET

A16-3(8) (F-30/gto)
Serial: 05707

[STAMP: 23 AUG 1945]

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

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to:
CO USS ICEFISH conf ltr
A16-3, serial 010, dated
4 July 1945.

From: Commander Seventh Fleet.
To : Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of
Fourth War Patrol - comment on.

1. Forwarded.

2. The Commander Seventh Fleet notes with
satisfaction the well conducted rescue of six Army
Aviators
by the ICEFISH.

[SIGNATURE: Z.G. Kinkaid]
T. C. KINKAID

Copy to:
ComSubPac
ComSubRon-30
CO USS ICEFISH (SS367)
28

— page 160 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS367/A16-3
Serial: (014)

DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. ICEFISH

c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
22 August 1945.

From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367).
To : Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO.
(2) Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
(3) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. ICEFISH, Report of War Patrol number Five.

Enclosure: (A) Subject report.
(B) Track Chart (Comsubspac only)

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fifth war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the HONG KONG area during the period 29 July 1945 to 22 August 1945,
is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: R.W. PETERSON]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP 09B9C DATE 5/30/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 138970]

— page 161 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE

Arrived Fremantle, West Australia from fourth war patrol on 4 July 1945.
Received a normal refit from Submarine Division 302 under the supervision of Sub-
marine Squadron 30, from 5 July to 19 July 1945. Major items of repair were as
follows: 20 mm. gun on after cigarette deck replaced by 40 mm. gun, directional
APR installed, and silencer placed on the low pressure blower.
Training period was conducted from 20 July to 26 July 1945, including the
following exercises: Battle surface firing, submerged and surface approaches and
the firing of three MK14-3A and four MK27 torpedoes.
Loaded 28 July with fourteen MK14-3A torpedoes forward; five MK18-3 and five
MK27 torpedoes aft.
The ship was sound tested on 21 July, depermed 27 July and demagnetized 28 July
1945.
The following personnel changes were effected: Lieutenant K.C. NICHOLS,
U.S.N.R. was detached. Seventeen enlisted men were transferred and seventeen re-
ported aboard for duty.

- 1 -

— page 162 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE

List of officers and chief petty officers on board with number of war patrols
(including this patrol)

NAME | NO. WAR PATROLS
Comdr. R.W. PETERSON, U.S.N. | 10
Lieut. G.A. PALMER, Jr., U.S.N. | 4
Lieut. J.W. BAKER, U.S.N.R. | 3
Lieut. S.E. CLARK, U.S.N. | 8
Lieut. K.V. LINDSTROM, U.S.N. | 8
Lt.(jg) J.F. HEARD, U.S.N.R. | 2
Lt.(jg) L.M. ISAACS, U.S.N.R. | 5
Ensign D.C. BEATTY, U.S.N.R. | 2
Ensign F.L. BRENGEL, U.S.N.R. | 2

SMITH, C.E., CTMC(AA)(T)(SS) U.S.N. | 13
WOODSON, D.R., CRM(AA)(SS) U.S.N.R. | 7
LANE, G.J., CRM(AA)(SS) U.S.N.R. | 6
WHITT, C.W., CEM(AA)(T)(SS) U.S.N. | 13
NORRIS, J.R., CMOM(SS) U.S.N. | 7
HAGER, J.P., CPHM(AA)(T)(SS) U.S.N. | 4

29 July
1433(H) | Underway from alongside U.S.S. CLYTIE with U.S.S. KRAKEN for fifth war
| patrol in accordance with ComTaskGroup 71.1 Operation Order 99-45.
| All times for unless otherwise designated.
1500 | Held battle surface practice.
1900 | Commenced attack exercise with U.S.S. KRAKEN on targets provided by
| ComSubron 30.
2200 | Exercise completed, proceeding to area with U.S.S. KRAKEN, 5 miles to
| starboard. Held daily training dives, emergency drills, radar tracking
| exercises, and V.H.F. drills with KRAKEN, enroute LOMBOK STRAITS.

30 July
1050 | Sighted British submarine believed to have been the H.M.S. THULE enroute
| Fremantle. (S.C. #1).
1200 | Position: Lat. 20-42S Long. 112-54E.

31 July
1200 | Position: Lat. 20-30S Long. 112-29E.

1 August
0015 | SJ radar interference followed by radar contact with U.S.S. CABRILLA
| enroute Fremantle. Closed for rendezvous and received aboard transformer
| for the SJ radar which had burned out. (S.C. #2).
1200 | Position: Lat. 18-16S Long. 113-37E.

- 2 -

— page 163 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE

2 August
1200 Position: Lat. 14-22S Long. 114-47E.

3 August
1146 Sighted submarine on horizon, believed to be H.M.S. STUBBORN on lifeguard
     duty. (S.C. #3).
1200 Position: Lat. 16-02S Long. 115-39E.
1314 Submerged after contact closed to 18
     miles. No IFF. Sighted a PBY through periscope. (A.C. #1).
1323 Surfaced, PBY in sight, range 6 miles, opening.
1418 Submerged to routine torpedoes and to await darkness before entering
     LOMBOK STRAITS.
1839 Surfaced, proceeding for transit of LOMBOK STRAITS with U.S.S. KRAKEN to
     follow 10 miles astern.
2124 APR contact, 162 mcs., land based radar on LOMBOK ISLAND.
2230 Entered LOMBOK STRAITS.
2301 Submarine contact followed by exchanging calls with U.S.S. BRILL over
     V.H.F., as her SJ radar was inoperative. Passed her 1,200 yards to star-
     board on opposite course. (S.C. #4).

4 August
0035 Completed transit LOMBOK STRAITS.
0112 Transmitted ICEFISH Serial One to C.T.F. 71 requesting a delay in JAVA
     SEA before proceeding to lifeguard duty off HONG KONG.
0549 Submerged 28 miles southeast SEKALA ISLAND on course 020°T to complete
     routine torpedoes.
1200 Position: Lat. 07-10S Long. 116-18E.
1844 Surfaced on course 020°T, 19 miles southeast SEKALA ISLAND.
2017 Received message from C.T.F. 71 telling us to proceed on to HONG KONG.

5 August
0623 Sighted unidentified aircraft, 085°T, range 4 miles. Submerged. (A.C. #2).
0638 Surfaced, all clear.
1200 Position: Lat. 05-49S Long. 113-52E.
1434 Sighted large Javanese junk bearing 314°T on the horizon, closed to in-
     vestigate. Boarding party reported nothing aboard except several sacks
     of dried fish full of maggots, and a crew of 10 frightened natives.
     Presented them with a carton of cigarettes to soothe their nerves and
     proceeded. (S.C. #5).

6 August
0640 Sighted Javanese junk on horizon bearing 023°T. Closed and investigated.
     Again boarding party found nothing of importance, so proceeded without
     further action. (S.C. #6).
1145 Sighted submarine on horizon, exchanged calls with U.S.S. COD. (S.C. #7).

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— page 164 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE

6 August (Cont'd)
1200 Position: Lat. 04-39S Long. 111-10E.
1900 Entered KARIMATA STRAITS.

7 August
0600 Completed transit of KARIMATA STRAITS.
1200 Position: Lat. 00-52S Long. 107-17E.
1430 We are in vicinity of rendezvous between HARDHEAD, SULPER and LAMPREY so
      transmitted to them over wolf pack giving our position.
1632 Sighted small vessel on the horizon bearing 349°T. Closed to investigate,
      was an engine driven lugger, approximately 50 feet long, and
      displacing about 15 tons. The cargo consisted of building brick, rice
      and oil, enroute from SINGAPORE to BORNEO. In accordance with latest
      directives regarding safety of boat crews, took aboard the crew of five
      Chinese, two Malaccans, and one Jap. Another Jap jumped over the side
      rather than come aboard and was not seen again. (S.C. #8).
1720 Opened fire with 5 inch and both 40 mm. guns. Lugger caught fire and
      quickly sank. Expended 4 rounds 5 inch and 30 rounds 40 mm.
2042 Transmitted to C.T.F. 71 giving details of sinking and requesting rendez-
      vous with HARDHEAD, who is just ahead of us enroute SULUC, to transfer our
      prisoners.
2335 Received message from C.T.F. 71 telling us to transfer prisoners to
      CROAKER upon arrival in area, or all but the Jap to any native craft.

8 August
0740 Sighted British submarine on the horizon bearing 310°T, probably H.M.S.
      SPEARHEAD on opposite and parallel course. (S.C. #9).
1053 SD contact, range 20 miles, closed to 18 miles, then opened out again.
      Not sighted. No IFF. (A.C. #3).
1200 Position: Lat. 04-56N Long. 107-05E.
1358 SD radar contact at 18 miles, closing. No IFF.
1408 SD radar contact closed to 7 miles. Sighted and tentatively identified
      as a C-54 on a northerly course. (A.C. #4).

9 August
1200 Position: Lat. 10-03N Long. 110-09.5E.

10 August
0104 Transmitted wolf pack message to CROAKER, giving time of arrival in area
      and requesting rendezvous.
0330 Received wolf pack message from CROAKER suggesting rendezvous at 19°N,
      113°E, at 1100 on the 11th.
1115 SD radar contact at 14 miles, closing. No IFF.
1118 Exchanged calls with aircraft over VHF. Aircraft sighted, identified as
      a B-29 on a northerly course. (A.C. #5).
1200 Position: Lat. 15-40N Long. 110-00.5E.

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— page 165 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH.

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE

11 August
0419 Small SJ radar contact bearing 157°T, range 3,600 yards. Could see noth-
     ing, avoided.
0900 Sighted U.S.S. CROAKER bearing 040°T. Closed for rendezvous. (S.C. #10).
0950 Transferred our eight prisoners and mail to the CROAKER. Exchanged
     movies, a few needed supplies and received area information.
1200 Position: Lat. 20-44N Long. 112-43E.
1500 Entered patrol area 165 miles southwest of HONG KONG.

12 August
0534 Submerged patrol to save fuel.
1200 Position: Lat. 20-44N Long. 114-28E.
1400 Surfaced for news broadcast.
1557 Submerged.
1920 Surfaced.
2153 APR contact, 170 mcs., weak, sweeping very fast. Soon disappeared and
     was never picked up again.
2352 SJ radar contact bearing 027°T, range 2,650 yards. During the next hour
     and a half ten "pixie" contacts were obtained, at ranges from 1,800 to
     4,200 yards. All contacts disappeared a few minutes after contacted.
     Must have been bird contacts under unusual atmospheric conditions.

13 August
0533 Submerged.
1200 Position: Lat. 20-02N Long. 113-06E.
1927 Surfaced.
2038 Received message from C.T.F. 71 modifying our OpOrder in order to pass to
     Control Comsubspac at 1800, 16 August. Original date of reporting was
     4 September.
2232 Transmitted ICEFISH Third to C.T.F. 71 acknowledging receipt of OpOrd
     modification.

14 August
0535 Submerged.
1200 Position: Lat. 20-10N Long. 113-17E.
1333 Surfaced.
1523 APR contact, 110 mcs., sweeping fast. Contact disappeared after a short
     time.
1535 Departed patrol area, in accordance with orders from C.T.F. 71, 137 miles south
     of HONG KONG, proceeding to LUZON STRAIT.
1720 APR contact, 76 mcs., one short sweep and then disappeared.

15 August
0749 SD radar contact 22 miles, closing.
0750 Sighted aircraft, 12 miles to the northeast, identified as a Privateer.
     (A.C. #6).

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— page 166 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE

15 August (Cont'd)
0915 APR contact at 70 mcs., two very slow sweeps, and then disappeared.
0943 SD radar contact, 16 miles.
0946 Sighted aircraft, identified as a Privateer. Exchanged calls over VHF.
(A.C. #7).
0953 APR contact, 177 mcs., contact disappeared in two minutes.
1151 Transmitted ICEFISH Fourth to C.T.F. 71 requesting clarification on a
message which placed an ASW group at the same position at the same time
as we were scheduled to pass to Op Control of Comsubspac.
1200 Position: Lat. 20-17.5N Long. 117-38E.
1221 Received Alpoa 579 directing cessation of all offensive operations.
1559 Received message directing ICEFISH, RAY, CROAKER and COBIA to pass to
Op Control Comsubspac as previously directed.
1807 Transmitted ICEFISH Fifth to C.T.F. 71 acknowledging receipt of both
messages.

16 August
0413 APR contact, 112 mcs. Swept on once and then disappeared.
0714 Submerged 32 miles west of ITBAYAT ISLAND on an easterly course.
1052 Sighted aircraft, identified as a C-47, 7 miles to the southeast on a
northerly course. (A.C. #8).
1200 Position: Lat. 20-37N Long. 121-42.5E.
1557 Surfaced on course 090°T, proceeded through LUZON STRAIT.
1740 Completed transit of LUZON STRAIT.
1811 Sighted two unidentified aircraft 10 miles to the east. (A.C. #9).
1817 Transmitted ICEFISH First to Comsubspac with info to C.T.F. 71 reporting for duty
to Comsubspac, and requesting routing.
1839 Received message from Comsubspac directing a change in usual routing,
and assigning a waiting area pending further routing instructions.
Reversed course and proceeded west through LUZON STRAIT.
2028 Transmitted to Comsubspac acknowledging receipt of message.
2106 SD radar contact at 6 miles, range opening. No IFF. (A.C. #10).

17 August
0508 Submerged 11 miles north of KOTO SHO. on course 035°T and rode the current
to northward during the day.
1200 Position: Lat. 22-36N Long. 121-42E.
1849 Surfaced 24 miles northeast of KASHO TO on course 000°T.

18 August
0041 Transmitted to RAY giving our position and best speed to rendezvous point.
0800 During the day sighted and contacted on SD radar many friendly aircraft
crossing air routes between OKINAWA and the PHILIPPINES. (A.C. #11).
1133 Joined company with RAY, CROAKER, JACK and COBIA and proceeded in
company, in accordance with orders of Comsubspac. (S.C. #11).

- 6 -

— page 167 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE

18 August (Cont'd)
1200 Position: Lat. 23-07N Long. 125-48E.
1300 Set all clocks ahead one hour to -9 (ITEM) zone time.
2308(I) APR contact at 225 mcs., identified as U.S. surface craft.
2315(I) Contacted many U.S. surface craft on SJ radar. Exchanged recognition
signals by blinker light and passed nearest ship DE 1432, 4,000 yards abeam
to port. (S.C. #12).

19 August
1200(I) Position: Lat. 19-40.5N Long. 130-05E.

20 August
1200(I) Position: Lat. 16-45N Long. 135-45E.

21 August
0100(I) Set all clocks ahead one hour to -10 (KING) zone time.
1200(K) Position: Lat. 14-01N Long. 141-08E.

22 August
0530(K) At rendezvous with escort, LCI 1062.
1043(K) Moored portside of U.S.S. ORION.

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U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

(C) WEATHER

The weather was ideal the entire patrol. No rough seas or severe storms were
encountered.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

In general currents were as indicated on current charts. In LOMBOK STRAIT
a set of 225°T, drift of 4 knots was encountered.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

No navigational aids were observed.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS

| No. | Time | Lat. | Long. | Type(s) | Initial Range | Est. Course & Speed | How Contacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1030(H) | 07-00S | 112-00E | SS | 12,000 | 220T | PS (Peris- | H.M.S. THULE. |
| | 30 Jul. | | | | | 11 kts. | cope surface) | |
| 2 | 0015(H) | 21-00S | 112-00E | SS | 8,000 | 195T | R | U.S.S. CABRILLA. |
| | 1 Aug. | | | | | 14 kts. | | |
| 3 | 1146(H) | 12-00S | 115-38E | SS | 11,000 | 280T | PS | H.M.S. STUBBORN. |
| | 3 Aug. | | | | | 10 kts. | | |
| 4 | 2301(H) | 05-51S | 115-51E | SS | 1,200 | 185T | SN | U.S.S. BRILL. |
| | 3 Aug. | | | | | 18 kts. | | |
| 5 | 1434(H) | 05-44S | 115-08E | Junk | 13,000 | 160T | PS | Investigated, left |
| | 5 Aug. | | | | | 4 kts. | | alone. |
| 6 | 0640(H) | 05-05S | 115-05E | Junk | 11,000 | 000T | PS | Investigated, left |
| | 6 Aug. | | | | | 2 kts. | | alone. |
| 7 | 1145(H) | 04-39S | 111-10E | SS | 16,000 | 110T | PS | U.S.S. COD. [HANDWRITTEN: ✓] |
| | 6 Aug. | | | | | 15 kts. | | |
| 8 | 1632(H) | 00-16S | 106-45E | Lugger | 15,000 | 095T | PS | Investigated and |
| | 7 Aug. | | | | | 4 kts. | | sunk. |
| 9 | 0740(H) | 03-56N | 106-58E | SS | 13,000 | 120T | PS | H.M.S. SPEARHEAD. |
| | 8 Aug. | | | | | 11 kts. | | |
| 10 | 0900(H) | 18-40N | 112-39E | SS | 12,000 | 230T | PS | U.S.S. CROAKER. |
| | 11 Aug. | | | | | 17 kts. | | |
| 11 | 1133(H) | 21-05N | 125-50E | SS | 15,000 | 090T | PS | U.S.S. RAY, JACK, |
| | 18 Aug. | | | | | 18 kts. | | CROAKER and COBIA. |
| 12 | 2315(I) | 21-04N | 127-03E | U.S. Sur- | 24,500 | 185T | R | Convoy. |
| | 18 Aug. | | | face ships | | 14 kts. | | |

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— page 169 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

It is believed that all aircraft contacted were friendly. We were forced to
dive only once, by the aircraft sighted at 4 miles coming out of a cloud, while in
JAVA SEA. While it was not identified, it was a large bomber, unlike any Japanese
type.

(H) ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS367) GUN ATTACK No. ONE PATROL No. FIVE
Time 1720 Date 7 August 1945 Lat. 00-16S. Long. 106-45E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Sunk - One cargo lugger of about 15 tons. Identity established by boarding
party who discovered a cargo in the hold consisting of rice, oil, build-
ing brick and foodstuff. Crew also included two Japanese, one of whom
jumped overboard rather than be taken prisoner. Other seven crew members
were Chinese and Eurasians who stated the lugger was enroute from SINGAPORE
to BORNEO, under lease to the NIPPON OIL COMPANY, for the purpose of
evacuating about 60 Japanese employees. The cargo was for trading with
BORNEO natives for COPRA according to the Jap prisoner.

Details of Action

Lugger was sunk with 4 rounds of 5" and 32 rounds of 40 mm. ammunition
at a range of 200 yards. The firing was very effective, and the lugger
burst into flames with the first hits and quickly sank. No casualties
occurred to personnel or material of this vessel.

(I) MINES

None.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

None.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

1. Hull:
(a) Negative tank vent has leaked during entire patrol despite the efforts
by U.S.S. CLYDE to fix it during last refit.
(b) During first week of patrol packing was added to hydraulic accumulator
to stop leakage.
(c) During second week of patrol the valve stem on the high pressure air
stop valve between the air flask and the hydraulic accumulator sheared off.
Repairs were effected by reshaping the valve stem and replacing the valve
wheel.

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— page 170 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

1. Hull (Cont'd)
   (d) Replaced worn expansion valve assembly on ice cuber in refrigeration
   system.

2. Machinery:
   (a) At beginning of patrol the resistance reading of the armature circuit
   on #1 main generator read 400,000 ohms. During patrol the resistance
   dropped to 200,000 ohms. The resistance of this armature has been gradually
   dropping since it was cleaned during refit in Pearl Harbor prior to the Third
   War Patrol.
   (b) Cylinder head on #15 unit, #1 main engine, developed an oil leak.
   Upon removal it was discovered that the gasket had been folded under causing
   the leak. New gasket was installed and the oil leak stopped.

(L) RADIO

All the communication equipment operated very satisfactorily and no defects
or casualties were noted.
For transmitting time, 12705 KCS. was used only once during the daylight hours be-
cause of the high noise level which prevailed during most of the transmitting time.
8470 KCS. was reliable as far as signal strength was concerned at all times of
transmission, but in late afternoon and night hours was usually crowded with other
ship to shore traffic and occasional enemy interference.
With the Fox schedule, 4370 KCS. was copied only during the night hours,
9250 KCS. being almost consistently good during the whole of the day. Receiving
MVB below the Equator was difficult at midday on either 9250 or 12630 KCS.
4370 KCS. was not heard at anytime.
Signal from NPM was poor for a short while during late morning in the FORMOSA
and LUZON STRAITS area, on 9090 and 13655 KCS. During this late morning period
16730 KCS. was not heard at all.
No freak conditions, transmitting or receiving, were encountered.

(M) RADAR

SJ - The SJ was satisfactory, and required only a few adjustments and repairs.
When in best condition ranges were 14,500 yards on U.S. submarine; 13,000 yards on
British submarine; high land on second sweep out to 180,000 yards.
A modification was made during refit permitting the BN to be used with the SJ.
The plate load resistance of the video amplifier in the range indicator was changed
and replaced with a resistance of insufficient wattage rating. This resistance
burned out and had to be replaced.

Tubes changed: 1 - Magnetron (706AY)
                 1 - Beat oscillator
                 2 - TR
                 3 - IF amplifiers (6AC7)
                 1 - Pre IF amplifier (6AK5)

- 10 -

— page 171 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL
(L) RADAR (Cont'd)

ST - No opportunity was had to use the ST radar but it operated satisfactorily
during the training period and when checked on land while on patrol. No defects or
troubles were encountered.

SD - The SD operated satisfactorily giving ranges on aircraft from 15 to 22
miles and on high land out to 60 miles.

Tubes replaced: 2 - 8014A
1 - 8013
1 - 2X2

IFF:

BN - The BN operated very satisfactorily giving IFF response out to 30
miles.
A modification was made permitting the BN to be used with the SJ as well as
the SD. The remote control unit used in this modification, CN.23.GK, gave con-
siderable trouble, requiring constant adjustment of contacts.
Soon after leaving on patrol the BN power transformer developed an internal
short and ground, burning it out completely. A replacement was obtained from the
U.S.S. CABRILLA at sea, and the BN was put back in commission.

Radar Detector - The radar detector operated satisfactorily. Four antennas
mounted fore, aft, port and starboard were added to give an indication of direct-
ion of a radar detector contact. This did not work too satisfactorily since it
required a strong, steady signal and that is not obtained very often while on
patrol.

Tubes replaced: 3 - 6AC7
2 - 955
1 - 543
1 - 6J7

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

No sound contacts were made and no defects in the sound gear were noted.

(O) DENSITY LAYERS

Slight negative temperature gradients were encountered on all deep dives,
isothermal layers extending down to about 100 feet.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY

The health of the officers and crew was generally excellent. Two cases of
gonococcus infection of urethra, amongst the crew contacted during refit, were
treated with good results.

- 11 -

— page 173 —
U.S.S. ICEFISH

CONFIDENTIAL

(U) RADAR COUNTERMEASURES

Radar Detector Contacts:

Con- | Time(II) | Lat.      | Freq | PRF | Pulse    | Remarks
tact |          |           | Mc.  | cps | length   |
No.  | Date     | Long.     |      |     | microsec |
-----|||------|-----||
1    | 2120     | 09-00S    | 162  | 400 | 5        | Sweeping slowly, saturated. Land
     | 3 Aug.   | 125-38E   |      |     |          | based on southern LOMBOK.
2    | 2140     | 08-30N    | 170  | 500 | 3        | Weak. Several fast sweeps.
     | 12 Aug.  | 123-23E   |      |     |          |
3    | 1525     | 11-00N    | 110  | 500 | 10       | Sweeping fast & high. Made only
     | 14 Aug.  | 123-42.5E |      |     |          | 3 sweeps. Had minor lobes.
4    | 1725     | 09-50N    | 76   | 500 | 20       | One weak sweep.
     | 14 Aug.  | 124-09E   |      |     |          |
5    | 1015     | 09-57N    | 70   | 300 | 20       | Two slow sweeps, " high.
     | 15 Aug.  | 127-23E   |      |     |          |
6    | 0420     | 09-45N    | 112  | 400 | 20       | Only one weak sweep.
     | 16 Aug.  | 128-58E   |      |     |          |

(V) REMARKS

     This patrol was characterized by lack of enemy contacts, air or surface. It
was terminated as a result of Japanese overtures for peace, and was the last
patrol of the U.S.S. ICEFISH in World War II.

- 13 -

— page 174 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE SIXTY-TWO

FB5-162/A16-3
Serial: (022)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS ICEFISH (SS 367)
Report of Fifth War
Patrol.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

1. The fifth War Patrol of the U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS 367),
under the command of Commander R. W. PETERSON, U.S. Navy, was
spent life guarding in the Hong Kong area during the period
29 July to 22 August 1945. After only three days on station,
due to the overrunning of Japanese forces, ICEFISH was ordered
to report for operational control to Commander Submarine Force,
Pacific Fleet.

2. This patrol was characterized by lack of enemy
contacts, both air and surface.

3. Enroute to station at 1632 on 7 August, a small
lugger was intercepted carrying building brick, rice and oil
from SINGAPORE to BORNEO. Eight crew members were rescued and
the lugger was sunk with four (4) rounds of 5" and thirty (30)
rounds of 40 MM. The prisoners were transferred to U.S.S.
CROAKER (SS 246) on 11 August 1945.

4. The ICEFISH returned from patrol clean and in
good material condition. Refit will be accomplished by ORION
and Submarine Division ONE SIXTY-TWO crews in seven days.

5. The Division Commander congratulates the
Officer, officers and crew on the completion of the fifth
patrol. Commander PETERSON is further congratulated on
completion of ten War Patrols as Commanding Officer.

[SIGNATURE: W. E. FERRALL]
W. E. FERRALL

C. O. of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
23 August 1945.

The Commander Submarine Division ONE SIXTY-TWO.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

U.S.S. ICEFISH (SS 367) - Report of War Patrol
Number FIVE.

— page 175 —
File: FC5-16/A16-3
Serial: ( 093 )

SUBMARINE SQUADRON SIXTEEN

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
25 August 1945.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS ICEFISH (SS 367)
Report of Fifth War
Patrol.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN.
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. ICEFISH (SS 367) - Report of War Patrol Number FIVE.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the First Endorsement.

2. It is recommended that U.S.S. ICEFISH be credited as follows:

S U N K

1 - MIS (Diesel Lugger) - 15 Tons (Gun Attack No.1)

3. The Squadron Commander congratulates all hands in the ICEFISH
on their capable and successful completion of war patrol operations and ex-
tends a hearty welcome on their return to the squadron.

[SIGNATURE: W. A. Lent]
W. A. LENT.

— page 176 —
A16-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 02264

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
ICEFISH Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 881
U.S.S. ICEFISH - FIFTH WAR PATROL.

From:
To:
Via:
Subject:

1.
Commander R. W. Peterson, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the areas off Hong Kong.

2.
This patrol was devoted mainly to lifeguard duties and was termi-
nated about three days after ICEFISH reached her area as a result of the Japanese
capitulation. No opportunities were afforded to rescue downed aviators; no tor-
pedo fire were sighted. The ICEFISH sank one small lugger with
her guns.

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

4.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the ICEFISH upon the completion of her
final patrol and welcomes them to the Central Pacific. The ICEFISH is credited
with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

S U N K

1 - MIS (Lugger) (EU)
-
15 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)*

*NOTE: Since the above damage was done in areas under the operational control
of Commander Task Force SEVENTY-ONE, he is requested to assume credit accordingly.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch
CNO
Cincpac
JICPOA
AdICPOA
Conservpac
Cincslant
Comsubslant
S/M School, HL
CO, S/M Base, PH
Comsopac
Comsovespac
ComsubspacSubordcom
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific
ComSubOnTrGrBalboa (Air)
Substrainpac
All Submarines, Pacific
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon)
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon)
Comnorpac
Comsubspac
ComsubspacAd Cond.
SUBAD, HI

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
11 September, 1945.

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. ICEFISH (SS367) - Report of Fifth War Patrol
(29 July to 22 August 1945).

The fifth war patrol of the U.S.S. ICEFISH, under the command of

MERRILL COMSTOCK,
Deputy.

(7)
(5)
(6)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(3)
(1)
(8)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(3)
(20)
(2)

[SIGNATURE: G. H. Hynes]
E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
Flag Secretary.

— page 177 —
END OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: 7-108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR-183-78]

||||| 1.0 ||||| 2.8 ||||| 2.5
||||| 1.1 ||||| 3.2 ||||| 2.2
||||| 1.25 ||||| 1.4 ||||| 1.6
||||| 3.6 ||||| 2.0
||||| 1.8

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