U.S.S. PARCHE (SS-384) — war patrol report SS-384_PARCHE.pdf

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JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: E 108]
[HANDWRITTEN: AR336-77]

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OPERATOR [SIGNATURE: Brooks]

DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 10-25-77]

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[LOGO: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SEAL with eagle and text "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

REEL TARGET, START & END
NAVEXOS 3968

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[HANDWRITTEN: PORSCHE (SS-384)]
[HANDWRITTEN: WWII PATROL REPORT FILE]
[HANDWRITTEN: ALL MATERIAL ON THIS REEL IS DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: FOR DECK LOGS NOVEMBER 1943 - JUNE 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONSULT NATIONAL ARCHIVES WHICH HAS CUSTODY]

[SIGNATURE: J.A. KOONTZ]

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Division of Naval History
Ships' Histories Section
Navy Department

HISTORY OF USS PARCHE (SS 384)

Thirty thousand tons sunk or damaged is a highly respectable total for
a submarine on her maiden patrol. The maiden, USS PARCHE, operating in a
coordinated attack group, established her reputation as a marksman of high
order, scoring eight hits out of twelve torpedoes fired, with an average of
one ship sunk for every six fish expended.

But that was only the beginning. Completing six patrols, the PARCHE
wrote her name with bits of flaming wreckage across the annals of submarine war-
fare. Among the decorations she received was the Presidential Unit Citation
for herself and the Congressional Medal of Honor for her first commanding
officer, Commander L. P. Ramage.

The submarine was built by the Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Navy Yard.
Her keel was laid on 9 April 1943 and on 24 July 1943 Miss Betty Russell
smashed the traditional bottle of champagne across her bow as she slid into
the water for the first time. Miss Russell is the daughter of the United
States District Judge Robert Lee Russell, formerly Judge Advocate General of
the Navy.

The submarine took its name from a small, gorgeously colored butterfly
fish, known for its uncanny ability for swimming in and around coral heads and
reefs. The fish is able to find its way through the most intricate passages
by swimming on its side or upside down.

The USS PARCHE was first placed in commission on 20 November 1943, and
on 29 March 1944 the sleek killer slipped out of Pearl Harbor in company with
the TINOSA and BANG for her first war patrol. The trio was to operate to-
gether under the command of Captain G. E. Peterson, USN, who was riding the
PARCHE. After topping off at Midway, the three headed for their area, the sea
lanes south of Formosa.

First contact made was a derelict trawler, evidently the victim of
another undersea prowler. The PARCHE took the opportunity to sharpen up her
20 mm gun crews with a practice run and then continued on her course, reach-
ing the assigned area on 16 April 1944. The next day a bird was attracted to
the periscope with the following entries in the log resulting:
"1500 Picked up sky lookout - Bird (genus: unknown; sex: undetermined; habits:
not altogether proper) which took station on #1 periscope, going round
and round and up and down, hanging on with dogged determination for
over 4 hours."

More important contacts were made on 29 April, when the BANG reported
a large convoy 50 miles away. Calling for full speed, the PARCHE set course
to intercept and three hours later sighted one large ship with a single escort.
Another escort came into view as the sub began running around the target on the
surface, and immediately gave chase. The sub, having about a half-knot speed
advantage, shook him off after 20 minutes, but by then had lost contact.

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-2- USS PARCHE (SS 384)

The BANG put her on the track again at 0350 on 30 April, and soon the
convoy location was pin-pointed by a column of flame from one of the BANG's
four hits. By 0513, PARCHE was in position to count ten ships in the fat
convoy, but the on-coming dawn forced her to break off an attempted surface
attack to begin an end-around approach.

Finally at 1010 the sub was again in a firing position, and launched
four torpedoes, two each at the two leading ships in the starboard column.
They apparently sighted her periscope in the flat slick, however, for at the
time of firing they hoisted a two pennant signal and turned away. Disappointed,
Captain Ramage took the boat down to avoid bombing by the convoy's air cover.
A timed hit was heard, however, and later the BANG reported that one torpedo
had gone on to hit in the other column. The TINOSA then attacked, scoring
several hits before losing contact.

The TINOSA reported a seven-ship convoy on the morning of 3 May 1944,
and the PARCHE headed north at full speed to intercept. After running around
the convoy, she was again picked up by a patrol boat and chased for an hour and
a half. As she tried to get back in position, a series of distant explosions
announced that the other two had taken advantage of the lessened escort to make
a killing. An hour after midnight, she found herself in position and fired
four torpedoes at the leading ship of the six left, and then sent two after the
second freighter. Three hits were observed on the first ship, which appeared
to blow up, break in two, and sink almost immediately. As two hits registered
on the second target, the PARCHE began making a set up on a third freighter.

Zigging wildly, the target began firing her deck guns at random as the
second target sank. Her evasive maneuvers did no good, however, for at 0127
four torpedoes scored two hits, one amidships and one aft, blowing out the
stern and beginning to list to port. With the target settling by the
port, the PARCHE hauled clear to reload while the BANG came in for an attack.

The BANG's attack resulted in the loss to the Japanese of another cargo
ship. Just as the PARCHE was closing again, however, the moon broke out from
behind the clouds, silhouetting her on the surface. An escort, this time one
with superior speed, began to chase, but was lost when the PARCHE ducked into
a rain squall. The TINOSA mopped up, sinking two AKs and damaging two other
ships, leaving only the escorts searching aimlessly for ships that were no
longer there. Post-war records credited the trio with five sinkings and 30,542
tons.

Since both the BANG and TINOSA were out of torpedoes by this time, they
were ordered home while the PARCHE remained on station. After making a thorough
photo reconnaissance of military installations on the island of Ishi Gaki Jima,
she returned toward Midway.

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-3-
                                                        USS PARCHE (SS 384)

        A trawler crossed her track on 19 May and she paused long enough to make
three runs on him with her automatic weapons, before poor visibility and the
necessity for getting out of a restricted area caused her to break off, arriv-
ing in Midway on 23 May 1944. The submarine combat insignia was awarded for
her highly-successful maiden patrol.

        The PARCHE's second patrol was again south of Formosa. Along with the
HAMMERHEAD and STEELHEAD, she formed a coordinated attack group with Commander
L. S. Parks, USN, as the group Commander. Four more worth-while contacts were made.
Three could not be developed, but a daring attack on a large convoy resulted
in 34,000 tons of shipping joining Davey Jones' ever-growing sunken fleet.

        Captain Ramage took the PARCHE to sea again on 17 June, following her
refit. A week later a patrol vessel was sighted, and "Battle Stations, Surface"
rang through the ship as she prepared to gun him down. The third shot hit the
deck house, bringing down the antenna and after mast. The patrol craft
maneuvered radically at top speed until a shot under his tail jammed his rudder
full left. Going round and round, the sub foiled two attempts by the Japanese
to man their machine gun by blowing the successive gunners sky high. Finally,
a well-placed shot in his stern stopped the target, which was then set afire
with 20 mm incendiaries. After burning briskly for ten minutes, the vessel
finally sank, with six survivors scrambling out of the forward hold. One at-
tempted deception by putting a wooden cask over his head and spotting through
the bunghole. The ruse was almost successful.

        A three-ship formation was spotted shortly after midnight on 4 July
1944 and chased until 0055 when, as Captain Ramage records it, "Our Fourth of
July was then officially recognized with the Nips providing the fireworks."
A large destroyer opened up first, [HANDWRITTEN: followed almost immediately by one of the]
heavy cruisers. One splash on the starboard quarter and three more on the port,
all within a 100 yards precipitated quite a scramble on the bridge. The second
salvo landed as the conning tower hatch went under. After depth charging and
patrolling for 20 minutes, the Japanese cleared out at 24 knots.

        On the 18th of July another pack sent out a convoy report and the
HAMMERHEAD, STEELHEAD and PARCHE shaped a course to intercept. At 1300 a sub-
marine's dream come true was sighted -- an escort carrier with no air cover
and no surface escorts. Before an attack could be delivered, however, the
carrier launched planes and began running away. Several explosions could be
heard, indicating that some of another wolf pack had gotten into the convoy the
carrier was providing air coverage for. A typhoon was building up now, making
it impossible to attack, or even to maintain a periscope patrol. The storm
reached its height on 21 July, but had disappeared by the next day, without
damage to the sub. A gale blew in on the 24th, and on the 26th the group com-
mander sent a message to Captain Wilkins, who was in command of "Wilkins'
Wildcats," suggesting a joint patrol of Bintang Channel by both packs.

        Shortly after arriving on the 26th, PARCHE heard three heavy explosions
and saw a huge column of white smoke rising to at least 500 feet from one of the
four vessels sunk in the area that day. The HAMMERHEAD shoved off for Australia
on 29 July, but the next day reported contacting a convoy of seven ships and
three escorts only 20 miles south of the PARCHE's position. Since the plot of
the convoy's course showed that they would have passed directly over her three

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USS PARCHE (SS 384)

hours previously the group commander asked for another position. This time the
HAMMERHEAD reported the convoy 30 miles north of the group. Succeeding con-
flicting reports kept the subs chasing phantoms all night, and it was not
until the sun came up that it finally dawned on them that they were the
victims of another snipe hunt.

A real convoy was sighted late that morning, however, and, cooperating
with the STEELHEAD, the PARCHE closed through the afternoon and night, working
her way inside the escorts and beginning an approach on a medium AK at 0354.
The target slid by 200 yards away, and then turned to avoid the two torpedoes
the PARCHE sent after her. The move effectively blocked off an escort who had
followed the PARCHE in, however, and left her in a nice position for shots at
two tankers and the AK. A stern shot took care of the cargo carrier, and four
bow tubes knocked out a tanker. Swinging hard right to bring her stern tubes
to bear on a second oiler, the submarine fired three tubes. One missed ahead,
but two hit forward, slowing her down but not stopping her completely.

The escorts now began to become a problem with their indiscriminate
machine gun fire and flares. However, another target, a medium-sized merchant-
man with a sizeable superstructure, came in sight. Two torpedoes amidships
broke her back and sent her down within a couple of minutes. Heading back
for her second tanker, the submarine crossed her track about 200 yards astern.
At about 500 yards the tanker opened up with everything she had, but her trim
down by the bow kept her from depressing her guns enough to do any good. The
small stuff peppered the bridge so that all hands had to be sent below except
the quartermaster, who stuck to the after TBT until he had the set up. At
800 yards the PARCHE fired three stern tubes at the menace. All hit -- the
gunfire from that quarter was effectively silenced and with five torpedoes in
her the big tanker gave up and went down, leaving only a small oil fire.

Two escorts on the port quarter were now concentrating their machine
gun fire on the submarine, who had been on the surface since the beginning of
the action. She was about to come right to put them astern and head for the
prize of the evening, a huge transport, when she spotted a small fast job coming
in sharp on the starboard bow, apparently intent on ramming. Calling for full
speed, the skipper sent his craft shooting across in front of the on-rushing
enemy, swinging full right when half way across to put his stern clear. The
Japanese were screaming like a bunch of wild pigs as she cleared all around by
less than 50 feet. Mutual cheers and jeers were exchanged by all hands.

Now boxed in on both sides by several small craft and the big transport
dead ahead, the sub had no alternative but to fire straight down the transport's
throat. The first fish started off to the right, so the sub cooly checked fire,
spotted on, and then fired two more. These were right in the groove and both
hit, stopping her cold. Closing in on her starboard bow, the PARCHE swung
hard left and fired one stern shot at 800 yards for a bullseye.

Stopping to take account of the situation, the PARCHE counted eight
ships still visible on her radar screen. The bewildered escorts were still
busy firing at her and at each other. The big AP was stopped and down by the
bow, but showed no further signs of going down. Just as the sub started to go
back to deliver the coup de grace, the ship suddenly disappeared from sight and
radar in one big blurb as the stern came up and she went straight down, head first.

[HANDWRITTEN: P-10]

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-5- USS PARCHE (SS 384)

As she cleared the area, one of the escorts repeatedly challenged her with AA --
AA by searchlights. This appeared to be rather unusual until one of the quarter-
masters explained, "Those Japs probably have a lot of forms to fill out too."
Several loud explosions were heard as the PARCHE cleared the area, and later
in the day she received reports of attacks by both the STEELHEAD and HAMMERHEAD.

When the war's end made it possible to search the Japanese records,
it was found that the PARCHE had polished off a 10,238 ton tanker and a 4,471 ton
passenger-cargo ship, while collaborating with the STEELHEAD in sinking an
8,990 ton transport. The STEELHEAD was given credit for two other ships, a
transport and a cargo vessel. Another tanker and a cargo ship were listed
as damaged by the daring attacks.

Q. D. Brown, PhM1c, USN, had been suffering from acute attacks of
appendicitis since 15 July, and so on 1 August the sub departed for Saipan,
where she moored alongside the USS HOLLAND on 5 August to transfer her patient.
The HOLLAND treated the crew royally with fresh fruit, ice cream, new magazines
to read, and even a band. After listening to all the sniping still
going on over on the beach, all hands were willing to forego liberty and on
the 6th the ship got underway for Pearl Harbor, arriving on 16 August 1944.
Combat insignia was authorized for the patrol.

The PARCHE's third war patrol, 10 September to 2 December 1944, one of
the longest of the war, was completely unproductive. Spending 86 days on
patrol, 49 in her areas in the San Bernardino Strait and south of Formosa, the
ship made only one contact worth torpedoes, and this could not be developed.
Her patrol was broken by a trip to Saipan, escorting the SAILFISH, whose
transmitter was out of order. The ship returned to Midway on 2 December.

After a refit, during which Commander Ramage was relieved as commanding
officer by the former exec, Lieutenant Commander W. W. McCrory, USN, the ship
got underway on 30 December 1944 for rotating patrol in the Nansei Shoto. Heavy
weather dogged her on the approach to her area, causing some material damage,
but on 11 January 1945 she sighted her first convoy, eight small ships.

Going to surface battle stations, the sub started in for the last ship
in column, hoping to be able to pick one off by gunfire. As soon as she was
sighted, though, the convoy escorts formed a line of bearing, with all their
firepower concentrated on the submarine while the other three ships fled. Since
it was apparent that the gamble would not be worth the risk, the PARCHE turned
away at full power, chased by the five pesky escorts, who scored a small caliber
hit in the deck causing superficial damage.

An alarming knock developed in the superstructure, and it soon became
imperative to remove the cause, since the noise would give away the submarine's
position if she were ever detected underwater. Finally, the trouble was found
to be the bulkhead forward of the forward loading hatch, which had broken loose
and was buckling in and out. Lieutenant J. H. Hennessy, Jr., USN, and R. J. Van
Eperen, MOMM1c, USN, cut the plate out in about an hour, working under water
half of the time as the submarine ran on the surface precariously close to the
enemy shore line. Just as the job was finished, radar contacts were picked up,
and shortly afterward the boat had to dive as a plane contact closed. The job
was safely done, however, and the PARCHE headed for a new area, covering the north-
south routes to Naha, 60 miles west of Yokoate Shima.

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-6- USS PARCHE (SS 384)

A freighter and a tanker were discovered at anchor in Naze Ko on 19
January, and in spite of the difficulties present, the PARCHE's skipper decided
to try a surface attack. To get within a decent firing range, the sub would
have to go at least a mile inside the 100 fathom curve, leaving her little
depth for diving in case she should be discovered. Coast defense guns had been
reported at the harbor, and an airfield was only six miles away.

Just at sunset the boat worked her way in at periscope depth to a firing
position, and fired six bow tubes at the tanker, for five distinct hits. Swing-
ing around, she fired four torpedoes at the freighter, for two possible hits.
Blowing her tanks, she came to the surface and bent on emergency speed to clear
the area. The Japanese were all evidently asleep, however, for none offered any
obstacle to the PARCHE's get-away.

The next afternoon, 20 January 1945, two planes were sighted circling
ten miles away. Suspecting a convoy, the PARCHE headed in that direction,
sighting the tops of four ships at 1530. Unable to close for a submerged attack,
she began trailing until half an hour before sunset, when she surfaced and
began patrolling their estimated track. A contact report brought the BLUEBACK
and SEAFOX up to intercept the convoy, but its speed enabled the Japanese to
slip out of the trap.

On the 22nd the ship returned to Naze Ko, where both her previous
targets could be seen, evidently grounded in the shallow water.

Just before diving on the morning of 7 February a single ship the 984-
ton OKINOYAMA MARU was sighted, and PARCHE eagerly closed to attack, even though
the small size of the ship and the 10 to 12 foot seas and bad visibility made
an attack difficult. Four torpedoes were fired for one hit, and the little
freighter began going down by the stern. Seven minutes later it disappeared,
headed straight down stern first.

PARCHE was running on the surface enroute to Midway on 10 February 1945
when a short, quick swell from the port side threw Ensign J. M. Holleran, who
was on deck with a detail converting fuel-ballast tanks to main ballast tanks,
overboard. Throwing over a life ring, the sub swung around to pick him up. It
was thought that all the four men who had been on deck had returned to the bridge,
but H. P. Leffler, MOMM2c, had gone back down from the bridge to get the last
man, R. J. Van Eperen, MOMM1c, who was just abaft the conning tower. Just after
Ensign Holleran was sighted on the port bow, a lookout reported the two men
overboard. Throwing over another life ring, several lookouts and both periscopes
were directed to watch the two as Ensign Holleran was picked up. However, the
two were lost from view, and although the area was searched for five hours,
nothing could be found except the life rings.

Fueling at Midway on 16 February, the sub continued to Pearl Harbor,
where she arrived on the 20th. The submarine combat insignia was authorized.

Japanese shipping, decimated by continual submarine and air attacks, was
becoming increasingly difficult to find. When the PARCHE left Pearl Harbor on
19 March 1945, she headed directly for the east coast of Honshu, one of the
Japanese home islands. The TRUTTA and LIONFISH were in company, with the group

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-7- USS PARCHE (SS 384)

commander on board the TRUTTA. After voyage repairs at Saipan, the sub con-
tinued on her way. Friendly submarine traffic was heavy. The SUNFISH was in
company, and the PUFFER and PETO passed the group the first day out.

After several small contacts not considered worth alerting the coast
for, the PARCHE sighted a short, fat transport and an escorting 615 ton
minesweeper off Kobe Zaki on 9 April 1945, and began her approach. At 1500
yards she was in firing position, with the escort headed directly for her. She
did not detect the submarine even then, with perfect sound conditions.
A final scope check showed that the minesweeper would pass astern, and so both
bow and stern tubes were made ready in hopes of getting both of them at once.

Three stern torpedoes sought the escort, followed a minute later by four
forward at the transport. Just as the fourth was ready to leave the tube, a
terrific explosion rocked the submarine, and a quick check showed a column of
smoke and steam rising 1000 feet, with the AM's bow standing vertically in the
air. The torpedo had hit a fire room.

Swinging back to the transport, the skipper could see her fishtailing
madly away, having sighted and avoided the torpedoes. Deciding that it would
be a waste of torpedoes, the sub went deep. A leak in her forward trim tank
forced her to leave the area that afternoon long enough to replace a gasket on
the manhole cover, but by the next morning she was back on station.

A small target was picked up by radar on 11 April, and the PARCHE made
a gun attack. The ship, thought at first to be a patrol boat, turned out to be
a small freighter of about 800 tons. The first run was undecisive, since the
20 mm and 40 mm guns could not start a fire, and the five-inch would not work.
Hauling out to 2000 yards, the five-inch was repaired and the second run begun.
The 20s and 40s were hitting the five-inch just getting off a shot when, at
600 yards, the target blew up in a tremendous red ball of fire, probably a
gasoline explosion. From the concussion all hands below thought the sub had
been hit. As the pall of smoke cleared, nothing could be seen from the bridge.

Another small vessel was sighted the next day, but fog and radical
maneuvering spoiled two approaches before fish could be fired. On the third try,
though, three forward torpedoes were fired. The first two torpedoes barely
missed astern, but at 2014 the third caught him amidships. The hit was accompanied
by a violent explosion which spread the length of the ship and blew him to bits.
The target disappeared from the radar screen in 90 seconds.

April 13th was a Friday, and for awhile the sub's crew thought it was
really their unlucky day. Inside the 100-fathom curve and hampered by low
visibility, the ship made an approach on what appeared to be the foremast of a
destroyer or a patrol craft to the north. It eventually turned out to be stakes
for a fishing net. A trawler then appeared and began hauling in the lines. For
over an hour it appeared that the sub was caught in the net. She could not lose
the nearest marker, there was a strange tugging sound in the superstructure
and the marker continually lay over in the water as if she were tugging it.
Thinking she had probably been sighted, the ship went to battle surface and
opened fire at 2000 yards, leaving her target with her stern under water.

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-8- USS PARCHE (SS 384)

Two hours later she again opened fire on a small observation boat,
leaving it with a fire raging from stem to stern when two Japanese planes caused
her to dive, leaving all her guns loose and much of her ammunition exposed.
A heavy explosion caught her on the way down, but inflicted no damage. Later
that night she came to the surface to secure her guns and toss the water-
soaked ammunition over the side.

On 18 April the sub made a torpedo attack on a small freighter headed
north along the 100-fathom curve, but missed. Four days later three small
tankers were sighted in column, proceeding north along the coast south of Okama
Saki.

Firing with only one foot of her scope out of the water, the PARCHE
sent three torpedoes at the second tanker and then shifted to the third. The
change in trim forward prevented accurate observation, but the third tanker
could be seen down by the stern and covered with a cloud of smoke. After the
explosions, only one set of screws of the original three could be heard. After
one more fruitless attack, the sub was relieved by the CERO and left for Midway,
arriving on 30 April 1945.

The marauder got underway for her sixth patrol, the last of World War
II, on 25 May 1945. After voyage repairs at Guam, she joined the "Lifeguard
League" south of Honshu. She stayed on station off Honshu until 18 June 1945,
standing ready to pick up any aviators who might be forced down. No rescues
were necessary in her area, though, and on the 18th she was released and pro-
ceeded to Tsugara Strait, relieving the PIRANHA.

Her first torpedo contact came on 21 June 1945, when a gunboat was
sighted wounding Shiriya Saki. She was soon joined by a sub chaser, and then
by a freighter. Picking the freighter as the best target, the PARCHE got off
four torpedoes from her forward tubes for one hit, which threw up a veil of dense
white smoke. Expecting counter-measures, the sub went under, accompanied by the
breaking-up noises of the freighter HIZEN MARU. No depth charges were dropped,
and so she continued on her patrol across the entrance to Tsugaru Strait.

Three luggers escorted by a small flat vessel were attacked on the after-
noon of the next day, and two were sunk. The other two were too close to the
shore line to warrant further chase and so the PARCHE withdrew, just as an
anti-submarine vessel appeared over the horizon, heading for the scene at
full power.

Several trawlers were her next target on 23 June. Six five-inch hits
sank the first, and eight hits disposed of the second. The third took seven
before flooding to the gunwales. She began an approach with her tubes ready on
the 24th, but discovered just in time that the vessel was a hospital ship, and
held her fire.

Two days later three large ships and six escorts were sighted headed
north along the coast, one of the smartest convoys seen for some months in
Japanese home waters. Commander McCrory described them as all trim craft, "all
pinging and working as if they had been briefed by the Emperor himself."

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-9- USS PARCH (SS 384)

But the Emperor's best were not good enough to play in the same league with the PARCH's veterans. Letting the two leading sub chasers pass within 500 yards, they fired three torpedoes at the second ship in column, followed by three more at the third. To its astonishment and breaking up-wise, were heard on the first target, and two hits registered in the second, which were then stopped. The escorts shook the sub up considerably with depth charges for four and half hours, until she managed to work away and resume her patrol, leaving the sub sunk and another badly damaged.

Three trawlers blundered into the ship's way on 1 July, and were left flooded. During the night of 2-3 July two more anti-submarine craft were contacted, and, suggesting a sweep in advance of a convoy, the PARCH fell in behind. Sure enough, before dawn two large ships were sighted, headed for Shiriyazaki through shallow water. As she closed for a submerged attack, a noisy shift and reduction gear forced her to break off.

Another round of life guard duty for the carrier planes of Task Force 38 was assigned the PARCH until 17 July 1945, when she rendezvoused with the CERO to take aboard three flyers, and set course for Midway, arriving on the 23rd. From there she proceeded to Pearl Harbor, where she moored on 28 July 1945.

A Navy yard overhaul kept the ship in port until after the Japanese surrender, but the end of the war did not mean the end of action for the PARCH. In 1946 she was assigned to "Operation Crossroads," as target ship for the atomic bomb tests at Bikini.

Arriving in Bikini lagoon on June 1946, the PARCH survived both the air burst and the underwater burst, coming through relatively unscathed. After decontamination, she proceeded to Mare Island. She was then assigned to Naval Reserve training duty in Oakland, California.

The USS PARCH and her crew received a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during her second patrol. The citation reads:

"For extraordinary heroism in action during War Patrols against heavily escorted enemy Japanese convoys in restricted waters of the Pacific. Boldly penetrating the strong hostile screen at pre-dawn, the USS PARCH launched a furious surface attack with a crippling stern shot into an enemy freighter and followed up with a series of bow and stern torpedoes to sink the last tanker and damage second one. Exposed by the vicious fire of the flares, she deflected the terrible anti-fire damage and was ordered to strike again and sink a transport by two forward reloads, braving the mounting fury of fire from the escorting tankers to fight it out with a completely disorganized and confused enemy. Maneuvering swiftly to avoid destruction as a fast transport closed in to ram, the PARCH cleared to the side of the running ship by less than fifty feet but placed herself in the punishing cross-fire from escort on all sides with the transport dead ahead. Undaunted, she sent three smashing 'down-the-throat' bow shots to stop the target, then scored a killing hit as a climax to forty-six minutes of
```

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-10- USS PARCHE (SS 384)

violent action, retiring unscathed with a record of four
Japanese ships sunk and another severely damaged. Fight-
ing superbly against all odds, the PARCHE, by her stout-
hearted service has implemented the valor and gallantry
of her skilled officers and men."

The ship also earned five battle stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Area
Service Medal for participating in the following operations:

1 Star/Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto -- 3 April - 21 June 1945

1 Star/THIRD Fleet operations against Japan -- 13-16 July 1945

1 Star/First submarine war patrol -- 29 March - 23 May 1944

1 Star/Second submarine war patrol -- 17 June - 16 August 1944

1 Star/Fourth submarine war patrol -- 30 December 1944 - 20 February 1945

PERSONAL COMMENDATIONS

Congressional Medal of Honor
Commander L. P. Ramage, USN, became the first living submariner to
receive this decoration. His citation reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of
the U.S.S. PARCHE in a pre-dawn attack on a Japanese convoy, July
31, 1944. Boldly penetrating the screen of a heavily escorted
convoy, Commander Ramage launched a perilous surface attack
by delivering a crippling stern shot into a freighter and quickly
following up with a series of bow and stern torpedoes to sink the
leading tanker and damage the second one. Exposed by the light
of bursting flares and bravely defiant of terrific shell fire
passing close overhead, he struck again, sinking a transport by
two forward reloads. In the mounting fury of fire from the
damaged and sinking tanker, he calmly ordered his men below,
remaining on the bridge to fight it out with an enemy now dis-
organized and confused. Swift to act, Commander Ramage daringly
swung the stern of the speeding PARCHE as she crossed the bow of the onrushing ship, clearing by
less than fifty feet but placing his submarine in the deadly
crossfire from escorts on all sides and with the transport dead
ahead. Undaunted, he sent three smashing down-the-throat bow
shots to stop the target, then scored a killing hit as a climax
to forty-six minutes of violent action with the PARCHE and her
valiant fighting company retiring victorious and unscathed."

Commander Ramage also holds the Navy Cross, a Gold Star in lieu of the
second Navy Cross and two Presidential Unit Citations.

Lieutenant Commander Woodrow W. McCrory, USN, Navy Cross, two Silver
Stars, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star.

— page 13 —
-11- USS PARCHE (SS 384)

LIEUTENANT C.J.Campbell, USNR, two Silver Stars
Lieutenant Robert L. Erwin, USNR, Silver Star, Bronze Star
Lieutenant John H. Hennessy, USN, Bronze Star
Lieutenant R. T. Stevenson, USNR, Bronze Star
Lieutenant Max T. Morton, USNR, Bronze Star
Lieutenant (jg) J. H. Parks, Bronze Star
Ensign Dean L. Axene, USN, Bronze Star
Torpedoman Don E. Walters, USN, Bronze Star
Ensign John C. Gray, Jr., USNR, Silver Star, Bronze Star
George G. Plume, Jr., SMlc,USN, Silver Star
James L. Plumley, CGM, USN, Silver Star
Samuel R. Roberts, FCSlc,USNR, Bronze Star
Courtland C. Stanton, SMlc, USNR, Bronze Star
Carroll A. Kinkel, CTM, USN, Bronze Star
Raymond J. Van Eperen, MoMMlc, USN, Bronze Star
Ronald E. Williams, MoMMlc,USN, Bronze Star
John J. Nania, MoMM2c, USN, Bronze Star

STATISTICS

OVERALL LENGTH 312 feet
BEAM 27 feet
SPEED 20 knots
DISPLACEMENT 1525 tons
COMPLEMENT 8 officers and 72 men

Compiled: 21 January 1954

— page 14 —
[UNCLEAR: DECLASSIFIED-ART. C446, C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: 912] [HANDWRITTEN: 4-7-70]
SS384/.16-3
Serial (37)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division 202.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 20.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384), Report of War Patrol No. ONE.

Enclosures: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart.

1. Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the first war
patrol of this vessel conducted in the area south of Formosa
during the period 29 March 1944 to 23 May 1944, are forwarded
herewith.

[SIGNATURE: L. P. RAMAGE]

[STAMP: 76117 FILMED]

— page 15 —
3384/16-3
Serial (37)

(1) PROLOGUE

     On February 19, 1944 reported for duty in SubSpac and departed
     Balboa, C.Z. Arrived Pearl Harbor March 5, 1944 and was assigned to
     SubRon FOUR for four days voyage repairs. Training Period March 10-27,
     1944. Convoy exercise March 13-14, 1944. Sound tested, not deformed.
     Readiness for sea March 29, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE

     Assigned to Coordinated attack group consisting of TINOSA, PARCHE
     and BING. Captain C. E. Peterson, U.S.N., ComTaskGroup 17.15 in PARCHE.
     ComTaskFor 17 Operation Order 109-44.

29 March
1600 VW Departed PEARL in company with TINOSA and BING, under escort until
          dark.

30 March
-1 April Enroute MIDWAY. Made daily trim dives, held drills, and exercised
          wolf pack in tactics, communications and frequency shifts. Fired
          all guns.

2 April
0822 Y Arrived MIDWAY. Topped off with fuel and provisions.
          O.T.C. held conference of commanding officers. Received Detailed
          Plan of Coordinated Patrol and attack for this group.

3 April
1230 Y Departed MIDWAY. Formed column until clear of 30 mile circle,
          then formed in line, interval 8 miles.
2330 Y Crossed 180th Meridian.

5-11 April
          Enroute area. Held daily drills, training, and dives. Made
          sight rendezvous daily with TINOSA and BING at 1800 L.C.T.
          Exchanged information by visual.

12 April
0700 K Sighted TINOSA, made rendezvous.
1815 K Sighted mast, quad ahead. Went ahead full.
1817 K Sent contact report on Task Group frequency, TINOSA closed.
1840 K Made first run on target (derelict trawler) followed by TINOSA.
          Expended 3 magazines of 20mm on hull which was awash, evidently
          a victim of some other submarine.
1900 K Secured all guns and informed BING by radio that the show was over.

13 April
0915 K Aircraft radar contacts at 18 and 32 miles. Near contact closed
          to 14 miles and was then lost, probably heckling one of the other
          boats.
0930 K Aircraft radar contact at 36 miles, lost at 30 miles.

                                                              - 1 -

— page 21 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (37)
U.S.S. PADDLE - Report of First War Patrol.

30 April
2115 I Group Commander ordered a search with PADDLE and BING scouting
        to west then south and back to eastward, while the TINOSA went
        to the east, then south and west.
2120 I Sent urgent contact report to ComTaskFor 71 as we were then
        operating in his areas.
2400 I Still no answer or information from the BING.

1 May
0346 I BING reported having been held down and depth charged for seven
        hours by two destroyers and gave sunset position of convoy way
        remote from present patrol area. Convoy apparently closed the
        coast of LUZON and then headed south after dark.
        As chances of regaining contact were very remote from present
        positions during daylight with certain air coverage, Group Com-
        mander directed all boats to return to patrol stations if results
        of search were negative.
0704 I Changed course to 015 T heading back to patrol station.
0749 I Sighted 2-engine bomber (NELL) bearing 013 T, distance 10 miles,
        course 200 T. Dived.
0846 I Surfaced proceeding north.
0915 I Sighted bomber (NELL) bearing 205 T, distance 5 miles, course
        070 T. Dived.
1203 I Surfaced.
1410 I Sighted 4-engine flying boat (MAVIS) bearing 165 T, distance 7 miles,
        course 000 T. Dived.
1550 I Surfaced.
2200 I Entered patrol area.

2 May
0130 I Group Commander sent dispatch changing the day's patrol stations
        and directed all boats to rendezvous at midnight for further
        instructions.
0135 I Set course for new patrol area.
0600 I Dived and commenced submerged patrol on westerly course.
1100 I Sighted 4-engine flying boat bearing 066 T, distance 2 miles,
        course 040 T.

0949 I Surfaced and proceeded west on 3 engines for rendezvous.
2320 I SJ radar contact on BING.
2340 I SJ radar contact on TINOSA.

3 May
0001 I Closed BING, shot over line and passed over bottle containing
        Group Commander's instructions for next day's patrol.
0007 I Cleared BING and passed dope to her using line
        throwing guns as before.
0030 I Cleared BING and closed TINOSA.
0034 I TINOSA came alongside and we passed same dope to her.
0715 I Received contact report from TINOSA: 7-ship convoy bearing 330 T,
        distance 20 miles, course 050 T, speed 8 knots.
0721 I Changed course to north to intercept at full speed.
0800 I Sighted smoke bearing 000 T, distance 15 miles.

- 7 -

— page 27 —
```
SS348/146-3
Sorkin (37)

U.S.S. PARCHIM - report of First War Patrol.

19 May
2020  |  Overhead, conning to close target.  Lamented planing 50 cal. guns.
        |  Engaged fire on trailer, target replied with 20 cal.
2059  |  Accurate gunfire after ineffective rounds due to stoppages and poor
        |  visibility.  The night was so dark that the target could not become
        |  at 500 yards while firing.  This prevented spotting and produced the
        |  escape of dark gun.  During the firing the trailer got in two good bursts,
        |  obtaining numerous hits in superstructure and coming down fair
        |  water.  Course great did not cancel this result.
2100  |  It was not practicable to wait until dawn to get
        |  this target.  It is to be noted that the area restricted for our surface vessels
        |  was opened for closer by 00:00 the following morning.
        |  This requires our attention to comply.

20 May
0900  |  Cleared.  Restricted area and allowed to 15 knots, proceeding to HILNAI.
2200  |  Sent dispatch reports, position and requesting rendezvous.

21 May
1200  |  Made torp. dive.
        |  Surfaced and proceeded as before.
2750  |  Crossed international date line.

22 May
1000  |  Arrived in port for visit.

(c)
        |  The weather was generally excellent throughout the patrol.  Winds were
        |  light and variable, lower breaking, force 1-2, haze at sunrise and sunset
        |  was normally to be expected.  During visibility was unlimited, while
        |  frequent rain squalls were heavy.  Low clouds were not unusual at night,
        |  so visibility was compromised in outlining, aircraft sightings 3-5 for regular
        |  navigational fixes.

(d)  Tidal and Current.
        |  Variable currents were encountered in the major portion of the area,
        |  which tends to be expected during this period.  The currents were
        |  mild from northeast to the southwest.  The current was not felt until
        |  within 10 miles of the eastern coast of Poros.  The current set was 2.5 knots
        |  northwest, but within 10 miles of the exact set the set was 1.5 knots
        |  northwest.  Southerly currents were encountered in the eastern portion of
        |  Basih Channel, while to the west
        |  east, south, and north is was always high.  Currents in this
        |  area south of Poros had an increase although unpredictable were
        |  generally strong.  Occasional rips and heavy swells were encountered
        |  northeast of Pratas isl.

(e)  Navigation Aids.
        |  The only visual aids observed was radio for, which shows
        |  normal characteristics.
```

— page 28 —
U.S.S. PARCHE — Report of First War Patrol
(F) SHIP CONTACTS.
Number | Time | Date | Lat. | Long. | Type | Initial Range | Estimated Course | Method of Contact | Remarks
1 | 1815 | 4/12 | 24-19.3 N | 119-01.2 E | Convoy | 23,000 yds | 090 T | R
2 | 1217 | 4/22 | 22-04.1 N | 123-31.8 E | Convoy | 15 mi. | 050 T | SD | Derelict
3 | 2355 | 4/29 | 19-26.5 N | 122-22.3 E | Unknown | 19,000 yds | 230 T | R | 1 ship & escort
4 | 0020 | 4/30 | 19-20.5 N | 122-50.8 E | PC Boat | 8 mi. | 350 T | F | SD | CHIDORI Torp. Boat
5 | 0230 | 4/30 | 18-57.5 N | 122-50.8 E | Trawler | 5 mi. | Drifting | SD | 6 ships
6 | 0330 | 4/30 | 20-52.9 N | 116-27.5 E | Escort | 12,000 yds | 090 T | R | 10 ships
7 | 0506 | 4/30 | 18-48.8 N | 117-52.5 E | Escort | 10 mi. | 120 T | SD | CHIDORI Torp. Boat
8 | 0800 | 5/3 | 19-38.2 N | 118-03.0 E | Escort | 6600 yds | 300 T | R
9 | 1840 | 5/3 | 20-11.0 N | 117-52.5 E | Escort | 13,000 yds | 210 T | R
10 | 0022 | 5/4 | 20-51.0 N | 117-50.2 E | Escort | 13,000 yds | 210 T | R
11 | 0303 | 5/4 | 20-53.1 N | 117-50.2 E | Escort | 13,000 yds | 000 T | R
12 | 0349 | 5/4 | 20-48.2 N | 117-48.3 E | Escort | 9600 yds | 250 T | R
13 | 0445 | 5/4 | 20-54.1 N | 117-50.9 E | Escort | 12,000 yds | 230 T | R
14 | 0540 | 5/4 | 21-06.5 N | 117-51.0 E | Escort | 13,000 yds | 270 T | R
15 | 2113 | 5/6 | 20-29.3 N | 116-19.6 E | Patrol vessel | 21,000 yds | 060 T | R
16 | 2010 | 5/19 | 26-55.4 N | 116-22.0 E | Trawler | 1000 yds | 090 T | SN | Sub Chaser

- 14 -

— page 29 —
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS U.S.S. PARCHE - Report of First War Patrol

Contact | Time | Date | Latitude | Longitude | Type | Range | Est. | Method | Remarks
Number | | | | | | In Miles | Course | of Contact |
1 | 0915 | 4/13 | 23-47.8 N | 144-55.7 E | Unknown | 14&32 | | R | Not sighted
2 | 1030 | 4/13 | 23-44.6 N | 144-53.8 E | Unknown | 26 | | R | Not sighted
3 | 1240 | 4/13 | 23-36.2 N | 141-41.8 E | Unknown | 18 | | R | Not sighted
4 | 0801 | 4/24 | 21-21.3 N | 120-33.0 E | Unknown | 10 | | R | Not sighted
5 | 1101 | 4/24 | 21-21.3 N | 120-33.0 E | M.VIS | 10 | 180 | P |
6 | 0352 | 4/24 | 21-25.2 N | 120-33.0 E | SALLY | 7 | 200 | P |
7 | 0955 | 4/24 | 21-31.4 N | 120-33.0 E | 3 PBY'S | 8 | 255 | P |
8 | 1055 | 4/24 | 21-31.4 N | 120-33.0 E | 3 PBY'S | 8 | 270 | P |
9 | 1210 | 4/24 | 21-36.1 N | 120-35.0 E | M.VIS | 5 | 000 | P |
10 | 1448 | 4/24 | 21-37.5 N | 120-33.0 E | M.VIS | 7 | 340 | P |
11 | 1530 | 4/24 | 21-29.1 N | 120-33.0 E | M.VIS | 2 | 260 | P |
12 | 0752 | 4/28 | 21-42.9 N | 119-36.7 E | SALLY | 8 | 220 | P |
13 | 0852 | 4/28 | 21-38.5 N | 118-27.1 E | M.VIS | 8 | 260 | P |
14 | 0919 | 4/30 | 18-21.0 N | 118-14.0 E | M.VIS | 10 | 200 | P |
15 | 0930 | 4/30 | 18-07.7 N | 118-07.6 E | NELL | 7 | 200 | P |
16 | 1218 | 4/30 | 18-07.9 N | 118-07.8 E | NELL | 2 | 220 | P |
17 | 1413 | 4/30 | 18-07.2 N | 118-15.5 E | M.VIS | 5 | 220 | P |
18 | 0749 | 5/1 | 18-20.4 N | 118-43.0 E | NELL | 10 | 200 | SD |
19 | 0915 | 5/1 | 18-39.8 N | 118-52.0 E | NELL | 5 | 070 | SD |
20 | 1410 | 5/1 | 18-51.6 N | 118-50.8 E | M.VIS | 7 | 000 | SD |
21 | 1100 | 5/2 | 20-31.4 N | 118-41.9 E | M.VIS | 2 | 040 | P |
22 | 0923 | 5/3 | 19-31.1 N | 116-55.8 E | Unknown | 24 | | R | 2 Unidentified
23 | 1119 | 5/3 | 19-52.5 N | 116-56.9 E | M.VIS | 3 | 180 | SD |
24 | 0944 | 5/5 | 20-32.0 N | 117-15.5 E | M.VIS | 5 | | P |
25 | 1046 | 5/5 | 20-31.9 N | 117-16.1 E | NELL | 3 | | P |
26 | 0945 | 5/14 | 24-12.4 N | 124-09.0 E | PBY | 15 | 190 | SD |
27 | 1040 | 5/14 | 24-12.6 N | 124-10.0 E | 3 Fighters | 4 | | P | Circling | Island
28 | 1240 | 5/14 | 24-12.7 N | 124-12.3 E | 5 Fighters | 6 | | P | Circling | Island
29 | 1340 | 5/14 | 24-13.1 N | 124-12.8 E | 2 bombers | 7 | | P | Circling | Island
30 | 1415 | 5/14 | 24-14.3 N | 124-14.3 E | 4 fighters | 6 | | P | Circling | Island
31 | 1011 | 5/19 | 26-41.1 N | 151-00.0 E | Unknown | 8 | | R |

- 15 -

— page 30 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (37)

U.S.S. PARCHE - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA

Torpedo Attack Report Form

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 PATROL NO. 1

Time 1010 I Date 4/30/44 Lat. 18-22 N Long. 119-17 E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: (1) Medium freighter MF similar to S.SHO MARU.
(2) Medium freighter MF similar to T.ZAN MARU.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk: One medium freighter (class unknown)

Damage Determined by: Heavy explosion 3'-55" after firing.

Target Draft (1) 18' 170 T 10½ kts 1750
(2) 15' Course 170 T Speed 10½ kts Range 2250 (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 2 kts Course 250° T Depth 65' Angle 0 (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type of Attack: Submerged periscope attack from ahead. Made end around and
dived at 0900 to gain position ahead of convoy with tops in sight. Convoy
disposed in three columns in line, zig-zagging 40° right and left of the base
course of 200 T. The slick sea, bright sun, and two planes patrolling ahead
necessitated going to 90 feet between periscope exposures. At 1000 yards we
were 20° on port bow of center column, then maneuvered to gain position between
center and port columns in order to fire both bow and stern tubes. At 1007
observed convoy had zigged radically to the left putting us 40 degrees on
starboard bow of starboard column with no alternative but stern shots.
1010-12 Fired four MK 18 torpedoes from stern tubes, two each at first and
second in starboard column. Just at firing the two targets were observed to
hoist a two pennant signal and commence turning away, having apparently seen
the periscope slick. At 1013 observed no hits on targets but their maneuver
put entire convoy on course about normal to torpedo tracks with all three
columns overlapping. Was forced to go deep by aircraft but set up still
good as all four torpedoes (electric) were running straight and
normal in direction of convoy. At 1014 heard heavy explosion 3 min. 55 sec.
after firing last torpedo which was believed to be a hit. 1018 received first
stick of aircraft bombs.

- 16 -

— page 31 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (37)
                                U.S.S. PARCHE - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)         Attack No. 1

Tubes Fired                         No. 7       No. 8       No. 9       No. 10

Track Angle                         91 S        94 S        72 S        80 S
Gyro Angle                          169½°       172°        154°        159½°
Depth Set                           6'          6'          6'          6'
Power                               -           -           -           -
Hit or Miss                         Miss        Miss        Miss        Miss
                                                            (One probable hit on another target)
Erratic (Yes or no)                 No          No          No          No
Mark Torpedo                        18          18          18          18
Serial No.                          54044       54064       54229       54065
Mark Exploder                       4-2         4-2         4-2         4-2
Serial No.                          16430       16528       16720       16469
Actuation Set                       Contact     Contact     Contact     Contact
Actuation Actual                    -           -           -           -
Mark Warhead                        18          18          18          18
Serial No.                          685         604         367         562
Explosive                           TPX         TPX         TPX         TPX
Firing Interval                     0 sec.      11 sec.     32 sec.     55 sec.
Type Spread                         1 R         1 L         1 R         1 L

Sea Conditions - Calm sea
Overhaul activity - S/M Base, Pearl.

                                    - 17 -

— page 32 —
```
S536/Alc-3
Serial (37)
(1) ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. PALO ALTO (S536d)
Torpedo Attack Report No. 2
Time 0100 I
Date 5/1/44
Target Data: Damage Inflicted.

Description: (1) heavily loaded; A with long straight bow, split superstructure,
          slim stack, similar to RYUHO MARU.
          (2) heavily loaded and, with mildly raised bow, smooth decline,
          split super-structure, slim stack; similar to GZHO. HATU.

Ship's Sun: (1) A similar to CHUO MARU.
             (2) A similar to GZHO. HATU.

Ship's San: or
Probably Sun: none

Damage determined by: (1) hits amidships, broke back, blew up and sank
                     in less than 2 minutes.
                   (2) hits just aft stack, settled stern first.
                     Sank in 10 minutes.

On Ship Data
Speed 9.5 knots Course 030° T Speed 9.5 kts Range 2250 yds (at firing)
Depth Surface Angle 90-50° S (at firing)

Torpedo Data
Type attack: High surface attack on ship convoy. Cause: approach
from position 15,000 yards to starboard flank, shortly thereafter convoy made
a course change of course, from a line into column formation. Crossed
ahead of column's rear, positioned on starboard bow then swung in for straight
run shots on 05 track. Fired torpedoes at leading ship, range 1900
yds. Observed 3 minute ranges, 2500 yards, angle 60 degrees divergent spread.
Fired two torpedoes at second ship, range 2200 yards, ranges, bearings, and spread as
before. Observed 3 hits on first target and 2 hits on second.

- 18 -
```

— page 33 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (37)
                                                                U.S.S. PARCHE - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued).
                                                                Attack No. 2

Tubes Fired                                     No. 1           No. 2           No. 3           No. 4           No. 5           No. 6

Track angle                                     95 S            95 S            95 S            95 S            83 S            81 S
Gyro angle                                      002½            002½            003             003             006             008
Depth Set                                       6'              6'              6'              6'              6'              6'
Power                                           High            High            High            High            High            High
Hit or Miss                                     Miss            Miss            Hit             Hit             Hit             Hit

Erratic
(Yes or no)                                     No              No              No              No              No              No
Mark Torpedo                                    23              14-3A           14-3A           14-3A           23              23
Serial No.                                      26857           40433           40710           40749           52811           52909
Mark Exploder                                   6-1A            6-1A            6-1A            6-1A            6-4             6-4
Serial No.                                      5812            3020            1261            882             3619            3504
Actuation Set                                   Contact         Contact         Contact         Contact         Contact         Contact
Actuation actual                                Contact         Contact         Contact         Contact         Contact         Contact
Mark Warhead                                    16              16              16              16              16-1            16-1
Serial No.                                      2909            1935            12719           12742           13169           13166
Explosive                                       TPX             TPX             TPX             TPX             TPX             TPX
Firing interval                                 0               8 sec           8 sec           8 sec           0               8 sec
Type spread                                     1 R             0               1 L             2 L             1 L             0

Sea Conditions - Moderate
Overhaul activity - S/M Base, Pearl.

                                                                - 19

— page 34 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (37)

(H) ATTACK DATA

U.S.S. PARCHE - Report of First War Patrol.

Torpedo Attack Report Form

USS PARCHE (SS384)
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. B
PATROL No. 1
Time 0127 I
Date 5/4/44
Lat. 20-48 N
Long. 118-02 E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: Large AK or AP, UNKNOWN, well decks fore and aft, composite
superstructure; 3 decks, tall stack, similar to HAKONE MARU.
Ship(s) Sunk: AK or AP similar to HAKONE MARU.
Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably sunk: None
Damage determined by: 2 hits, one amidships and one aft blowing out after mast.
Ship settled by the stern, listed heavily to port,
deck awash, fires out and disappeared from radar
at 6000 yards.
Target Draft 29'
Course 020° T
Speed 9 knts
Range 1675 (at firing)

Own Ship Data

Speed 15 kts
Course 090° T
Depth Surface
Angle 110° P (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data

Type of attack: Night surface attack directly following attack No. 2 on
third ship in same convoy. Maneuvered on various courses and at various
speeds to obtain favorable track on target which was zigging radically. Finally
steadied on course 090 T and fired 4 torpedoes on 110-120 Port track at 1600
yards with one degree divergent spread. Second and third torpedoes hit.
Target appeared to be turning slowly away increasing track during the firing.

- 20 -

— page 35 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (37)
U.S.S. PARCHE - Report of First War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued) Attack No. 3.

| | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4 |
| :| :------ | :------ | :------ | :------ |
| Tubes Fired | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4 |
| Track angle | 110 P | 111 P | 112 P | 113 P |
| Gyro angle | 354 | 354 | 353 | 351 |
| Depth Set | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' |
| Power | High | High | High | High |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Hit | Hit | Miss |
| Erratic | | | | |
| (Yes or no) | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 14-3 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Serial No. | 26678 | 40996 | 52835 | 52968 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 |
| Serial No. | 8626 | 1391 | 8855 | 7741 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial No. | 5591 | 11742 | 6157 | 11878 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval | 0 | 8 sec. | 8 sec. | 10 sec. |
| Type spread | 1°R | 0° | 1°L | 2°L |
| Sea Conditions - Moderate | | | | |
| Overhaul activity - S/M Base, Pearl. | | | | |

- 21 -

— page 36 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (37)

(I) MINES

No information.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

The northern portion of the South China Sea is well patrolled.
All convoys are escorted and air coverage is provided during the day
from TAKAO, LUZON, and CHINA bases. No air patrols were encountered
at night. It is believed that traffic in and out of TAKAO makes the
immediate run during daylight hours where more adequate surface and air
protection can be given.

On three occasions we were sighted on the surface by an escort
and chased. In each instance we were able to make our escape by
virtue of a slight speed advantage.

On the night of 5 May we made radar contact at 21,000 yards
followed by an end around and an approach on what eventually proved
to be a small escort vessel or subchaser, returning to TAKAO from
the general area of our previous night's attack. This vessel was
equipped with radar as indicated by sweep interference on our SJ.
Just as we dived to radar depth (range 10,000 yards) the interference
became steady indicating he had ceased searching and had made contact.
Plot then showed he had slowed from 14 to 6 knots and echo ranging was
heard on 17.5 kcs. Evaded by going deep.

All depth charges heard were of the block buster variety with
heavy reverberations.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

The only casualties occurring on this patrol were of a minor
nature and caused no great inconvenience or interference with normal
operations.

Bow Planes:
The bow planes were rendered inoperative when the flow of oil
to the tilting cylinder was suddenly restricted. This restriction
resulted when the bushing from the packing gland in the upper head of
the tilting cylinder dropped down on the piston thereby blanking
off the lower half of the oil port in the piston rod. The situation
was further aggravated when a turn of packing from the same gland
became jammed in the upper half of the oil port. This casualty was
apparently caused by an over zealous application of the power grease
gun to the alemite fitting on the gland which loosened the bushing and
forced out the packing. A complete disassembly of the tilting piston
and cylinder was necessary to effect repairs which were accomplished in
eight hours.

Negative Flood:
Three days out of Midway enroute to station the negative flood
refused to seat properly. The difficulty could not be corrected by
adjusting the linkage in the operating gear. As a result, the slow
leakage prevented the use of negative as such, except in emergencies.

Dead Reckoning Analyzer Indicator:
While on station the DRAI was frequently erratic and on several

- 22 -U.S. PARCHE - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 40 —
SS354/A16-3
Serial (37)

U.S. PARCHE - Report of First War Patrol.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED
Pearl to area4191 miles40,300 gals.
In area3971 miles34,202 gals.
Area to Midway2928 miles39,170

(S) DURATION
Days enroute to area16
Days in area30
Days enroute base3
Days submerged27

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING
                     Torpedoes          Fuel          Provisions          Personnel Factor
                     10                 21,821 gals.    20 days             15 days

This patrol was terminated in accordance with operation order.

(U) REMARKS
Wolf Pack
The results of this coordinated patrol demonstrate the advantages
of the wolf pack and prove that they can be effectively employed. It is
evident that as Japanese shipping losses increase it will become nec-
essary to provide greater submarine concentrations in more limited
areas in order that every contact may be fully exploited. In this
instance the daily patrol areas covered a square 60 miles on a side
which was further subdivided to give each boat a section 20 x 60
miles in extent. This insured complete coverage, provided ample sea
room, and permitted easy concentration. It is to be noted that, while
the PARCHE was always in the center of the scouting line, had it not
been for the BMC in the first case and TIMOS in the second, it is
probable that neither convoy would have been sighted.
     As the enemy is forced to resort to larger and more heavily
escorted convoys, the odds against the lone wolf are manifestly increased.
The submerged daylight attack and one or two night surface blows if fortune
favors. Whereas the advantages of several coordinated attacks on a confused and disorgan-
ized convoy are obvious and the mutual assistance given in drawing the
escorts away from the convoy or off some boat which has been forced down
is not to be overlooked.
     None of the anticipated difficulties incident to joint operations
materialized. Communications between all boats were excellent and the
frequencies were shifted daily without difficulty. However, on both
occasions once contact had been made, a continuous exchange of informa-
tion could and should have been maintained between all boats. Too much
was left to supposition. This situation could easily be rectified by
providing an extension to the Voy-Call in the conning tower where it
would be readily accessible to the Commanding Officer and approach
party during battle stations.

- 26 -

— page 42 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO HUNDRED TWO
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
24 May 1944.

FB5/202/A16-3
Serial 028
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
C.O. USS PARCHE Conf.
ltr. SS384/A16-3
Serial (37) dated 5/23/44.

From: The 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, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number One.

1. This patrol covered a period of 55 days of which 30 days
were spent in the assigned area. It was terminated in accordance with
the operation order. PARCHE was a member of an attack group consisting
of two other submarines, BANG and TINOSA. Although this was the first
patrol for the PARCHE, the skill of a veteran Commanding Officer is
evident in the highly proficient manner in which the attacks were con-
ducted.

2. ATTACK NUMBER ONE.

A daylight periscope attack was made on a ten ship, 10½
knot convoy. Two Mark 18 torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes
at each of two medium freighters at ranges of 1750 and 2250 yards and
tracks varying between 72 and 94 degrees. Either the firing took place
on a knuckle or the submarine was detected, as the convoy was observed
to turn away on signal before the torpedoes reached their destination.
One hit was heard but observation of the damage was prevented by escort-
ing aircraft which subsequently dropped a stick of bombs. Fortunately,
the sinking of the torpedoed ship was witnessed by the BANG who had
surfaced at a distance to draw off the escorts and thus reduce the
effectiveness of the anti-submarine measures against the PARCHE.

ATTACK NUMBER TWO.

This was a night surface attack on a six ship 9½ knot
convoy. Four torpedoes were fired from the bow tubes at a heavily
loaded AK on 95 degree tracks at a range of 1850 yards. Three hits
sank the ship in two minutes. Two minutes later the other two forward
torpedoes were fired at another heavily loaded AK on 82 degree tracks
at 2250 yard range. Both hit and the target sank.

-1-

— page 44 —
FC5-20/A16-3
Serial 041

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

SECOND INDORSEMENT to
CO PARCHE Conf. Ltr.
SS384/A16-3 Serial 37
dated 23 May 1944.

From:
To :
Via :

Subject:

SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
26 May, 1944.

The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number
One.

1. The remarks of Commander Submarine Division 202 are
complete and fully concurred in.

2. The Group Commander, Commanding Officer, officers and
crew of PARCHE are congratulated on an exceptionally well con-
ducted patrol and for the serious damage they inflicted on the
enemy. The coordination of, and mutual assistance given by this
attack group reflects great credit on the Group Commander as well
as all his Captains.

[SIGNATURE: illegible]
LEO L. PACE.

Copy to:
CSD-202
CO PARCHE

— page 45 —
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 01107
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PARCHE Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 437
U.S.S. PARCHE - 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. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of First War Patrol.
(29 March to 23 May 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the PARCHE was conducted in
the areas south of Formosa. The PARCHE was one of three submarines
forming a coordinated attack group.

2. The PARCHE conducted very aggressive attacks on two
convoys which resulted in inflicting severe damage to the enemy. The
results of the first attack on the first convoy contacted, using
Mark 18 torpedoes, were unobserved by the PARCHE; however, both the
U.S.S. BANG (SS385) and the U.S.S. TINOSA (SS283) saw this ship sink.
Two attacks were made on the second convoy at night and three ships
were sunk as a result thereof.

3. The remarks made concerning coordinated attack group
doctrine are of note and are concurred in.

4. This patrol is designated as successful for Combat
Insignia award.

5. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for this very
aggressive and successful war patrol. The handling of coordinated
attacks by Captain G. E. Peterson, embarked in PARCHE, was splendid
and furnishes a perfect example of the manner in which such attacks
should be made. The PARCHE is credited with having inflicted the
following damage upon the enemy:

S U N K
1 - Freighter (class unknown) - 6,500 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Freighter (RYUYO MARU class) - 6,700 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Freighter (GNOA MARU class) - 6,800 tons (Attack No. 2)
1 - Transport (HAKONE MARU class) - 10,400 tons (Attack No. 3)

[STAMP: FILMED]
TOTAL - 30,400 tons

Distribution and authentication - 1 - C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
on following page
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch 6 01797
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
4 June 1944.

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

— page 46 —
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
hch

FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16)
Serial 01107
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
THIS ENDORSEMENT to
War Report of
First War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 437
U.S.S. PARCHE - FIRST WAR PATROL.

Subject:

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
4 June 1944.

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

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of First War Patrol.
(29 March to 23 May 1944).

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
CominCh (7)
CNO (5)
CinCpac (6)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
ComServPac
(Adv. Base Plan. Unit) (1)
CinClant (2)
ComSubLant (8)
S/M School, NL (2)
ComSoPac (2)
ComSoWesPac (1)
ComSubSoWesPac (2)
CTF 72 (2)
ComNorPac (1)
ComSubPac (40)
SUBAD, MI (2)
ComSubPacSubOrdCom (3)
All Squadron and Division
Commanders, SubSpac (2)
ComSubTrainPac (2)
All Submarines, SubSpac (1)

[SIGNATURE: J. W. TUTTLE]
J. W. TUTTLE,
Flag Secretary.

— page 47 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

SS384/A16-3
Serial (59)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.

AUG 1 6 1944

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division 202.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 20.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number Two.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart.

1. Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the second war patrol of
this vessel conducted in the area south of Formosa during the period 17 June
1944 to 16 August 1944, are forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: J. R. RAMAGE]
J. R. RAMAGE

[HANDWRITTEN: 87000]

— page 48 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (59)

(A) PROLOGUE

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384)
Report of Second War Patrol. C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

Arrived MIDWAY from First War Patrol on May 23, 1944. Normal refit by
U.S.S. PROTEUS and SubDiv 202 Relief Crew completed June 9, 1944. Following
major items were installed: air conditioning unit with booster blower in
control room; detached fresh water circulating pump in after engine room;
APR-1 and IFF equipment and SD periscope.
June 10-12: 3 days independent training.
June 13-15: 3 days coordinated attack training with STEELHEAD and
HAMMERHEAD. Fired six exercise torpedoes. Not depermed. Readiness for
sea date June 17, 1944.

(B) NARRATIVE

Assigned to Coordinated Attack Group 17.15 consisting of PARCHE,
HAMMERHEAD, and STEELHEAD with Comdr. L. S. Parks, USN, ComTaskGroup 17.15
in PARCHE.
ComTaskFor Seventeen Operation Order 202-44.

17 June
0930 Y Departed MIDWAY in company with HAMMERHEAD and STEELHEAD. Held
communication drills. Trim dive.
2200 Y Crossed International Date Line.

19-23 June
Enroute area. Held daily drills, training and dives. Rendezvous with
STEELHEAD and HAMMERHEAD at 1800 (L) on June 21st and passed over
Group Commander's orders and instructions by line.

24 June
0543 K Sighted small unidentified vessel bearing 322 T distance 10 miles.
0545 K Changed course to close, on four main engines.
0605 K Identified target to be patrol vessel on course 090 T, speed 10
knots with radio antenna. Battle stations.
0618 K Manned 4"/50 cal. gun.
0620 K Commenced firing deck gun, range 3000 yards. Third shot hit deck house
and brought down antenna and mast. Target maneuvered radically
at top speed until a shot under his tail jammed his rudder full left.
Then we both went round and round. Two attempts to man their machine
gun resulted in the successive gunners being blown sky high. Finally
a well placed shot in his stern stopped him. Target was then closed
and set afire with 20 m.m. incendiaries. Firing throughout was ex-
cellent in spite of moderate sea conditions. At least 50% hits
were scored out of 60 rounds of 4"/50 cal. fired. The steel hull
took ten good holes and the topside was a complete wreck. Still the
target showed no signs of giving up until she had been burning
briskly for ten minutes.
0717 K Target sank stern first while six survivors scrambled out of the
forward hold very much alive to our complete amazement. Investigated
debris and found nothing of interest. One survivor attempted decep-
tion by putting a wooden cask over his head and spotting through
the bunghole. This ruse was most successful.

- 1 -

— page 50 —
SS384/.16-3
Serial (59)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

1 July
0547 I Dived on station - maintainin high periscope patrol and radio guard,
        listening first 5 minutes of each hour on Task Group Frequency.
0945 I Surfaced for sun line, ventilated boat.
1040 I Resumed submerged patrol.
1940 I Surfaced.
2115 I Made scheduled rendezvous with STEELHEAD. Exchanged recognition and
        identification signals by SJ dar.

2 July
0548 I Dived on station. High periscope patrol and 5 minute hourly radio
        guard.
1250 I Surfaced for noon sun line.
1315 I Resumed submerged patrol.
1947 I Surfaced and proceeded west to transit BALINTANG CHANNEL.
2040 I SJ radar contact: Friendly submarine bearing 005 T distance 14,500
        yards probably HAMMERHEAD.
2150 I SJ radar contact: B.BUY.N ISLAND bearing 237 T distance about
        65 miles.

3 July
0012 I SJ radar contact: BALINTANG LAND bearing 270 T distance 21 miles.
        B.BUY.N, BALINTANG, and B.T. Islands all in sight in bright moonlight.
0145 I Passed BALINTANG ISLAND 5 miles abeam to port on course 270 T.
0545 I Dived and commenced high periscope patrol and hourly radio guard.
0807 I Aircraft contact: Sighted 4-engined LVIS bearing 223 T distance
        5 miles.
1600 I Made unscheduled rendezvous with HAMMERHEAD. Sighted periscope
        about 2000 yards ahead. Exchanged calls and information by sound.
2002 I Surfaced, proceeding west at 5 knots.
2050 I Received contact report from HORSE, relayed by STEELHEAD.
        Enemy position was at least 200 miles to westward and well beyond
        our reach.

4 July
0024 I SJ radar contact: Picked a good solid pip out from among several
        rain squalls. This proved to be good pips at 21,000 yards bearing 106
        T. Went ahead 15 knots and commenced tracking.
0030 I Sent contact report to STEELHEAD and HAMMERHEAD. Came to parallel
        course 215 T and commenced closing on 4 engines.
0035 I Targets now clearly visible in bright moonlight. Two large ships
        and a third somewhat smaller.
0040 I Range decreasing and bearing drawing ahead indicated we had some
        fast customers.
0050 I Smaller ship had closed to 11,000 yards with zero angle on bow.
        Changed course to 270 T to open out.
0056 I Smaller ship, at 9000 yards and plotting at better than 30 knots,
        swung right giving us a 45 degree angle on the bow. Our Fourth
        of July was then officially recognized with the ships providing
        the fireworks.
- 3 -

— page 52 —
The commander assigned new patrol stations for all submarines.
Message to all boats.
Course 140 T speed 15 knots on course 140 T.
Sighted CAPE BULLDOG on p. 1000 aircraft contacts. Sighted 2-engined plane distance 10 miles. Dived.
Dropped two bombs. Apparently missed.

AY is still with us.
AY haven't left yet.
Two masts bearing 205 T distance 7 miles. Changed course to 000 T.
target as WAKATAKE destroyer on course 000 T and plunging.

ct: 4-engined MAVIS has now joined the merry-go-round.

[HANDWRITTEN: L]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1]
[HANDWRITTEN: L]

— page 55 —
```
S384/16-3
SPT (2) U.S.S. PARGO (SS-264) - Report of Second War Patrol.

18 July
0300 I  Mains in commission again - a great relief with the weather getting
        hot and rain and almost zero visibility.
0625 I  Div'd on station and patrolled on east and west courses.
1955 I  Searched an heavy weather again with all the general appearances
        of an approaching typhoon.
2230 I  Received contact report from T. - again pick concerning a large convoy
        of transports, naval auxiliaries, and one or more carriers on course
        215° speed 15 knots.
2230 I  Set course 250° T. full speed to intercept. Group commander sent
        message to notify the Commander to be in liaison.

19 July
0000 I  Group Commander sent message to all boats changing scoutin, course
        to 605° at speed 12 knots.
0900 I  Heavily covered convoy tracked from course 200-220° T and speed from
        9 to 15 knots. Group Commander sent message directing all boats to
        conduct submarine patrol.
0901 I  Div'd and remained on south - very course heading, full speed.
0922 I  Sighted large Japanese patrol - reporting and radar contact
        with a sighted at bearing 215° and unable to close at
        this time.
1620 I  Group Commander directed us to resume our submerged patrol on
        course 255°.
1025 I  [HANDWRITTEN: reported she had lost radio contact.
1245 I  Aircraft contact: Sighted one fighter plane (W.M.L.) bearing 006° T
        distance 5 miles drifting.
1305 I  Escaped in heavy seas while attempting to keep regular hourly radio
        guard - at this time sighted aircraft carrier (no island) bearing 021° T,
        distance 18,000 yards on course 150° T. Five or six planes were circling
        overhead but no other ships were sight.
1305 I  Battle stations. Commenced approach at full speed.
1311 I  Angle on bow was range 12,000 yards. Planes gave all disappeared -
        as soon as the bow line became clear turned to the unsighted carrier,
        so close, and 200° T, attained speed 12-20 knots.
1315 I  [HANDWRITTEN: 70° T, about 3000 yards zigged toward us.
1342 I  Course to course 100°.
1345 I  [HANDWRITTEN:  on bow 115° T, 1500 yards bearing 156° back to 190° T
        with an heavy wind. Observed a plane on deck which was
        flying. At this time we came on to the 1st and perfect course.
1345 I  Carrier expected to be turning about 30° course right on left of bow.
1410 I  Course to 180° T and broadcast contact report on hourly schedule.
1411 I  Clearing out of sight, single plane now apparently its only protection.
1415 I  The first of several explosions to start, while indicate some of
        the [HANDWRITTEN: target] had gotten into whatever this carrier is providing
        air coverage for.
```

— page 56 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (59)
[HANDWRITTEN: DECLASSIFIED] U.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 63 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (59)
J-O [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 65 —
-0-
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

SHIP CONTACTS.

| Date | Latitude | Type(s) | Initial | Est. | Est. | Method of | Remarks |
| Time | Longitude | | Range | Course | Speed | Contact | |
| 6/24 | 30-14N | Patrol Vessel | 10 mil | 090T | 11 kts. | SD | Sunk by Gunfire. |
| 0543K | 152-33E | 300 tons | | | | | |
| 7/4 | 19-36N | 2 CA's, 1 DD | 10.6 miles | 215T | 24 kts. | R | Forced down by |
| 0024I | 120-33E | | | | | | gunfire at 16,000 |
| | | | | | | | yds. |
| 7/7 | 18-50N | 1 DD (WAKITAKE) | 7 miles | 340T | 12 kts. | Sound | Patrolling. |
| 0855I | 120-19E | | | | | | |
| 7/8 | 20-04N | Sampan | 3 miles | 140T | 5 kts. | P | Fishing. |
| 0702I | 120-35E | | | | | | |
| 7/8 | 20-04N | Fishing Trawler | 6 miles | 155T | 5 kts. | P | Fishing. |
| 0827I | 120-33E | | | | | | |
| 7/19 | 18-36N | OV | 8 mil. | 150T | 18 kts. | P | OTAK. Class. |
| 1303I | 118-02E | | | | | | |
| 7/23 | 21-57N | Patrol Boat | 6½ miles | 030T | 15 kts. | R | Patrolling |
| 0300I | 119-14E | | | | | | |
| 7/25 | 20-42N | Patrol Boat | 6½ miles | 330T | 12 kts. | R | Patrolling |
| 0500I | 120-21E | | | | | | |
| 7/30 | 20-42N | Unidentified | 5 miles | 150T | 5 kts. | P | Heard 7 distant |
| 0811I | 120-30E | Patrol Craft | | | | | | depth charges - |
| | | | | | | | Patrolling. |
| 7/30 | 20-42N | Patrol Craft | 5 miles | 315T | 20 kts. | P | Patrolling. |
| 1752I | 120-53E | | | | | | |
| 7/31 | 19-14N | Convoy | 17 mi. | 195T | 8 kts. | R | Mixed convoy of |
| 0240I | 121-03E | | | | | | | large & small ship. |

- 17 -

— page 66 —
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(g) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Contact Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Date | 6/25 | 6/25 | 7/3 | 7/4 | 7/7 | 7/7 | 7/8
Time (Zone) | 0956K | 1403K | 0841I | 1726I | 0643I | 0910I | 0852I
Position: Lat. (N) | 29-58 | 29-47 | 19-59 | 20-32 | 19-02 | 18-53 | 20-04
           Long. (E) | 146-33 | 145-40 | 121-03 | 120-56 | 120-20 | 120-21 | 120-36
Speed (Knots) | 15 | 15 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 16.8 | 2.0 | 2.0
Course (True) | 265 | 265 | 225 | 045 | 156 | 220 | 090
Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Per. | Per. | Surf. | Per. | Per.
Minutes Since Last
SD Radar Search | 0 | 30 sec. | - | 20 sec. | - | - | -
Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1
Type | - | BETTY | ILVIS | ILVIS | SALLY | ILVIS | ILVIS
Probable Mission | Patrol | Patrol | Patrol | Patrol | Patrol | Patrol | Patrol
How Contacted | SD | Lookout | P | P | Lookout | P | P
Initial Range | 22 mi. | 6 mi. | 5 mi. | 4 mi. | 10 mi. | 12 mi. | 6 mi.
Elevation angle | - | 3° | 4° | 3° | 5° | 5° | 4°
Range & Relative
Bearing of Plane
When it Detected
Submarine | ND | 6 mi.
270 Rel. | 5 mi.
350 Rel. | ND | 12 mi.
000 Rel. | ND | 5 mi.
260 Rel.

— page 67 —
```
C-O-O DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. PATERSON (DE5334) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(g) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Continue)

Contact number: 10  11  12  13  14
Date          7/9  7/19  7/21  7/23  7/23
U Time (Zone)  0655  1240I  1357I  1556I  1342I  1519I
S Position Lat. (°)  20-03  18-36  18-05  12-50  20-47
  Long. (°)  120-49  117-69  117-60  118-51  119-14  119-13
M Speed (Knots)  2.0  2.0  4.5
T Course (True)  240  035  150  150  090  315
T Trif  Per.  Per.  Surf.  Surf.  Per.  Per.
Minutes Since Last  25 sec.  25 sec.
ID Meter Search

#  Number  1  1  1  1  1
#  Typo  SALLY  ZERK  LAWS  JILT
#  Probable Mission  Patrol  Escort  Patrol  Patrol  Patrol
#  How Contacted  P  P  F  P  P
#  Initial Range  4 mi.  5 mi.  7 mi.  7.1 mi.  10 mi.  5½ mi.  12 mi.
#  Eviction angle  10  20  10  2  30  10
#  Range of Relative  ID  ID  ID  ID  ID  ID
#  Bearing of Plane  ID  ID  ID  ID  ID  ID
#  Sub. Int. Detected

C (State/Contact)  3  4  5  7  1  1
O Seat, Directional  200  450  450  400  890  130
B Visibility (Miles)  10  6  6  12  12
T (Sight
I Cloudy: in Ft.  5000  3500  3500  1600  400  6000  6500
I Percent (Overcast)  95  95  100  75  70
O icon

- 19 -
```

— page 68 —
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
(G) U.S.S. PARCHE (SS334) - Report of Second War Patrol.
AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Continued)

Contact Number | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Date | 7/26 | 7/26 | 7/29 | 7/30 | 7/30 | 7/30 | 7/30 | 7/31
Time (Zone) | 1420I | 1722I | 1238I | 0929I | 1025I | 1115I | 1145I | 2040I
Position: Lat. (N) | 20-08 | 20-04 | 20-21 | 20-48 | 20-42 | 20-42 | 20-42 | 19-38
Long. (E) | 122-06 | 122-29 | 120-43 | 120-38 | 120-57 | 120-54 | 120-54 | 120-38
Speed (Knots) | 3.0 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 16
Course (True) | 060 | 140 | 215 | 215 | 270 | 270 | 215 | 070
Trim | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Per. | Surf.
Minuted Since Last | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
SD Radar Search

Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1
Type | MATE | MATE | MAVIS | MAVIS | MAVIS | NELL | PETE | MAVIS
| | | | or NELL | | | |
Probable Mission | Patrol | Patrol | Patrol | H | H | H | H
How Contacted | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | SJ Radar
| | | | | | | | Lookout
Initial Range | 5 mi. | 3 mi. | 6 mi. | 9 mi. | 12 mi. | 8 mi. | 8 mi. | 5½ mi.
Elevation Angle | 3° | 7° | 3° | 2° | 2° | 2° | 2° | 2°
Range & Relative | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND
Bearing of Plane | | | | | | | |
When it Detected | | | | | | | |
Submarine

CONDITIONS
Sea (State(Beaufort)) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2
(Direction (Rel.)) | 030 | 030 | 000 | 220 | 220 | 220 | 220 | 320
Visibility (Miles) | 15 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12
Clouds: (Height | | | | | | | |
in feet | 5500 | 5500 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000
(Percent | | | | | | | |
Overcast | 60 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 90
(Bearing(Rel) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 115
Moon: (Angle | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 75
(Percent | | | | | | | |
Illum. | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 50

- 20 -

— page 70 —
```
S83364/A16-3
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. RANCHI (S83364) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) Attack Data (Continued)  attacks nos. 1 and 2
Second Attack:
Tube Fired  No. 1  No. 2  No. 7
Track Angle  109° P  120° P  150° P
Gyro Angle   139° T  170° T  11.5° P
Depth Set    10'     10'     10'
Power        High    High    High
Hit or Miss  Miss    Miss    (Probable Hit)
Erratic      (Yes or No)  No  No
Mark Torpedo 23      23      23
Serial No.   33801   61749
Mark Exploder 6-4    6-4
Serial No.   12529   21446
Actuation Set Contact  Contact
Actuation Actual  -
Mark Harvived  16-1   16-1
Serial No.   12345   5470
Explosive     TFX    TFX
Firing Interval  0    10 sec.
Type Spread   1 L    1 R
Sea Conditions Locate
Overall Activity USS PROTEUS

Remarks: Obtained one timed explosion about two minutes after firing tube #7. No other confirmation of damage, except that we were unable to locate this target after other attacks were completed.
- 22 -
```

— page 72 —
SS384/A16-3
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(F) ATTACK DATA (Continued) Attack No. 3

| | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubes Fired | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 6 |
| Track Angle | 118 P | 123 P | 129 P | 134 P |
| Gyro Angle | 24 L | 26 L | 30 L | 34 L |
| Depth Set | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' |
| Power | - | - | - | - |
| Hit or Miss | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Serial No. | 52913 | 41417 | 53022 | 61701 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 |
| Serial No. | 993 | 17407 | 17423 | 18132 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial No. | 12275 | 12838 | 12991 | 12912 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval | 0 | 10 sec. | 20 sec. | 15 sec. |
| Type Spread | 1 L | 0 | 1 R | 2 R |
| Sea Conditions | Moderate | | | |
| Overhaul Activity | S/M,Base,PH | S/M,Base,PH | S/M,Base,PH | USS PROTEUS |

- 24 -

— page 73 —
```
S5334/A.16-3
Serial (79) U.S.S. PARCH (SS-383) - Report of Second War Patrol.
C-O-O - DECLASSIFIED

(h) ATTACK DATA (Continued)
Torpedo Attack Report Form
U.S.S. PARCH (383) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4 P.M.T.U. NO. 2
Time 0410 I Date July 31, 1944 Lat. 19-10 N Long. 120-55 E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted.
Description: Large .40, three masts, low squat stack aft.
Ship(s) Sunk: None
Ship(s) Damage or
Probable Sunk: 1 large minidrifter D. (MU)
Damage Determined by: Observed 2 hits fired, tanker slowed to about 2 knots.
Target Draft: 28' Course 290 T Speed 6 kts. Range 1200 yds (at firing)

Own Ship Data:
Speed 17.5 kts. Course 165 T Depth: Surface Angle 100 P (at firing)

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack:
High surface attack on. second tanker in center, column of convoy, after firing, at first tanker, swing right to bring stern tubes to bear on this target, fired 3 stern tubes. First torpedo missed ahead, second and third torpedoes hit forward and water bridge respectively slowing target to about 2 knots.
- 25 -
```

— page 75 —
SS 384/A16-3
Serial (50)                               U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.
C-O- [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

The user wants me to transcribe all text from the image.

Here's the transcription:

SS 384/A16-3
Serial (50)                               U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.
C-O- [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

The following is a transcription of the document content, distinguishing between typed and handwritten text, and preserving formatting.

SS 384/A16-3
Serial (50)                               U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.
C-O- [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

— page 77 —
SS334/A16-3
Serial (59)
C-C [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 78 —
SS384/A16-3 U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
Serial (59) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)
                                                                Attack No. 8      Attack No. 9      Attack No. 10

Tubes Fired                                                     No. 8             No. 9             No. 10
Track angle                                                     100 S             93 S              86 S
Gyro angle                                                      45 R              43 R              35 R
Depth Set                                                       10'               10'               10'
Power                                                           -                 -                 -
Hit or Miss                                                     Hit               Hit               Hit
Erratic
(Yes or No)                                                     No                No                No
Mark Torpedo                                                    23                23                23
Serial No.                                                      52857             41573             61815
Mark Exploder                                                   6-4               6-4               6-4
Serial No.                                                      12063             11200             21847
Actuation Set                                                   Contact           Contact           Contact
Actuation Actual                                                Contact           Contact           Contact
Mark Warhead                                                    16-1              16-1              16-1
Serial No.                                                      9354              3802              11830
Explosive                                                       TPX               TPX               TPX
Firing Interval                                                 0                 10                10
Type Spread                                                     2 R               0                 2 L
Sea Conditions                                                  Moderate
Overhaul Activity                                               S/M, Base, PH     USS PROTUS

                                                                - 30 -

— page 79 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (59)
C-0- [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA. (Continued)
Torpedo Attack Report Form
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 7 and 8 PATROL NO. 2
Time 0420-1433 I Date July 31, 1944 Lat. 19-10 N Long. 120-58 E

Target Data -- Damage Inflicted

Description: Large AP, composite superstructure with large conspicuous bridge
structure forward and low fat stack, similar to HEIAN MARU.
Ship(s) Sunk: 1 large unidentified AP (EU), similar to HEIAN MARU.
Ship(s) Damaged
or Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by: Two hits in attack #7 and one hit in attack No. 8.
Ship observed to sink bow first ten minutes later.
Target Draft 28' Course 215 T Speed 8 kts. Range 1800-1100 (at firing)

Own Ship Data
Speed 17.5 knots Course 035 T Depth Surface Angle 0 (at firing)
320 T 180

Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Type Attack:
Night surface attack on large AP in starboard column of
convoy. From position dead ahead at 1800 yards fired three shots
down the throat. Two hits were obtained stopping the target.
Then closed on starboard bow and swung out to the left to bring
stern tube to bear. Fired last stern shot at 1100 yards for a
bulls eye. Ship sank ten minutes later, bow first.

- 31 -

— page 80 —
SS384/A16-3
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

Attacks Nos. 7 and 8

| | Attack #7 | | | Attack #8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 10 |
| Tubes Fired | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 10 |
| Track Angle | 0 | 0 | 0 | 90 S |
| Gyro Angle | 3 R | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Depth Set | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' |
| Power | High | High | High | High |
| Hit or Miss | Miss | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| Erratic (Yes or No) | No | No | No | No |
| Mark Torpedo | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Serial No. | 61364 | 61746 | 61706 | 52855 |
| Mark Exploder | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 | 6-4 |
| Serial No. | 10667 | 21840 | 18260 | 18027 |
| Actuation Set | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Actuation Actual | - | Contact | Contact | Contact |
| Mark Warhead | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| Serial No. | 2202 | 2039 | 11844 | 12066 |
| Explosive | TPX | TPX | TPX | TPX |
| Firing Interval | 0 | 10 | 15 | 0 |
| Type Spread | Offset | Offset | Offset | - |
| Sea Conditions | Moderate | | | Moderate |
| Overhaul Activity | USS PROTEUS | | | USS PROTEUS |

- 32 -

— page 81 —
```
35384/1-6-3 U.S.S. PARCH (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.
Serial (59) C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

(h) [UNCLEAR: best guess]
U.S.S. PARCH (SS384) GUNFIRE ACTION NO. 1 PATROL No. 2
Time 0543 K Date June 24, 1944 Lct. 30-14 N Long. 152-23 E

Target Date - Der - Inflicted

Sunk Patrol vessel - 170 X 20' X 61' - 200 tons, steel hull, long bow similar to a tanker, with pilot house rounding in front with ports instead of windows, armed with machine guns and equipped with radio. Two masts, well deck forward, short funnel, aft of pilot house. Diesel powered speed 12 knots.

Damage Determined by: Vessel sunk stern first after being well held by 4"/50 cal. and out-fire by 20mm. 3 survivors decided to swim rather than ride her down.

Details of action

Opened fire with 4"/50 cal. at 3600 yards using radar ranges. Spotted on in direction and third shot was a perfect bullseye. Obtained on hit that drove into 2000 yards - then three out of every four shot in the target giving a total of at least 30 hits out of 60 rounds fired in spite of two misfires on. The firing was good and deliberate, no shots were wasted. It took one hit under his tail to put it-storing out and another in the storm to finally stop him. The high capacity pr-joilcious functioning, well piercing the steel hull and achieving the light struck around. The main per-joilcious hard and moved dist- [UNCLEAR: best guess]. The need of 20mm/50 cal. secondary was amply demonstrated in this case as it took 1200 rounds of 20mm at close range to start a good fire. The target that burned briskly for several minutes with the water washing in and out of gun holes in the side before it finally sank stern first.

On two occasions they attempted to return our fire but in both instances their marking gunners per- [UNCLEAR: best guess] the spotting rounds. However their engineer poured into it until the very end and after its terrific putting six lippers were still and swimming.

ammunition expended

40 rounds - 4"/50 cal. High Capacity
21 rounds - 4"/50 cal. Common
1,210 rounds - 20mm

- 33 -
```

— page 82 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (59) U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] -L

(I) MINES

No information.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

There was no appreciable increase in anti-submarine activity in this
area since our last patrol in April and May. All current shipping routes
are regularly patrolled by aircraft and all convoys are provided with
strong air and surface escorts. On two occasions night surface patrols were
contacted about 100 miles south of T.O. Their speed of 13-14 knots and
subsequent maneuvers indicated that they were radar equipped.

On the night of July 4th when we encountered the 2 CA's and DD, the
enemy apparently made radar contact about the same time as we and increased
speed to close. The DD and leading CA opened fire simultaneously at
ranges of 9,000 and 16,000 yards respectively. The accuracy of their
shooting under the relatively poor visibility conditions was ample evidence
of excellent fire control radar.

On July 19th during the period of extremely stormy weather a lone
carrier was sighted flying off planes. She was obviously providing air
cover for some nearby convoy. This and subsequent aircraft contacts show
that the Japs can and do fly in the worst possible weather.

One plane was contacted at night by SJ radar at 11,000 yards and was
clearly visible in the bright moonlight at 7,000 yards when we dived.
There was no indication that we were detected.

Evasion tactics consisted simply of speed and more speed. During
the approach and attack on the convoy we ran at full power, slowing moment-
arily to 15 knots on two occasions to fire torpedoes from the after tubes.
Once inside the convoy the escorts, some of which were apparently radar
equipped, were unable to track us effectively. On the other hand this new
stunt of mixing a lot of small craft in among the larger ships made it
almost impossible to distinguish between the cats and the dogs.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

The only casualties occurring on this patrol were of a minor nature
and caused no great inconvenience or interference with normal operations.

Fire in Main Control Cubicle:
Shortly after surfacing on July 7, fire broke out in the battery group
in the main control cubicle. Examination showed that the two port field
excitation leads (tagged No. 632 Westinghouse Dr. 36-J-684-3) had shorted at
the terminal block, burned loose, and then grounded on an angle iron in the
cubicle. Investigation revealed that the block mounting the corresponding
terminals for starboard excitation was of an entirely different design; the
block being recessed for each terminal lug so that a short circuit could not
result even though the leads worked loose. This latter type mounting block
will be installed for the port field excitation leads during refit.

- 34 -

— page 83 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
ARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 86 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (59)
[STRIKETHROUGH: S-E-C-R-E-T]
DECLASSIFIED
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 87 —
S384/A16-3
Serial (59)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

Midway to area 3,226.0 mi32,685 gals.
In area 5,947.1 mi41,707 gals.
Area to Saipan 1,199.4 mi17,232 gals.
Saipan to Pearl 3,500.7 mi44,393 gals.

(S) DURATION

Days enroute area 12
Days in area 34
Days enroute Saipan 4
Days enroute Saipan to Pearl 11
Days submerged 30

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

Torpedoes | Fuel        | Provisions | Personnel Factor
|||
5         | 7,400 gals. | 15 days    | 10 days

This patrol was extended beyond the time set forth in the operation
order upon authority of Commander Task Force 17 and was terminated due to
expenditure of torpedoes, low fuel, and serious condition of pharmacist's
mate.

(U) REMARKS

4"/50 cal. Incendiary Ammunition:

It has been customary since the start of the war for all submarines
to expend 50% or more of their service ammunition in the destruction of
small craft. In most cases final destruction re-
sulted only after a good fire had been started as in the case of our gun
attack. The need for some good 4"/50 incendiary ammunition is apparent
especially if several of these small craft are to be destroyed quickly and
effectively at the same time. This situation should be anticipated as the
enemy is already being forced to resort to sea trains of this type.

Wolf Pack Navigation:

On the morning of July 30th the Parche and Steelhead failed to locate
a convoy contacted by the Hammerhead presumably only 20-30 miles distant.
In this instance the Parche had taken sights upon surfacing in the evening
and at midnight and had rectified her position accordingly. Radar inter-
ference from the Steelhead indicated that she was approximately on station
at all times. However neither boat was able to find any trace of the convoy
by sight, sound or radar after a 2½ hour full power chase during which the
Parche passed through four different positions given by the Hammerhead.
Such a situation is difficult to combat but it does emphasize the
necessity for all boats to check their navigational positions as frequently
as possible in areas where strong currents prevail, as in the South China
Sea.

- 39 -

— page 89 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FOUR
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
17 August 1944.

FB5-44/A16-3
Serial: ( 0-74 )
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PARCHE Second
War Patrol Report.

To :
Via :
  (1) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
  (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
  (3) The Commander Submarine Force, PACIFIC FLEET.
  (4) The Commander-in-Chief, PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE Second War Patrol - comments on.

1. This war patrol was the second for the PARCHE and Commander L.P.
RAMAGE as commanding officer. It covered a period of sixty (60) days, thirty-four
of which were spent in the area. The PARCHE was one of a wolf pack consisting
of the SHARK, HAMMERHEAD, and PARCHE under the command of Commander L. S. PARKS.

2. Four ship contacts were made which were worthy of developing.

Contacts number one, two, and three:

PARCHE was unable to close the first three contacts.

Contact number four:

This contact was a large convoy consisting of tankers, transports, and
freighters under heavy escort.

In attack number one the PARCHE fired two torpedoes from the bow
tubes at a Medium freighter. They both missed.

In attack number two one torpedo was fired from stern tube at the
same freighter which hit the AK.

In attack number three PARCHE fired four torpedoes from the bow
tubes at a large tanker making four hits. Tanker sank immediately.

In attack number four, this submarine fired three torpedoes from the
stern tubes at a large tanker making two hits. Tanker slowed to about two knots.

In attack number five two torpedoes were fired at a medium transport
or freighter making two hits. Ship broke in two and sank.

— page 91 —
FCS-4/A16-3
Serial 0318
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PARCHE Second
War Patrol Report.

From:
To :
Via :
Subject:

1. Forwarded.

2. After thirty days of few targets, many patrols, and
the disappointment of being unable to close an unescorted aircraft
carrier the PARCHE hit the jackpot with a vengeance. With consum-
mate skill and daring nineteen torpedoes were fired in forty-six
minutes giving fourteen or fifteen hits in this brilliant night
surface attack. The amazement, consternation and confusion of the
enemy is self-evident from the lack of aggressive counter-measures
and the fact that the Japs fired at each other. The PARCHE took
the wind out of their sails while taking the bouyancy from their
largest ships. It is with great pleasure that Commander Submarine
Squadron FOUR congratulates all hands aboard the PARCHE for this
outstanding action.

SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, Calif.,
18 August 1944

The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
U.S.S. PARCHE Second War Patrol - comments on.

[SIGNATURE: C. F. Erck]
C. F. ERCK.
11/jak

— page 92 —
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/(16) Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
[STAMP: Serial 01811] 27 August 1944.
[STAMP: CLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 505.
U.S.S. PARCHE - 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. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(17 June to 16 August 1944).

1. The second war patrol of the PARCHE was conducted in
the area south of Formosa. The PARCHE along with the HAMMERHEAD
(SS364) and STEELHEAD (SS280) form a coordinated attack group with
Commander L. S. Parks, U.S. Navy, as the Group Commander.

2. Four contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made. Three
of the four contacts could not be developed into attacks one of which,
a carrier, was a heartbreaker to lose. The accuracy of the radar con-
trolled gun attack delivered by the cruiser-destroyer contact is
worthy of note. The daring and skillful series of attacks made on the large
convoy contact is one of the out-
standing actions of submarine warfare to date, and one which the
enemy will long remember.

3. This patrol is designated as "Successful" for Combat
Insignia Award.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this fighting,
outstanding war patrol, the second successful patrol for this
excellent representative of Submarine Squadron TWENTY. The PARCHE
is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the
enemy:

- 1 -

— page 93 —
```
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)/ (16)
Serial (311)
CO: DECLASSIFIED

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PARTICULAR REPORT OF
Second War Patrol.

CINCPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 505.
U.S.S. PACIFIC - SECOND WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCH (SS384) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(17 June to 16 August 1944).

— page 94 —
[STAMP: UNCLASSIFIED] [HANDWRITTEN: fre]
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
FF11-10/A16-3(15)/(16) Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
Serial [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED] 27 August 1944.
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PARCHE Report of
Second War Patrol. NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 505.
U.S.S. PARCHE - 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. PARCHE (SS387) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(17 June to 16 August 1944).

1. The second war patrol of the PARCHE was conducted in
the area south of Formosa. The PARCHE along with the HAMMERHEAD
(SS364) and STEELHEAD (SS280) formed a coordinated attack group with
Commander L. S. Parks, U.S. Navy as the Group Commander.

2. Four contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made. Three
of the four contacts could not be developed into attacks one of which
on a carrier, was a heartbreaker to lose. The accuracy of the radar con-
trolled gun attack delivered by the PARCHE in the
worthy of note. The daring and skillful series of attacks made on the large
convoy contact is one of the outstanding actions of submarine war-
fare to date, and one which the enemy will long remember.

3. This patrol is designated as "Successful" for combat
Insignia Award.

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congrat-
ulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this fighting,
outstanding war patrol, the second successful patrol for this
excellent representative of Submarine Squadron TWENTY. The PARCHE
is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the
enemy:

[HANDWRITTEN: 12/5/84
( ) this report downgraded
to unclassified. Author
Naval Orders CDR D.A.
PHELPS, USA (OP-311C)]

138222

— page 95 —
S6334/A16-3
Serial (78)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED][HANDWRITTEN: L]

[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST CONY]

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384)
c/o Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
2 December, 1944.

From:        The Commanding Officer.
To :        The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :        (1) The Commander, Submarine Division 202.
             (2) The Commander, Submarine Squadron 20.
             (3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
             (4) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject:     U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Third War Patrol.

Enclosure:   (A) Subject Report.
             (B) Track Charts.

1.           Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the third war patrol of this
vessel conduct d in San Bernardino Straits and the area south of Formosa during
the period 10 September 1944 to 2 December 1944, are forwarded herewith.

                                            [HANDWRITTEN: /s/]
                                            [HANDWRITTEN: L. P. RAMAGE.]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[STAMP: BY [HANDWRITTEN: OP-09B9C] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 5/31/72]]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 00176]

— page 96 —
```
J-0-3-3-3-3
B-6-1-1-1-1
Report of Naval War Patrol

(a) SUMMARY

Arrived Pearl Harbor from Second War Patrol on August 16, 1944. Normal patrol by Destroyer Base and Submarine Division 12. Report completed August 31, 1944, which included installation of M.A.N., sonar gear, and equinox. Engine results in both torpedo rooms: starboard screw was replaced and tail shaft was repaired and underwent routine docking.
L-47 operations - sound tests, 15, and training exercises. Fixed all guns and torpedoes.

- 9 September - Loading period.
- 19 September - Mediation date.

(b) NARRATIVE

Commence Force 17 Operation Center 1305-44.
Track Unit Baird, Briefer 17.2.6

10 Sept.
1130 I. Underway from Pearl under escort until 2000.
2036 W. Made surf. dive.
2110 W. Suffered oil pressure on two engines.

11-21 Sept.
Immature Samples. Conducted daily dives, training exercises, and fixed all guns & torpedoes.

14 Sept.
0600 I. Crossed International Date line.

17 Sept.
1200 I. Sent despatch to CKG 17.7 info. ComSubPac re: entering shipin safety lane and requesting rendezvous.

19 Sept.
0730 I. Entered Saipore Eastern safety lane.
1100 I. Shifted PBL plane distance 10 miles, turned on HF and exchanged planes.
1300 I. Another PBL plane distance 15 miles bearing 000 I distance 10 miles.
1230 I. Exchanged recognition signals with ICHIBAN on 60 radars.

20 Sept.
0600 I. ICHIBAN still with us.
0930 I. Shifted PBL plane distance 12 miles.
1345 I. Shifted PBL plane distance 15 miles.
1545 I. Picked up radar interference dead ahead, believed to be SALMON and DRUM.
2953 K. 50 radar contact, Gun: LMB distance 60,000 yards.

-1-
```

— page 97 —
S-981-1
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
U.S.S. PADDLE (SS381) - Report of Third War Patrol.
Serial 003
24-7-D-10-00-D-1-L

— page 98 —
SS384/A16-3 U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of
Ser (73)
O-C-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

27 Sept.
0000 I Cleared Friar Patch and set course 210 T for POLILLO ISLANDS.
0745 I Sighted unidentified plane bearing 180 T distance 10 miles.
0746 I Plane closing. Dived.
1030 I Surfaced. All clear.
1030 I Received ComSubSpac despatch directing Parche to proceed to an area 200
        miles to the eastward of SAN BERNARDINO STRAITS and conduct search for
        downed aviators. Set course 125 T at full speed.
2050 I Changed course to 135 T.

28 Sept.
0530 I Arrived at Lat. 13-10 N Long. 127-00 E and commenced search between
        Lats. 13-05 N and 11-55 N on north and south courses with 10 miles be-
        tween legs working to the eastward in the direction of the Task Force
        retirement and normal to the direction of the wind and sea. During
        daylight ran at full speed maintaining continuous watch on both periscopes,
        at night slowed to 10 knots and fired green very star every half hour.
1255 I Sighted aircraft bearing 090 T distance 10 miles. Dived.
1305 I Identified plane as PBM mariner.
1312 I Surfaced and proceeded as before.
1320 I Lost sight of plane bearing 320 T.
1720 I Sighted floating mine showing six horns and two padeyes above water.
        Sank same with 20mm.

29 Sept.
0630 I Conducting search as before.
        Sighted second floating mine, similar to the previous one. Sank same
        with 20mm.
1100 I Sighted unidentified plane bearing 025 T distance 8 miles. Dived.
1121 I Surfaced and resumed search as before.
2030 I Received ComSubSpac's despatch directing search be discontinued after 3
        days and then proceed to SAN BERNARDINO STRAITS.

30 Sept.
        Conducting search as before.
1121 I Sighted unidentified aircraft bearing 050 T distance 8 miles. Dived.
1200 I Surfaced and resumed search.
1900 I Completed search, set course for SAN BERNARDINO STRAITS.
2000 I Converted #4 FBT to main ballast.
2115 I Cleared despatch to ComSubSpac, reporting results of search negative.

1 Oct.
        Enroute SAN BERNARDINO STRAITS at 15 knots.
1055 I Sighted and destroyed third floating mine similar to the others.
1136 I Sighted plane bearing 350 T distance 8 miles, closing. Dived.
1204 I Surfaced and proceeded as before.
2319 I SJ radar picked up CATANDUANES ISLAND bearing 274 T distance 35 miles.

- 3 -

— page 100 —
083A/A16-3
USS ARKE (SS284) - Report
(VE)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

11 Oct.
0701 K Dived on station for usual patrol. Overhauled #1 H.P. Air Compressor.
2000 K Surfaced. NE-SW courses during night.
2130 K Received orders from ComSubPac to proceed to patrol area south of
 north of Lat. 1800 N prior to 1200 Z on the thirteenth. This
 was most welcome news for the monotony of this place is almost unbearable.

12 Oct.
0701 K Dived on station for usual patrol. Overhauled #2 H.P. Air Compressor
 which had developed the same trouble as #1.
2000 K Surfaced and received ComSubPac directing us to be
 north of Lat. 1800 N prior to 1200 Z for orders.
2300 K Cleared acknowledgement to ComSubPac for orders.

13 Oct.
0701 K Dived on station for usual patrol.
0701 K Surfaced and set course 023 T standard speed departing station for new
 patrol area as previously directed.
2230 K Changed course to 000 T.

14 Oct.
0130 K Enroute LUZON STRAITS at standard speed.
2300 K Changed course to 340 T.
2330 K Entered new patrol area.

15 Oct.
0510 K SJ radar contact on BABUYAN ISLAND bearing 285 T distance 37 miles.
0550 K Entered BALINTANG CHANNEL; changed course to 290 T.
0700 K SJ radar contact BALINTANG bearing 312 T distance 19 miles.
0720 K Dived, proceeding through channel.
0915 I Surfaced and proceeded at 15 knots.
0950 I Received orders from ComSubPac assigning our patrol stations.
1100 I Cleared ComSubPac dispatch assigning new patrol stations for all
1115 I subs in LUZON STRAITS.

16 Oct.
0000 I Entered assigned patrol area, slowed to one engine speed on course 270 T.
0015 I Picked up enemy aircraft radar interference on APR at 150 mcs.
0027 I Dived and patrolled assigned station.
0932 I Surfaced, patrolling as before.
1150 I SJ radar contact on friendly submarine believed to be the DNUL.
1320 I Picked up enemy radar search plane on APR at 150 mcs; remained in
 vicinity for one hour.

- 5 -

— page 102 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (78) U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Third War Patrol.

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

30 Oct.
0700 I POLFRET closed, exchanged dope by visual.
1250 I Sighted Liberator, exchanged recognition signals.
1625 I Dived.
1700 I Made Battle Surface, fired all guns.
2355 I Picked up radar interference on starboard bow from one or more friendly
      subs eastbound.

31 Oct.
1445 I Sighted POLFRET closing for rendezvous.
1524 I Made trim dive.
1610 I Surfaced, POLFRET reported sighting possible periscope, maneuvered to
      avoid.
1700 I Resumed course and speed.

1 Nov.
1040 I Aircraft contact: Sighted MAVIS bearing 265 T distance 7 miles. Dived.
1135 I While attempting to clear a jammed .50 Cal. machine gun in the forward
      torpedo room, the gunner's mate accidentally fired the gun, hitting the
      Bendix Log, with the bullet finally lodging in the transmitter motor after
      piercing the speed dial and wrecking several small gears.
1155 I Surfaced and proceeded as before. Wind and sea increasing from the S.W.
1415 I Entered patrol area. Sighted and identified friendly submarine on
      opposite course.
1450 I Spoke COD, eastbound.
1700 I Converted #4 F.B.T. to main ballast.
1800 I Dived and flushed out #4 F.B.T.
2150 I Surfaced and proceeded.
2200 I Bendix log back in commission registering distance run but no speed
      input for TDC as yet.

2 Nov.
0630 I SJ radar contact: BATAN ISLAND bearing 246 T, distance 37 miles.
0645 I Dived for submerged patrol on course 210 T.
1650 I Surfaced with BATAN ISLAND bearing 278 T, distance 15 miles.
2130 I Entered LUZON CHANNEL.
2200 I Follow-up system on master gyro compass erratic, steering by auxiliary
      gyro.
2220 I Received contact report from POLFRET giving position of 7 ship convoy at
      lat. 20-30 N, long. 121-37 E, on course 180, speed 12, and that he was
      attacking.
2228 I Changed course to 315 T at full speed.
2229 I Sent message to POLFRET stating our position and that we were closing.
2309 I Heard first of several explosions.
2320 I SJ Contact: Picked up convoy bearing 350 T distance 25,000 yards. Went
      to Battle Stations and commenced tracking.
      -8-

— page 105 —
```
5824(A)5
Serial (vr) U.S.S. PARCH (58334) - Report of Third War Patrol.
C-O-R-R-E-S-P-O-N-D-E-N-C-E

7 Nov.
0011 I. Finally check off patrol boat which appeared to have radar contact on us.
0011 I. Placed on course 150°.
1200 I. Followed another two ocean vessels closely.
1700 I. Grey misty and in confusion again. Denied 10; also took in full certification.
1932 I. Surfaced on course 150° T.
2028 I. Surfaced. Failed to look bearing 270° T, range 15,000 yards. Maneuvered to avoid.

8 Nov.
0641 I. Dived on course 135° T.
1955 I. Heard 3 distant explosions.
1958 I. Surfaced on course 270° T, search plane stopping area again.
1959 I. A.F. signal or 1st war patrol search plane entering area BOMBAY.
2201 I. Received Commander’s dispatch detailing area BOMBAY.

9 Nov.
Wind and sea temperate from...
0653 I. Dived on course 270° T. Heavy seas all day.
1930 I. Reported surface contact, 2 small vessels.
1930 I. A.F. signal from...
2055 I. A.F. signal from search plane in vicinity for an hour and after that nothing.

10 Nov.
0636 I. Dived on course 270° T. Thirteen skill boards. No sight for 36 hours.
1301 I. Worked on course 270° T, adjusting with barometer at 29.35 in.
2130 I. Changed course to 280° T, having experienced a strong westerly set during...

11 Nov.
0635 I. Dived on course 270° T. Heavy seas all day.
1931 I. Surfaced on course 270° T, beginning to accelerate.

12 Nov.
0001 I. Picked radar interference from SAILFISH, changed course to close.
1200 I. Intercepted with SAILFISH.
1300 I. Dived on course 270° T.
1500 I. Surfaced on course 250° T.
1700 I. Followed radar interference from POLLUX, changed course to close.
2200 I. Exchanged recognition signals with POLLUX.
2400 I. Intercepted with POLLUX and delivered copy of C.O. %.

-1-
```

— page 107 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (73) U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Third War Patrol.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

15 Nov. (Continued)
0555 I Sent orders to POMFRET and SAILFISH to patrol present area during the day.
0629 I Dived on course 350 T.
1301 I Heard several explosions bearing approximately 100 T.
1911 T Surfaced on course 300 T.

16 Nov.
0637 I Dived on course 320 T.
1910 I Surfaced on course 180 T.

17 Nov.
0645 I Dived on course 140 T.
1915 I Surfaced on course 045 T. Heavy seas and force 6 wind from northeast.

18 Nov.
0650 I Dived on course 150 T.
1900 I Surfaced on course 045 T. Still experiencing heavy weather.

19 Nov.
0645 I Dived on course 330 T.
1915 I Surfaced on course 090 T.

20 Nov.
No change in the weather.
0645 I Dived on course 330 T.
1905 I Surfaced on course 065 T.
2330 I Sighted hospital ship on course 270 T, speed 12 knots, properly
illuminated.

21 Nov.
0400 I APR signal on 150 mcs: Radar search planes active again.
0415 I SJ Contact: Plane picked up at 12,000 yards moving out to 19,000 yards.
0510 I Two radar search planes in vicinity for an hour.
0645 I Dived on course 100 T. Wind and sea increasing.
1900 I Surfaced on course 090 T.
2110 I APR signal on 150 mcs.
2130 I Sent message to POMFRET and SAILFISH assigning patrol stations for
tomorrow on track between Formosa and BATAAN ISLANDS. No receipt from
SAILFISH.
2140 I Had to give up attempt to reach new station and slowed to one engine
speed due to heavy seas and wind of gale force. Shipping solid water
down main induction and conning tower hatch.
2215 I Received message from POMFRET that she would not be able to reach station
either as her best speed was 6 knots.
-13-

— page 109 —
SS384/A16-3
Serial (78) U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Third War Patrol.
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

1 Dec.
1530 L Fired 40 mm gun.
1630 L Made deep dive to test for leaks.
1700 L Surfaced and proceeded.
2200 L Cleared despatch reporting position and requesting rendezvous.

2 Dec.
1000 M Received despatch confirming rendezvous at Midway.
2000 M Crossed International Date Line.

2 Dec.
0827 Y Arrived Midway.

(C) WEATHER

In the SAN BERNARDINO STRAITS area heavy clouds and rain with shifting
winds prevailed. During the period 17-30 October the weather south of FORMOSA
was clear with steady winds from the northeast. In November the weather in
the China Sea was generally heavy, particularly during the period from the
8th - 11th when a typhoon passed to the northeastward.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Currents outside SAN BERNARDINO STRAITS were predictable from the Current
Tables, averaging 1.0 knots. South of FORMOSA and west of BASHE CHANNEL north-
westerly currents of 1.0 to 1.5 knots were encountered.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

The navigational lights in the SAN BERNARDINO STRAITS area were not
lighted.

-15-

— page 110 —
```
(7) SHIP RECORDS

E. Roster
L. Lookout, Ray
D. Lookout, Wright

DATE:  19-01-41  12:47 N
LATITUDE:  6° 54' N
LONGITUDE:  29° 01' W
TYPE(S):  6 small
HOST:  12-01-41  12:12 N
LATITUDE:  5° 00' N
LONGITUDE:  25° 00' W
TYPE(S):  5 convoy
10-00  12-01-41  12:12 N
LATITUDE:  5° 00' N
LONGITUDE:  25° 00' W
TYPE(S):  1 patrol craft.
2 patrol craft.
1 small.
2 medium.
1 large.
6 small.
1 patrol craft.
2 patrol craft.
6 small.
1 patrol craft.
2 patrol craft.
1 small.
1 medium.
1 large.
1 patrol craft.
1 patrol craft.
1 small.
1 medium.
1 large.

— page 111 —
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L                                U.S.S. PARCHE - Report of Third War Patrol.

AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

— page 116 —
```
SS334/416-2
Serial (78) U.S.S. RAHM (SS334) - Report of Third War Patrol.
C - C - R - I - T - I - C - A - L

(1) LADA (Cont'd)

There were no material failures or operational difficulties. Contacts are listed below:

In San Bernardino Straits:

Japanese destroyers were observed in the area as far as 20 miles east. Frequency from 20/10/44 thru 21/10/44 was 1,500 kc. This was noted this drive, and they were noted to be in the area. They also worked between 400 and 500 pieces per channel. This was the 1st time observed. No looking was used. Handling of this material was noted because of the variable report in which they were observed. The radar was noted and the irregularity of its departure. The other ships seemed to be in a hurry with the same back and forth during this time. The radar was noted to be a small, specialized equipment. The radar was noted to be around on the long points and in the area. The number of ships that left operating in this area was noted as for only two vessels. It was noted that this is a hundred of varied in the same manner.

South of Formosa:

Twelve dynamic aircraft picked up operated at frequencies from 113 to 150 mc. Planes were noted to operate at 500 cycles per second and 100 cycles per sector. This was likely near the 100 miles area. Planes used looking intermittently; blocks were likely 25,000 yards, sighting was given. Aircraft range on these contacts was 12,000 yards.

(2) SCHIMMER AND SOME PULSATIONS:

Some conditions appeared to be hard to read throughout the patrol. Ping-ing was burst or ranges noted at 1,140 miles on 17.5 kc. and across were heard at ranges up to 7500 yards.

(c) DENSITY LAYERS:

No density layers were encountered enroute to station or in ANT READING STILLS. South of PICOS the visual negative radiants below 150 feet were regularly noted.

(f) HEADING, ROLL, AND STABILITY.

Excellent.
```

— page 119 —
F35-241/A16-3 SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO FORTY ONE
Serial # 02
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
3 December 1944.

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PARCHE Third War
Patrol Dated 2 December 1944.

From : The Commander Submarine Division TWO FORTY ONE.
To : The Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via : The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, New York 10.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Third War Patrol.

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. PARCHE was of
36 days duration, 29 days being spent in the assigned area in
San Bernardino Straits and area south of Formosa. The patrol
was broken by a three day stay in Saipan. The trip to Saipan
was made in order to escort the U.S.S. TINOSA, whose radio transmitter
was out of commission. During the latter part of the patrol the
Commanding Officer of the PARCHE was commander of a task group
which consisted of PARCHE, SEAWOLF, and GUAVINA.

2. The area coverage was good but only one contact
worthy of torpedo fire was made. This was a five ship convoy.
Attack position could not be reached before the convoy entered
port.

3. This patrol was exceptionally long in which severe
storms were encountered. The Commanding Officer, Officers and
crew are congratulated on the completion of such a long and
arduous patrol.

[SIGNATURE: D. F. WILLIAMSON.]

— page 120 —
A16-3
Serial (0212)

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
4 December 1944.

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
CO, USS PARCHE Conf. ltr.
S384/A16-3 Serial 78
of 2 December 1944.

From: Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Subordinate
Command, Navy No. 1504.
To : (1) Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
(2) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via : (1) Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number Three.

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

2. It is noted that on 24 September superseded recognition
signals and flares were resorted to before a Liberator recognized the PARCHE
as a friendly submarine. It is considered that the flare was the means by
which the PARCHE was recognized, and this means of identification should be
used when there is any question of recognition by own aircraft.

3. It is regretted that this long and arduous patrol was void
of more worth-while contacts which could be developed into successful
attacks.

[SIGNATURE: G. C. CRAWFORD]
G. C. CRAWFORD.

— page 121 —
J12-10/A16-3(15)
Serial 02815
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD INDORSEMENT to
PATROL Report of
Third War Patrol.

COMMANDING OFFICER'S PATROL REPORT NO. 609.
U.S.S. PARCHE - 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. PARCHE (SS-384) - Report of Third War Patrol
(10 September to 2 December 1944).

1. The third war patrol of the PARCHE was conducted in the
areas around San Bernardino Straits and between Formosa and Luzon.

2. Although one of the longest patrols made in this war
to date, very few targets were encountered and these were attacked by
other submarines before the PARCHE could get in.

3. It is of note that the enemy use of radar equipped
planes in the Formosa-Luzon area may be sufficiently efficient to
detect our submarines activity and thus enable the enemy to
reroute their shipping. However, this problem is taken care of by
having sufficiently submarines on patrol in that area to cover all pos-
sible traffic routing.

4. During the latter part of the patrol the commanding of-
ficer of the PARCHE was the commanding officer of a coordinated attack
group consisting of the U.S.S. POMPON (SS-267), the U.S.S. SAILFISH
(SS-192), and the PARCHE.

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

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
COMSUBPAC (7)
CINCPAC (5)
CINCPACFLT (1)
COMINTEL.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1)
COMSERVPAC (1)
COMSERVLANT (1)
COMSUBLANT (1)
S/M School, FL (1)
CO, S/M Base, PH (2)
COMSOPAC (2)
COMSOWESPAC (1)
COMSUBSOWESPAC (1)
COMSUBRON 71.9 (2)
COMSUBRON (2)
COMSUBFLOT (1)
COMSUBDIV (20)
COMSUBSPACSubordCom (2)
(3)

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
15 DEC 1944
hch
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
13 December 1944.

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

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.
[SIGNATURE: C. A. Lockwood]

All Squadron and Division (2)
Commanders, Pacific (2)
Submarines (1)
All Submarines, Pacific

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

— page 122 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st copy]
- 1 -

SS384/A16-3
Serial (1)

[HANDWRITTEN: C-O-N][STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

20 February 1945.

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

Subject: U. S. S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart.

1. Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the fourth war patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Nansei Shoto Area during the period 30 December 1944
to 20 February 1945, are forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. W. McCroy]
W. W. McCROY.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/31/72]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 116810]

— page 123 —
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384)
Report of Fourth War Patrol

SS384/A16-3
Serial (1)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

(J) PROLOGUE

    Arrived Midway, T.H. from Third War Patrol on 2 December 1944.
    Commenced normal 14 day refit by Submarine Division 241 Relief Crew and
    Submarine Base, Midway, T.H. The major items of work accomplished were the
    removal of 2 main engine mufflers, overhaul of 2 main engines, and
    installation of a new Bendix log master unit.
        4-6 December 1944 - Routine docking in ARD-8.
        On 11 December 1944, Commander L. P. Ramage, USN, was relieved as
    Commanding Officer by Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Mc Crory, USN, former
    Executive Officer.
        The following officers were detached: Lieutenant D. H. Green, USN;
    Ensign R. W. Ashe, USNR; and Ensign J. H. Parks, USN. The following
    officers reported for duty: Lieutenant R. M. Wright, USN; Lieutenant J. H.
    Hennessy, Jr., USN; Lieutenant (jg) M. T. Morton, USNR; and Ensign J. M.
    Holleran, USNR.
        On 16 December 1944 completed refit and started 13 days period for post
    repairs, training, and loading. Sound-tested, made deep dive, and cavitation
    tested with two nights underway exercises. Total of 9 days underway training.
        28-29 December 1944 - Final loading period, loaded 8 Mark 14-3A and 8
    Mark 23 torpedoes forward, 8 Mark 18-1 torpedoes aft. Measured at deperming
    dock.

(B) NARRATIVE

    30 Dec.
        1400 Y    Underway from Submarine Base, Midway, in accordance with CTF 17 Operation
                  Order No. 427-44, for rotating patrol in Nansei Shoto. Escorted by
                  planes until darkness.
        1835 Y    Made twenty minute trim dive.

    31 Dec.
        0117 Y    Crossed International Date Line. Started the New Year.

    1-11 Jan.
                  Underway for area. Made daily dives, conducted drills and fire control
                  problems enroute.

    1 Jan.
        2330 M    Received orders from ComSubsPac to new patrol station in Nansei Shoto.

— page 127 —
S38 4/A16-3
Serial (1)

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

13 Jan.
0640 Submerged, patrolled to the north 12 miles off west coast of Tokuno Shima.
1826 Surfaced.

Not even a sampan sighted in this area in two days. There was no
definite air-borne radar at night.

Headed out north of Tori Shima, then to the southwest corner of our
area to cover the approaches to Okinawa Jima the next day. Previous
contacts indicate traffic west of Tori Shima for Okinawa, this route
being used mostly at night.

14 Jan.
0658 Submerged 60 miles NNW of Okinawa, patrolling at 50 feet.
1421 Surfaced. The sea was increasing from the northwest, visibility very
poor. Patrolling eastward until contacting Tori Shima, then across the
traffic route west of Tori Shima.

15 Jan.
0547 Dived 12 miles west of Okinoyerabu. Patrolled in to 5 miles during the
day, running at 55 feet. Force 4 wind and sea from the northwest. Had
four aircraft contacts of various types (AC #6-9), probably routine
patrols and embryo fliers from the field on Tokuno Shima. Not sighted.

An alarming knock, sounding like distant bombing, had developed in
the superstructure, and its frequency had become so great that something
had to be done about it, or we could never escape if detected submerged.
Determined to be near the forward loading hatch.
1832 Surfaced and headed west to patrol the approach to Naha west of Tori
Shima. Wind increased to force 5 from NNW during the night, barometer
steady around 29.90.

16 Jan.
Patrolled on the surface 40 miles west of Tori Shima. Heavy winds and
seas continued.
0000 Started testing the auxiliary generator. The armature resistance was
back to 6 megohms. Test satisfactory.
0630 At daybreak investigated cause for knock in the superstructure. Found
the solid athwartships bulkhead forward of the forward loading hatch to
port broken loose from its weld to the hull and partly torn, allowing it
to buckle in and out.

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16 Jan.
1000 Made preparations for cutting away the loose bulkhead with the oxygen-
     acetylene torch. Secured the oxygen and acetylene bottles in the forward
     escape trunk, closed the lower hatch, opened the upper, and led out the
     lines. Put the sea astern and went ahead standard. Even then the decks
     were pooped continually and it was necessary to form a bucket brigade at
     the escape trunk drain in the forward room to keep the trunk dry. The
     First Lieutenant, Lieutenant J. H. Hennessy, Jr., USN, and the leading
     auxiliaryman, VAN EPEREN, R. J., MoMM1c., USN, cut the plate out in about
     one hour, working under water half the time. They had instructions to
     jump down the escape trunk and shut the hatch on order from the bridge in
     case of diving.
1217 Just as the job was finished had APR interference at 154 mcs.
1245 Dived for TESS, distance 10 miles, course 000T (AC #10). No indication
     that he sighted us.
1325 Surfaced.
1625 Sighted medium bomber, distance 10 miles, course 220T (AC #11). Did not
     sight us, so remained on surface.
2100 Received orders from ComSubsPac directing change of area.
2110 Headed north, wind and sea continuing force 5 from NNW, barometer steady.

17 Jan.
     Patrolled on the surface, covering north - south routes to Naha 60 miles
     west of Yokoate Shima.
0943 Interference on the APR at 150 mcs, saturation strength.
0945 Dived and stayed down to routine torpedoes.
1748 Surfaced.
     Patrolled on the surface between Yokoate and Takara Jima.

18 Jan.
0559 Dived 10 miles northwest of Takara Jima, closed the anchorage on the
     north side of the island to 5000 yards, then circled the island at 5
     miles to west and south. Depth control was very difficult but had a
     good look at the island and anchorage. Nothing anchored. There is a
     lookout station with barracks on the peak and the town of Mayegommori is
     clearly visible, but nothing of military significance.
1848 Surfaced 10 miles south of Takara Jima. Patrolled across routes between
     Yokoate and Amami O Shima.

19 Jan.
0548 The weather improved over night so decided to take a look in Naze Ko.
0732 Dived 10 miles northwest of Naze Ko and started closing to the east.
     Sighted EMILY over Amami (AG #12).

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19 Jan.
1840      A half moon was getting very bright when a cloud came in from the north-
          west and covered it. Continued to pull clear at full power, passing
          south of Yokoate and to the west.

          Looking back on our get-away, it is apparent that the Japs are
          poorly organized and defended at Naze. It is doubtful that they even
          thought it was an air raid.
2300      Slowed and patrolled north and west of Tokara Gunto during the night.

20 Jan.
0621      Dived 10 miles west of Akuseki Jima, closed and circled to west and
          north at 6 miles distance.
0946      Sighted 3 trawlers coming out of Akuseki to the southwest. (SC #6).
1448      Three miles west of the line between Akuseki and Suwanose, JP picked up
          screws just to the right of Suwanose. Shortly thereafter pinging was
          heard in the same direction.
1450      Sighted two PETES circling 10 miles to the east (AC #13).
1458      Suspecting a convoy, increased speed to get between the islands in case
          the convoy cut back to the west.

          Sound had pinging on 3 frequencies, 19.8, 17.4, and 15.9 kcs. The
          bearing on screws and pinging was drawing to the right fast.
1530      Sighted the tops of four ships, bearing 135T, angle on the bow 90 S,
          range about 20,000 yards (SC #7). The convoy was smoking heavily and
          had just come out of a rain squall so details could not be made out well.
          Could not close for a submerged attack, so went to 300 feet and set speed
          at 6 knots to round Akuseki to east and south and trail convoy.
1630      Lost pinging at 225T. Plot showed the convoy to be making large zigs
          on base course 225T, speed about 12 knots. Could not believe coal
          burners could make that much speed, but the sea was calm, and later
          developments proved the speed to be 12 knots or more.
1640      Came to course 180T, continuing at 6 knots, opening out from Akuseki to
          surface.
1805      Surfaced 11 miles south of Akuseki with a half hour of daylight left
          and a half moon coming out. Had all sorts of interference on the APR.
1812      Went to full speed on base course 225T, patrolling the probable route of
          the convoy 15 miles on the port flank.

          Estimate of the situation: - The convoy had three choices of routes
          to take at dark: turn southeast to Amami O Shima for the night, con-
          tinue on base course, or go wide to the west and then southwest to
          Okinawa. If either of the latter routes were taken the BLUEBACK and
          SEAFOX to the south could intercept them, so considered that PARCHE
          should cover the possibility of the convoy turning toward Amami.

          Continued on base course 225T at full speed to pass 6 miles south
          of Yakoate. Did not send contact report to BLUEBACK and SEAFOX for fear
          of alerting the convoy.

                                                              - 9 -

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20 Jan.
. 2104 Still no contact, the convoy had continued to southwest or turned west
     so sent contact report to BLUEBACK and SEAFOX, giving base course 225T,
     speed 10 knots, and stating that PARCHE was covering all circles to
     Amami. Sending the message proved to be a mistake, for in the light of
     later developments, it is believed that the convoy upon being alerted,
     turned back and took advantage of its speed to return to Takara or
       Akuseki Jima.
2122 Six miles south of Yokoate, sighted two low flares bearing 262T. These
     flares probably came from the convoy, and it was thought at the time
     signified a change in base course after our transmissions had been heard.
     The convoy definitely had night air cover because we had several
     indications of 155 mc radar differing from any other radar in that
     frequency range we had had before. We also had a new radar at 256 mc and
     indications of Jap 10 cm radar on the SJ.
2135 Came to base course 260T to make contact as soon as possible.
2136 Received message from BLUEBACK that she was heading north from west of
     Tori Shima. The set-up looked good.
2145 Received information message from BLUEBACK to SEAFOX directing the latter
     to take position 20 miles to east of BLUEBACK. The situation looked even
     better now with all three boats closing in in a pincer at the convoy's
     probable midnight position for 12 knots. PARCHE should have overhauled
     them anytime unless a drastic change in base course had been made.
     Sent message to BLUEBACK and SEAFOX giving approximate position of
     flares.
2205 Still no contact so changed base course to 240T. The BLUEBACK's position,
     course, and speed showed her covering any change of course to the west.
     PARCHE could have overhauled in excess of 10 knots, but did not
     inform BLUEBACK and SEAFOX for fear of further alerting the convoy.
2310 Had SJ interference ahead. Exchanged calls with SEAFOX and requested
     rendezvous.

21 Jan.
0035 Closed SEAFOX and exchanged information by VHF. It was decided that
     SEAFOX would take course 315T, PARCHE course 340T, based on the
     possibility that the convoy was north and west.
0108 Sent message to BLUEBACK giving position of SEAFOX and PARCHE, action
     being taken, and probable convoy speed of 12 knots. No receipt, believe
     BLUEBACK had been forced down.
0111 Very strong interference on the APR at 155 mc. Intermittent indications
     of lobing. Turned on the SD to check. Plane at 4 miles. Thought this
     could possibly be the SEAFOX. Checked her range on the SJ; 12000 yards.
0112 Dived. Thought this was it if the Jap was any good at all. PARCHE had
     stayed up for almost constant APR indications ever since entering the
     area; to have done otherwise would have meant very little area coverage.
     But there were no bombs, so at
0141 Surfaced and continued on course 340T at full speed.

- 10 -

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23 Jan.
0617 Dived 14 miles west of Yakuchi Wan on Amami O Shima. A 3 knot current
     from the southwest made closing inadvisable.
1231 Sighted FRANCES on course 220T (AC #17).
1826 Surfaced with barometer down to 29.65, wind force 4 from the south.

     Barometer levelled at 29.55 and the wind drew through the east
     to NNE.

     Patrolled north to the west of Tokara Gunto.

24 Jan.
0622 Dived 12 miles west of Akuseki and patrolled the route between Akuseki
     and Takara.
1203 Sighted about 10 medium bombers circling Akuseki, mission undetermined.
     (AC #18).
1218 Sighted two 4-engine bombers heading south from Akuseki (AC #19).
     Possibly B-29's. Could not identify as Jap planes.
1843 Surfaced 12 miles north of Takara Jima.

     Patrolled west of Takara Jima during the night. Had occasional
     flashes of distant Jap 10 cm radar on the SJ. An unusual amount of air-
     borne radar indicated the possibility of a convoy coming through.

25 Jan.
0626 Dived between Yokoate and Takara Jima.
0720 Heard the first of several strings of depth charges lasting until
     about 1130, probably GREENLING.
1847 Surfaced. Patrolled west of the island chain. There was no aircraft
     activity but had two weak flashes of 10 cm radar about 2300.

26 Jan.
0630 Dived 10 miles south of Taira Shima. Intended patrolling north toward
     Nakano Shima between Taira and Suwanose Shima but currents proved too
     strong and unpredictable.
1850 Surfaced and patrolled west during the night, wind and sea from the
     north, force 4.

27 Jan.
     Patrolling on the surface in northwestern part of area.
1005 Sank one rusty floating mine with about 40 rounds from the 20MM.
     Position: 29 - 34 N, 128 - 32 E.
1028 Dived for BETTY at 8 miles (AC #20).
1237 Sighted FRANCES at 5 miles (AC #21).
1611 Surfaced and patrolled to southwest.
2100 Sent PARCHE first to ComSubsPac requesting authority to patrol area to
     east vacated by GREENLING.
     - 12 -

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(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Continued)

Date         Lat(N)       Type(s)         Initial   Est.Crs.   How        Remarks
Time(I)      Long(E)                      Range(Mi.)            Contacted

12.0732      28-30        1 EMILY         10        060        P          Mission
19 Jan.      129-22                                                        unknown.

13.1450      29-32        2 PETES         10        Circling   P          Convoy air
20 Jan.      129-36                                                        cover.

14.0111      28-27        1 Unidentified  4         -          R (SD)     Convoy air
21 Jan.      128-17                                                        cover.

15.1126      27-39        2 Unidentified  10        Various    SD         Patrolling.
21 Jan.      126-31

16.2219      28-37        1 Unidentified  4         -          SN         Patrolling.
22 Jan.      129-00

17.1231      28-24        1 FRANCES       6         220        P          Patrolling.
23 Jan.      128-45

18.1203      29-17        10 2-engine     10        Circling   P          Above
24 Jan.      129-32       bombers.                                        Akuseki.

19.1218      29-17        2 4-engine      9         200        P          Possibly
24 Jan.      129-32       bombers.                                        B-29's.

20.1028      29-29        1 BETTY         8         180        SD         Patrolling.
27 Jan.      128-32

21.1237      29-30        1 FRANCES       5         220        P          Patrolling.
27 Jan.      128-38

22.0735      29-27        Unidentified    8         090        SD         Patrolling.
29 Jan.      131-23

                                                                           - 21 -

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(g) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Continued)
Date          Time (T)    Lat (N)    Long (E)    Type (G)    Initial    Range (Yds)    Est. Str.    Contacted    Remarks
23.1251      31 Jan.     29-17      129-29      Unidentified 5          170           P            Above        [HANDWRITTEN: Akusaih.]
24.1138      31 Jan.     29-11      129-38      1 AWAK      6          330           P            Patrolling.
25.1600      31 Jan.     29-12      129-37      1 TESS      8          000           P            Above        [HANDWRITTEN: Akusaih.]
26.1656      31 Jan.     29-12      129-37      2 RUFES, 1 TESS 5      950           P            Above        [HANDWRITTEN: Akusaih.]
27.1004      3 Feb.      29-22      129-46      2 Float type planes 4 180           P            Patrolling.
28.2135      3 Feb.      29-20      129-41      1 Medium bomber 10 Various       P            Above        [HANDWRITTEN: Akusaih.]
29.1447      2 Feb.      29-19      129-38      1 Double float 6 050           P            Patrolling. [HANDWRITTEN: Could not be identified from CNI 2325]
30.1358      5 Feb.      29-15      128-39      2 Medium bombers 15 240         SD           Patrolling.
31.1015      5 Feb.      28-42      120-56      6 Fighter planes 8 180           P            Mission unknown.
32.0945      6 Feb.      28-11      123-49      1 Fighter 8 200               P            Mission unknown.
33.1415      6 Feb.      28-14      128-52      Unidentified 5 005           P            Mission unknown.
```

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(H)         ATTACK DATA (Continued)

                                                                Torpedo Attack Report Form

U.S.S. PARCHE                                                   TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2                                     PATROL NO. 4

Time: 1827 I                                                    Date: 1-19-45                                            Lat: 28-26 N                                     Long: 129-30 E

                                                                Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Description: An MFM medium freighter aground or anchored in Naze Ko, masts 100 feet,
                stack 30 feet, in light condition. Similar to Sinano Maru but EU
                since target could only be seen from the quarter.

Ship(s) Sunk: None.

Ship(s) Damaged: One.

Damage Determined by: Column of smoke directly above the target was seen both on
                the periscope and from the bridge on surfacing. On 22
                January ship was observed in same spot listed 10° to port.
                No torpedo explosions were heard due to noise of surfacing
                and none were seen as the periscope was on the other target.
                Ship was in shoal water and no fires were up on it either
                day, leading to possibility that it had been previously
                damaged.

Target Draft: 10 ft. (light)                                    Course: 160T                                             Speed: 0                                         Range: 4000 yds.

                                                                OWN SHIP DATA

Speed: 4 knots                                                  Course: 005T                                             Depth: 60 feet.                                  Angle: 0

                                                                - 25 -

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(h) ATTACK DATA (Continued)  ATTACK NO. 1  PATROL NO. 4
Time: 1641 (1)  Date: 11-11-45  Lat. 27-34 N  Long. 123-47 E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Fleet of two small marus of 400T, one lugger, and five escorts, two of which had guns of about 37MM.

No damage was inflicted. Attack was frustrated by the five escorts. Received one superficial hit in deck above maneuvering room.

DETAILS OF THE ACTION!

This fleet of small vessels was closed not realizing the high percentage of escorts. Half of the ships had sails up until we started closing. The five escorts formed on line of bearings between PARCHE and the three small ships and started closing PARCHE to attack. Only sensed the rapid-fire guns to reduce possibility of injury to personnel until it was known what they had for guns. At 3500 yards opened fire with 40 and 20MM. As the escorts came back with such a hail of fire ranging from .25 Cal. to 37MM it was realized the chances were too great, so cleared the bridge of personnel and retired at full power. Two of the escorts continued firing 37MM until the range was spread to 6500 yards. Started to ease around the end escort, but both times all of them began opening out attempting to encircle.

- 29 -
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(K) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE (Continued)

occurred sharp bends in the lines and apparently result from improper
annealing. During the last refit pin-holes were brazed on one line.
On patrol pin-holes were patched with a clamp on another. It is very
likely that more of these leaks will develop.

Mark VII Master Gyro - The first indication of failure in the gyro was
sluggishness of the repeaters. Trouble was first suspected in the oil
ballistic system before the real source was found. The brush rigging on
the motor generator in use had shifted and the resultant drop in voltage
and frequency had allowed the gyro rotor to slow below the speed of
stability, although the drop had not been enough to trigger the alarm.
Shifted to the standby generator.

(L) RADIO

Radio reception on this patrol was better than on previous patrols.
No serial messages were missed. Two messages were sent to NPM on 4235 and
two to CTG 17.7 on 4155 with no difficulty. A departure report was
transmitted to NPM at 0030 I, February 10th on 4235 with no receipt,
although a go ahead had been given us.

The best listening frequencies at night in the area were 6045 and
9090 kcs, although these frequencies were frequently jammed both by voice
and CW. For daytime listening 9090 faded out at 0900 I, but 16,730 kcs
could be heard throughout the day.

Reception was excellent on all wolf pack frequencies, but the Japs
are very alert to jam them. From our experience with the convoy on
January 20-21, it is evident that the Japs listen on the wolf pack
frequency in use. Where practicable it is strategic to send contact
reports immediately after a shift in frequency.

Reception of transmissions from Radio Chungking was excellent.

VHF was used for communicating with the SEAFOX on 21 January, but the
distance between ships was only 2000 yards.

The motor end of the VHF motor-generator is inoperative. The trouble
has defied detection and the motor-generator has remained idle. The VHF
was operated satisfactorily off the IFF power circuit direct from the
battery.

— page 160 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FIVE.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
25 February 1945.

FB5-45/A16-3
Serial (015)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to CO PARCHE (SS384)
Conf. Ltr. Serial (1), dated 20 Feb. 1945.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

1. The Fourth War Patrol of the U.S.S. PARCHE was conducted in the
NANSEI SHOTO Area. The patrol was of fifty-three days duration, thirty days of
which were spent in Area.

2. This patrol was characterized by a dearth of suitable torpedo
targets, a multitude of aircraft contacts, and extremely poor weather during
twenty-six of the thirty days on station. Of eight surface contacts, only four
were worthwhile torpedo targets and three of them were aggressively attacked.
In contrast, during the same time, thirty-three aircraft contacts were made,
consisting of from one to ten planes each. A summary of attacks follows:

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1 - 19 January 1945.
3. This day periscope at-
tack was made on one of two beached targets in NAZE KO. It is outstanding for
the courage and tactical ability displayed. These targets were cut in
and located just inside the ten-fathom curve. The grounded targets necessi-
tated going one mile in to obtain a satisfactory firing position. All
factors were weighed and carefully noted; then after
due consideration of the risks involved and full use of all information avail-
able the PARCHE went in to press home her attack. From an estimated range of
5500 yards six bow tubes were fired, using three Mark 23 torpedoes and three
Mark 14-3As. Due to errors in internal communications only one of the Mark 14
-3As was set on low power. This last torpedo of the salvo was definitely a
hit. There is some doubt of the previous fives' ability to hit in such shallow
water on a run of 6300 yards. It is recommended that credit be given for the
last hit as damaging a previously damaged tanker similar to the Nissin Maru
Class.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 - 19 January 1945. Five minutes after at-
tack No. 1, the PARCHE had swung to make her stern tubes bear on the second
beached ship. Four stern tubes were fired using Mark 18 torpedoes at an estim-
ated range of 4000 yards. Although no hits were visibly observed, the other
evidence supports the recommendation that credit be allowed for one hit damag-
ing an already damaged AK, similar to the Sinano Maru. After these attacks
the PARCHE surfaced and retired at high speed on the surface.

- 1 -

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Serial (015)

FIRST ENDORSEMENT TO
CO PARCHE Conf. ltr Serial
(1), dated 24 Feb. 1945.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.
SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-FIVE

Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California,
25 February 1945

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3 - 7 February 1945 - This was a day periscope
attack on a small unescorted freighter. Due to a last minute zig, four stern
tubes were fired. One hit was observed and 6½ minutes later the target sank.
Credit is recommended for sinking an unidentified AK of approximately 3000 tons.

GUN ATTACK NO 1 - 11 January 1945 - This gun action was attempt-
ed against three small cargo vessels (approximately 400 tons) and their five
escorts. The decision to break off the action and retire is concurred in.

4. The numerous air contacts coupled with lack of patrol vessels
is unusual. The heavy weather or perhaps few valuable targets passing through
the area at that time may explain the paucity of surface escorts. The excel-
lent sound performance is also noted. The maximum JP ranges were 18,000 yards
on two trawlers and 25,000 yards on a convoy. One year ago in the same vicinity
similar conditions were encountered. In one case a convoy was heard at an es-
timated range of 40,000 yards with JK projector. The prompt and efficient man-
euvers of the five small escorts during the attempted gun attack on 11 January
are worthy of note. Three floating mines were encountered and sunk by gunfire.

5. Once again the need for long range torpedoes is indicated. Had
there been more ships in NAZE KO during the first two attacks the disadvantages
of short range, one speed torpedoes would be even more apparent. Being comp-
letely loaded with Mark 23 and/or Mark 18 torpedoes would have necessitated
going further into shallow water or missing an opportunity to wreak tremendous
damage on the enemy. The number of "sitting duck" attacks is on the increase
and they are capable of inflicting tremendous damage with a minimum expenditure
of torpedoes. As the Japanese defensive technique improves longer, or else more
risky shots are going to be made.

6. The PARCHE returned to port in excellent material condition
and in a good state of cleanliness.

7. The Commander Submarine Division-45 expresses his deep regret
and condolences for the two men lost overboard, and congratulates the Commanding
Officer, Officers and men for the aggressive and successful war patrol.

[SIGNATURE: E. W. Grenfell]
E. W. GRENFELL.

— page 162 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California.
11/wft

FCS-4/A16-3

Serial: 0185
27 February 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) Report
of Fourth War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congratu-
lates the Commanding Officer, officers, and crew of the PARCHE
upon completion of this aggressive and strenuous patrol and for
the losses inflicted upon the enemy.

3. It is recommended that the PARCHE be credited with
the following:

SUNK                                    DAMAGED
1 AK(EU)        3,000 tons              1 AO(EC)        16,764 tons
                                        1 AK(EU)        6,250 tons
                                        Total Damaged   23,014 tons

Total Sunk or Damaged 26,000 tons

[SIGNATURE: W. V. O'Regan (appears to be)]
W. V. O'REGAN.

— page 163 —
F16-10(A)/A16-3(1S) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 0411 Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL [STAMP: 3 02987] 3 March 1945.

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
SUBPAC Patrol Report DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Fourth War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 631
U.S.S. PARCHE - FOURTH 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. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
(30 December, 1944, to 20 February, 1945).

1. The fourth war patrol of the PARCHE, under the command
of Lieutenant Commander W. W. McCrory, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the
Nansei Shoto areas.

2. The PARCHE maintained thorough and aggressive area
coverage throughout this patrol. She entered the 100-fathom curve in
the vicinity of Naze Ko on Amami O Shima to attack a large tanker and
a medium freighter, which were apparently at anchor after having sus-
tained previous damage. Two attacks were delivered which resulted in
further damage to those ships. In a third attack the PARCHE sank a
small AK. The loss of two men overboard, while converting fuel bal-
last tanks to main ballast tanks while enroute Midway, is most regret-
table.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for this aggres-
sive, successful patrol. The PARCHE is credited with having inflicted
the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

S U N K
1 - Small AK (EU) 2,000 tons (Attack No. 3)

D A M A G E D
1* - Large AO (NISSIN MARU Type)(EC) 8,500 tons (Attack No. 1)
2** - Medium AK (EU) 2,000 tons (Attack No. 2)

TOTAL DAMAGED 10,500 tons
TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED 12,500 tons
*Ships had been previously damaged. [STAMP: EXTRA - ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
Authentication & distribution [STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]
on following page. J. H. BROWN,
- 1 - Deputy ComSubsPac.

— page 164 —
F16-3(L)/A16-3(13)
Ser 0411
CONFIDENTIAL

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,
3 March 1945.

[HANDWRITTEN: 88020]

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

TO: ENDORSEMENT to
Report of
Fourth War Patrol.

SUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 681
U.S.S. PARCHE - FOURTH WAR PATROL

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
(30 December, 1944, to 20 February, 1945).

— page 165 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1ST COPY]

SS384/A16-3
Serial (026)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
DECLASSIFIED

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
30 April 1945.

From: The Commanding Officer.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED FORTY TWO.
(2) The Commander Task Group SEVENTEEN POINT FIVE.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(4) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.
Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart.

1. Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the fifth war patrol of
this vessel conducted in the area east of HONSHU during the period 19 March
1945 to 30 April 1945, are forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. MC CRORY]
W. W. MC CRORY.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/31/72]

[HANDWRITTEN: 23093]

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

March 29, 1945
1200 K Position: 17-05 N, 137-06 E.
1915 K Passed between SARIGAN and ANATAHAN ISLANDS.

March 30, 1945
0530 K Rendezvoused with LCI 1062, set course for SAIPAN, in company with
TRUTTA and LIONFISH. Heavy wind and seas from east continuing.
1233 K Moored in nest on port side of USS FULTON in TANAPAG Harbor, SAIPAN,
with SUNFISH, TRUTTA, and LIONFISH.

Started voyage repairs, took on board provisions, ammunition, and
fuel to capacity.

1600 K Attended conference of Commanding Officers with Group Commander,
Commanding Officer USS TRUTTA.

March 31, 1945
1400 K Attended conference of Commanding Officers with Commander N. G. Ward,
USN, Staff, Comsubspac. Received final instructions for routing and
coordinated patrol between TRUTTA, LIONFISH, PARCHE, and SUNFISH in
YELLOW SEA Area.
1747 K Underway from alongside USS FULTON after TRUTTA and SUNFISH. Had
been delayed one and one-half hours in replacing modulation network
of SJ transmitter. LIONFISH did not depart due to broken window
in ST periscope.

All subsequent times item unless otherwise designated.

1750 Rendezvoused outside TANAPAG Harbor with TRUTTA and SUNFISH, escort
LCI 1054. Proceeded in accordance with Comsubpac Operation Order
72-45 and OTC 17.7 dispatch 300630 of March, 1945, enroute YELLOW
SEA for patrol, Group Commander in USS TRUTTA.
2130 Escort departed.

1 April 1945
0230 Received message from TRUTTA by VHF that she was returning to SAIPAN
because of excessive shaft vibration, instructing PARCHE to proceed
in accordance with original plan.
0645 Rendezvoused with SUNFISH informing her that we would proceed with
original routing and plans for patrol until rejoined by LIONFISH
and/or TRUTTA. Gave her daily 0000Zebra positions until crossing
TOKARA GUNTO.
1200 Position: 15-08 N, 142-39 E.
1220 Exchanged greetings with PUFFER on opposite course.
1227 Exchanged recognition and calls with PETO on opposite course.
1727 Dived for trim.
1749 Surfaced.
1900 Received Comsubspac dispatch 010506 directing change of area for our
pack. In compliance, went to three-engine speed and cancelled all
zig-zag plans, taking some comfort in the heavy weather making up astern.
Informed SUNFISH of my speed and proceeded independently for area
east of HONSHU.
- 3 -

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

April 4, 1945 (Continued)
1930 Directed to three-engine speed and headed north for area off east coast
     of HONSHU, northeast of TOKYO area.
1944 Forced to slow to one-engine speed in the face of another storm which
     had come up suddenly, barometer dropping to 29.40, temperature to
     45°. Wind was from the north, force 6.

April 5, 1945
     Continued storm and cold, skies clearing in the morning.
1200 Position: 35-29 N, 141-59 E.
1244 Weak interference on the APR at 158 megacycles, our first inkling
     of a Jap and we were 100 miles off HONSHU.
1519 Trim dived. Only 6° negative gradient.to 425 ft. No leak detected in forward trim.
1546 Surfaced.
     The weather was considerably improved and clear with the barometer
     rising and the temperature dropped to 42°.
1739 Sighted an unidentified plane, distance 15 miles, patrolling off the
     east coast of HONSHU. No indication on the APR.Undetected so
     remained on the surface.
     Planned to close SHIOYA SAKI and patrol there submerged the following
     day. Believed SUNFISH was behind us and assigned no patrol stations
     as radio silence was deemed important until we found out more about
     our assignment.
2100 Entered the area at 37-00 N, 141-54 E.
2200 Received Comsubspac despatch 050737 extending the area for the pack
     to 40° N and giving general instructions for the patrol.

April 6, 1945
     Patrolled east-west off SHIOYA SAKI to the 100-fathom curve, then
     north along the 100-fathom curve.
     Detected three shore radar stations, all of 500 pulse rate frequency,
     80 m.c. and 103 m.c. near SHIOYA SAKI and 76 m.c. north of SHIOYA
     SAKI. None reached saturation strength.
     Experienced several bogeys during the night due to phosphorescence
     and probably large fish. Injection water was clear and the
     air temperature dropped to 36°, but the weather was clear and the
     seas calm.
0451 Dived 30 miles north of SHIOYA SAKI and patrolled south with the
     current along the 100-fathom curve.
1200 Position: 37-10 N, 141-34 E.
     Experienced abrupt changes in injection temperature up to 12° with
     little effect on trim.
1635 Surfaced. Headed north along the 100-fathom curve to patrol off
     TODO SAKI the following day.
1915 A new APR contact, probably near KINKASAN, 190 m.c., 1300 pulse rate,
     sweeping.
1945 Sent message to SUNFISH twice on pack frequency that we would patrol
     between 39-10 N and 39-35 N the following day. No receipt.

- 5 -

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

April 11, 1945 (Continued)
0529 The 20 and 40 mm's were hitting at about 75% and the 5-inch just
     getting off a shot when at 600 yards the target blew up in our
     faces in a tremendous red ball of fire, probably a gasoline ex-
     plosion. From the concussion all hands below though we had been
     cleared, nothing could be seen from the bridge.
     Radar reported the target disappeared, then a large pip,
     then completely disappeared at 1,100 yards. As the pall of smoke
     cleared, nothing could be seen from the bridge.
     On completion of the attack the barometer had levelled at 28.94
     and the temperature was 36°. Heavy swell from the south.
0905 Dived, visibility improving.
1200 Position: 39-02 N, 142-48 E.
     Heard many distant depth charges during the late afternoon.
1846 Surfaced, sky clear, state 5 wind and sea shifted to the southwest.
     Patrolled west back toward KINKASAN.

April 12, 1945
0453 Dived just off the 100-fathom curve south of KESENNUM, weather
     fairing but visibility reduced.
1200 Position: 38-32 N, 141-46 E.
1259 Sighted 800-ton patrol boat running south, pinging at random.
     (SC #11) Could close range to only 6,000 yards as he passed us west.
1620 More distant depth charges during the afternoon.
     Sighted small AK similar to TAIEI MARU, bearing 010 T, range
     10,000 yards, base course 160 T. (SC #12).
     Went to battle stations and started closing track. Range closed
     to 7,000 yards but then started opening.
1650 Target disappeared in the surface haze. He had been zigging wildly,
     and evidently lost, and had probably headed north or east. Could
     not regain contact with ST or SJ.
1729 Surfaced and headed north to cut him off from the coast. Intermittent
     APR contact at 150 mcs reaching saturation.
1740 SJ regained contact to southeast. Closed range to 10,000 yards
     where the target could barely be seen in the haze and maintained
     position ahead awaiting darkness, target zigging radically on base
     course 250 T, speed 7.
1813 Finally sighted plane to west above the haze, distance 8 miles.
     Not sighted, continued tracking.
1916 Reached attack position at 1,400 yards, just abaft the target's
     port beam. Did not shoot, as he was seen to increase speed, smoking
     heavily. Shortly after he gave us a 180° angle. Undoubtedly
     sighted us.
     Pulled out ahead to wait for more darkness, but it was going to be
     no easy job roping and tying this Jap. He steered every course
     on the card, changing speed from 6 to 10 knots, but finally decided
     to head west.
2013-25 Reached attack position on his port beam at 1650 yards and com-
     menced firing 3 Mk. 14's forward, good set-up, target speed 7.
     (Torpedo Attack No. 2).
     The track to the AK was lighted from the phosphorescence set up by
     the torpedoes. He should have sighted them but did not. The first
     two torpedoes barely missed - 11 - but at

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

April 24, 1945 (Continued)
1303      Back at 65 feet, commenced firing 3 Mk. 14's forward at freighter,
          range 1,550 yards, track 110 S, target speed 8.5 knots. (Torpedo
          Attack No. 5)
          One torpedo broached, but settled down, all three going out in a
          perfect spread. Just before torpedoes should have hit, raised
          periscope to see target turn away 90°. All missed.
          Heard no more screws from that. The escort showed no interest,
          running away, so went to 300 feet and cleared area to southeast.
          Heard several sets of screws and two pingers during the afternoon,
          but none of them were aggressive.
1955      Surfaced and headed south, torpedoes expended.
2338      Received message from CERO, who had been ordered to this area,
          giving position and time of arrival.

April 25, 1945
0035      Sent message to CERO for rendezvous at 36 N 143-30 E at 0830(I),
          April 25, 1945.
0217      Sent PARCHE second to Comsubspac, giving additional results and
          proposed rendezvous with CERO.
0935      Rendezvoused with CERO. By line-throwing gun gave her copy of our
          track chart in the area and a list of all ship contacts. Also gave
          her general information on traffic, attack positions, and anti-sub-
          marine measures. Weather had grown too rough to take his remaining
          prisoner, another having died of wounds.
          Proceeded southeast.
0945      Position: 35-20 N, 144-10 E.
1200      Received orders from Comsubspac to proceed to MIDWAY for refit after
          rendezvous with CERO.
1550      April 25-30 Enroute MIDWAY. Uneventful.

April 26, 1945
1200(I)   Position: Lat. 33-42 N, Long. 151-18 E.

April 27, 1945
1200(K)   Position: Lat. 32-25 N, Long. 158-29 E.

April 28, 1945
1200(L)   Position: Lat. 31-08 N, Long. 165-26 E.

April 29, 1945
1200(L)   Position: Lat. 30-04 N, Long. 172-36 E.
April 30(29), 1945
1200(M)   Position: Lat. 28-59 N, Long. 177-38 E.
2035      Crossed International Date Line at Lat. 28-29 N. Changed date to
          April 29, 1945.
2235      Exchanged recognition and calls with STERLET on opposite course.

April 30, 1945
0906(Y)   Entered channel at MIDWAY.
1007(Y)   Completed sound test.
1035(Y)   Moored Pier S-9, Submarine Base, Midway, T.H.
          - 19 -

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— page 186 —
(2)
(F) SHIP CONTACTS
| NO. | DATE | TIME(I)/LATITUDE | LONGITUDE | TYPE(S) | INITIAL EST. RANGE | EST. SPEED | EST. COURSE | HOW CONTACTED | REMARKS
|---|
| 1 | 4/7/45 | 1209 39-22 N | 141-59 E | 2 PC's | 14,000 | Variable | | JP & PERISCOPE | 2 PC boats standing out of OZUICHI WAN. Both pinging. Turned back into harbor.
| 2 | 4/8/45 | 0945 39-16 N | 142-01 E | PC | 4,300 | 170° T | 13 | JP & PERISCOPE | Target pinging. Departed KAMAISHI to south.
| 3 | 4/8/45 | 1105 39-18 N | 142-00 E | Small Oiler | 8,000 | 225° T | 8 | JP & PERISCOPE | Rounded SANGAN SHIMA and headed for KAMAISHI.
| 4 | 4/8/45 | 1225 39-16 N | 142-03 E | Small AK | 10,000 | Variable | | JP & PERISCOPE | Rounded SANGAN SHIMA and entered KAMAISHI.
| 5 | 4/9/45 | 0403 39-21 N | 142-17 E | Unknown | 14,000 | 6 | | SJ R.D.R | Tracked target to 22,900 yds, pinging from radar. Broke off attack.
| 6 | 4/9/45 | 0423 39-13 N | 142-08 E | Power-driven Barge | 35,500 | 6 | 200° T | SJ R.D.R | Small - Piled high with lumber. Could not close submerged.
| 7 | 4/9/45 | 1215 39-06 N | 141-57 E | 1 DD | 13,500 | 12 | 210° T | JP & PERISCOPE | Zigging 70° on 3-6 minute legs. DD pinging. (Torpedo Attack No.-1)
| 8 | 4/9/45 | 1928 39-07 N | 142-07 E | 2 Unknown Ships. | 30,500 | 5 | 200° T | SJ R.D.R | Headed south paralleling coast. (Gun Attack No. 2)
| 9 | 4/11/45 | 0035 38-51 N | 142-11 E | Unknown | 35,600 | Variable | | SJ R.D.R | One turned toward beach.
| 10 | 4/11/45 | 0412 38-49 N | 142-02 E | Small AK | 9,400 | 6 | 055° T | SJ R.D.R | Running a box-like patrol. (Gun Attack No. 1)
| 11 | 4/12/45 | 1259 38-32 N | 141-49 E | Patrol Boat | 6,800 | 8 | 180° T | JP & PERISCOPE | Pinging. Could not close.
| 12 | 4/12/45 | 1620 38-38 N | 141-53 E | Small AK | 10,000 | Variable | Various | JP & PERISCOPE | Steering various courses, probably waiting for fog to clear. (Torp Attack No. 2)
| 13 | 4/13/45 | 0740 38-37 N | 141-48 E | Steam Trawler | 8,000 | 7 | Fishing | PERISCOPE | Surfaced and des-troyed Trawler. (Gun Attack No. 2)
| 14 | 4/13/45 | 1147 38-25 N | 142-22 E | Unknown | 32,000 | 9 | 060° T | SJ R.D.R | Lost contact at 28,000 yards.
| 15 | 4/13/45 | 1211 38-27 N | 142-13 E | Picket Boat | 8,000 | 1 | 260° T | LOOKOUT | Under Sail. No fires up. (Torp Attack No. 3)
| 16 | 4/16/45 | 0648 38-29 N | 141-15 E | Trawler | 10,000 | 6 | 110° T | JP & PERISCOPE | Fishing. Avoided.

- 21 -

— page 187 —
(F) SHIP CONTACTS (Continued)

NO. | DATE | TIME(I) | LATITUDE | LONGITUDE | TYPE(S) | INITIAL EST. RANGE | EST. COURSE | EST. SPEED | HOW CONTACTED | REMARKS
---|---
17 | 4/16/45 | 1355 | 38-29 N | 141-40 E | 2 SC's | 7,000 | 150° T | 7 | JP & PERISCOPE | Searching.
18 | 4/17/45 | 1202 | 39-04 N | 141-54 E | Small AK | 8,000 | 120° T | 4 | JP & PERISCOPE | Lost in fog at YOSHIHAMA.
19 | 4/18/45 | 0935 | 39-02 N | 142-05 E | Small AK | 8,000 | 330° T | 9 | JP & PERISCOPE | Closed to 6,000 yards.
20 | 4/20/45 | 1305 | 39-27 N | 142-10 E | 1 Tanker | 10,000 | 000° T | 7 | JK | Proceeded from TODO SAKI toward KINKISAN.
21 | 4/21/45 | 0716 | 39-26 N | 142-07 E | 1 DD | 12,000 | 330° T | 9 | JP & PERISCOPE | (Torpedo attack No. 3) missed.
22 | 4/22/45 | 0830 | 39-30 N | 142-04 E | 3 Tankers | 51,000 | 200° T | 8½ | JP & PERISCOPE | (Torpedo attack No. 4) avoided.
23 | 4/22/45 | 2052 | 39-27 N | 142-17 E | 1 FC | 11 | | | SJ R.D.R | Tracked.
24 | 4/24/45 | 1230 | 39-26 N | 142-01 E | Small Freight and Escort | 8,000 | 020° T | 8½ | JP & PERISCOPE | (Torpedo attack No. 5) sighted.

Numerous contacts near the coast on small fishing craft, small pickets, and various
yard and coastal craft are omitted.
Practically all contacts submerged were made first by JP sound gear. Initial
ranges being estimated at an average of 12,000 yards. Generally poor visibility pre-
cluded earlier detection of screws by JK. The average range for detection of screws by JK
was 5,000 yards.

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1-A

TIME: 1306(I) DATE: April 9, 1945 LAT: 39-06 N LONG: 141-57 E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED
DESCRIPTION: (EU) A destroyer estimated at 1200 tons, similar to
MINEKAZE Class, but with two tripod masts and no indenta-
tion on the after deck house. Two straight stacks and
open gun mounts forward and aft.
[UNCLEAR: Target was seen on until just before firing]
[UNCLEAR: and little detail was noted.]

SHIP(S) SUNK: --

SHIP(S) DAMAGED
OR PROBABLY SUNK: --

DAMAGE DETERMINED BY: Heard one hit from three Mk. 18's fired, swung
periscope and saw the bow only of target projecting
vertically in the air at the base of a column of
steam and smoke at least a thousand feet high.
Believed hit in fire room.

TARGET DRAFT: 9' 6" COURSE: 022 T SPEED: 13 RANGE: 1,000 yds.

OWN SHIP DATA

SPEED: 3 COURSE: 260 T DEPTH: 64' ANGLE: 0

TYPE ATTACK: This was multiple-firing attack (Nos. 1-A and 1-B) on a
5000 ton naval transport escorted by an old type destroyer. They
were headed north, hugging the coast and zigzagging on 3-6 minute
legs at 13 knots. The attack was made 5,000 yards off KOBE ZAKI.
While gaining a firing position 1,500 yards from the transport, the
destroyer which was heading directly for us at 1,200 yards on our
port beam, was seen to zig away. The set-up was shifted to shoot
the destroyer first and when the set-up was shifted back to the
transport, he had zigged toward, crossing our bow and giving a
firing range of 800 yards with 60 R gyros. When the hit was seen
in the destroyer the transport turned 90° left to evade the tor-
pedoes fired at him.

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(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

                                TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1-A (Continued)
                                FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

TYPE ATTACK:                    Submerged - periscope.
TUBES FIRED:                    #8                      #9                      #10
TRACK ANGLES:                   140 P                   144 P                   146 P
GYRO ANGLE:                     151°                    157°                    155°
DEPTH SET:                      5'                      5'                      5'
POWER:                          26.69                   26.69                   26.69
HIT OR MISS:                    Miss                    Hit                     Miss
ERRATIC:                        No                      No                      No
MARK TORPEDO:                   18-2                    18-2                    18-2
SERIAL NO:                      99273                   99455                   99259
MARK EXPLODER:                  8-7                     8-7                     8-7
SERIAL NO:                      11300                   15770                   11629
ACTUATION SET:                  -                       -                       -
ACTUATION ACTUAL:               -                       -                       -
MARK WARHEAD:                   18-2                    18-2                    18-2
SERIAL NO:                      5751                    5341                    5729
EXPLOSIVE:                      TPX                     TPX                     TPX
FIRING INTERVAL:                -                       12 sec.                 10 sec.
TYPE SPREAD:                    Offset 0                Offset 3°L              Offset 3°R
SEA CONDITIONS:                 Calm                    Calm                    Calm
OVERHAUL ACTIVITY:              Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

REMARKS: Torpedo Run:
                                1600 yards
Duration:                       103 sec.
Injection:                      38°F                    38°F
Electrolyte:                    40°F                    40°F

[HANDWRITTEN: - 25]

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(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

                                        TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 (Continued)

                                        FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

TYPE ATTACK:                             RADAR SURFACE

TUBES FIRED:                            #6          #5          #4

TRACK ANGLES:                           95 P        96 P        99 P

GYRO ANGLE:                             001°        001°        355°

DEPTH SET:                              3           3           3

POWER:                                  High        High        High

HIT OR MISS:                            Miss        Miss        Hit

ERRATIC:                                No          No          No

MARK TORPEDO:                           14-3A       14-3A       14-3A

SERIAL NO:                              25803       25478       26125

MARK EXPLODER                           6-5         6-5         6-5
SERIAL NO:                              13278       28062       12173

MARK WARHEAD:                           16-1        16-1        16-1

SERIAL NO:                              17090       3448        15516

EXPLOSIVE:                              TPX         TPX         TPX

FIRING INTERVAL:                        0           12 sec.     14 sec.

TYPE SPREAD:                                                    2°R 2°L

SEA CONDITIONS:                         Force 2 - from 180° T

OVERHAUL ACTIVITY:                      Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

REMARKS: Torpedo Run:                                            1600 yards
         Duration:                                               56 sec.

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCH (SS383) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)
TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4-A & 4-B
TITLE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

TYPE ATTACK: Submerged participation on three tankers
| # | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
|---|----|----|----|----|----|----|
| TUBES FIRED: | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| TRACK ANGLE: | 120 S | 121 S | 122 S | 108 S | 109 S | 110 S |
| GYRO ANGLE: | 015° | 017° | 014° | 030° | 005° | 002° |
| DIST. GAIN: | 4' | 4' | 4' | 4' | 4' | 4' |
| POWER: | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| HIT OR MISS: | Hit | Hit | Miss | Miss | Hit | Hit |
| PRACTIC: | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| MARK TIME: | 14-3m | 14-3m | 14-3m | 14-3m | 14-3m | 14-3m |
| SERIAL NO: | 66377 | 66467 | 25844 | 63941 | 66458 | 66903 |
| MARK LOADER: | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 6-5 |
| SERIAL NO: | 1,008 | 13576 | 26525 | 27600 | 37282 | 26777 |
| BOMB NUMBERED: | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 | 16-1 |
| SERIAL NO: | 20794 | 16549 | 13868 | 20916 | 31001 | 13903 |
| EXPLOSIVE: | TXX | TXX | TXX | TXX | TXX | TXX |
| FIRING INTERVAL: | 0 sec. | 0 sec. | 8 sec. | 0 | 8 sec. | 8 sec. |
| TYPE FIRED: | 12° Offset 12° Offset 0 | 12° Offset 12° Offset 0 |
| SEA CONDITIONS: | Light small | |
| OVERALL ACTIVITY: | Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. |
| REMARKS: | Torpedo Run 2500 yds 2500 yds |
| Duration: | 102 sec. 102 sec. |
- 33 -
```

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

— page 202 —
```
S333l/Ak-3
Surial (026)
C-O-P-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. PARCH (SS-238) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(h) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM
GUN ATTACK NO. 2

TIME: 1100(I)
DATE: April 13, 1945  Lat: 38-36 N  Long: 141-41 E

TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

SUNK: None

DAMAGE: S/C, (EC) one large, wooden, steam trawler of 200 tons,
150 foot long, low free board aft, high pointed bow, two
masts, high bridge structure amidships with funnel,
two boats, and mounting two small caliber machine guns,
one forward and one on the bridge.

DAMAGE
INFLICTED: Target's upper works were a shambles with masts down, his
engine was stopped and his stern under water from repeated
striking, and the bow which was high out of the water was
rolling wildly. Two men abandoned ship in one of the
boats. The trawler continued burning when we pulled clear as
evidenced by a tall column of smoke.

DETAILS OF ACTION:
A battle surface was made 3,500 yards on the trawler's star-
board quarter. Fire was opened at 2,000 yards with the
5-inch, the target maneuvering wildly. Some early 5-inch
hits wiped out its bridge and stopped him in the water. Fire
from our 20mm was ineffective. The range was
reduced to close to 500 yards, where he was held repeatedly
by the 5-inch and fire from our 20mm went out to sea. In the
last 5 minutes, throwing splinters 200 feet in the air,
fire from the 20mm and 2-inch was very ineffective until the
range was closed, ammunition expended: 41 rounds of 5-inch
for 23 hits, 125 rounds of 40mm for about 60 hits and two
magazines of 20mm.

- 37 -
```

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5584/A16-3
Serial (026)
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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

                                GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM

                                GUN ATTACK NO. 3

TIME: 1330(I) DATE: April 13, 1945 LAT: 38-27 N LONG: 142-13 E

                                TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

SUNK:           None

DAMAGED         SMC, (EC) one picket boat of 200 tons resembling sea truck.
OR              Had a steel hull, box-like in construction, high freeboard,
DESTROYED:      full set of canvas on two masts, high bridge abaft of
                amidships, one boat slung over the square stern, Japanese
                triangular pennant with characters painted on the bow, and
                mounted two machine-guns.

DAMAGE          The target's hull was repeatedly holed at 600 yards, but
DETERMINED      due to the swell it was impossible to get hits close enough
BY:             to the water line to start him sinking. The masts, canvas,
                and bridge were completely wrecked and the ship blazing
                75 feet in the air from stem to stern. The 40mm started
                an early internal fire in his bow, where it was thought his
                radio equipment was located.

                                DETAILS OF ACTION

                This target was approached on the surface in limited visi-
                bility and caught unaware. The 5-inch opened up with such
                destructive effect that he did not man his guns. The range
                was closed to 600 yards where the 5-inch, 40 and 20 mm's
                hit repeatedly to raze his upper works and set him on fire
                the length of the ship. Due to the roll in the heavy swell it
                was impossible to get hits close enough to the water line
                to start him sinking. At 1350 two Jap planes showed up,
                forcing us deep and dropping one bomb so that further re-
                sults were not observed. Ammunition expended: 32 rounds
                of 5-inch for 21 hits, 97 rounds of 40mm for about 55 hits,
                and 3 magazines of 20mm.

                                        - 38 -

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

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Subject:                               U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

(1) RADAR

SD-4:
          The SD was kept in the stand-by condition while on the surface in
the area, being keyed only when planes were suspected. When within radius
of our own planes, it was keyed 5 seconds every two minutes. Time and
time again it was demonstrated that the SD will not contact low flying
planes, the SJ being relied upon for this purpose. Maximum ranges ob-
tained were 38 miles on planes and 35 miles on land.

          An operational difficulty of double-pulsing was encountered in
rainy weather. This objectionable effect could be cured only by lower-
ing the plate voltage on the 8014-A oscillator tubes to approximately half
normal value, with resultant decrease in the equipment's effective range.
This rather unsatisfactory solution is the only means thus far discovered
of eliminating rain-caused double-pulsing.

          One equipment material failure occurred: the fiber paper insula-
tion in one of the 8014-A filament shields burned through, shorting and
grounding the filament leads. The failure was immediately apparent since
all grass was lost on the range-indicator cathode-ray tube and the 8014-A
tubes were not lighted. With no fiber paper aboard, repair was
effected by cementing a length of bakelite tubing, the same length as the
fiber insulation, inside the filament shield and inserting a small piece
of micarta down the center of the tube. A longitudinal slot cut in the
bakelite previous to cementing it in the shield provided secure support
for the micarta.

IFF (BN and ABK):
          The IFF was used for identification when there was possibility that
plane contacts were friendly. The equipment performed very reliably and
no material failures were experienced.

ST Periscope Radar:
          Some time was required to develop an effective tuning procedure for
the ST radar. Thorough checks of operation were made daily while the
transmitter was tuned every other day. Adjustments were made submerged
at 55 feet each morning utilizing sea return for echoes, a moderate sea
being necessary for good tuning. The only material failures occurred in
the TR tube, this being replaced twice. Representative ranges obtained
at 55 feet were 4,600 yards on a trawler, 6,000 yards on a small tanker,
10,000 yards on a small freighter, and 30,000 yards on land.

                                                              - 42 -

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Serial (026)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject:
(M) RADAR (Continued)

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

SJ-1:
     Excellent ranges were secured on both surface targets and on land.
Second sweep echoes, similar to those experienced during April, 1944, on
Formosa and and the Philippines, were observed on Honshu. Ranges approxi-
mated 150,000 yards, strength E2, and could, in general, be observed day
or night.
     Skip distance effects occurred several times. On April 22, at 2300,
a PC picked up at 51,000 yards, strength E3, was tracked in to 28,000 yards,
strength E2, when it disappeared completely. Contact was regained at
14,000 yards, strength E2. Contacts picked up this way are fairly strong
when first observed but diminish in signal strength as range is closed
until they vanish suddenly.
     The "skip" range is not accurate since the energy, traveling sky-
ward and being reflected from an ionized layer above the earth's surface
to the target, does not represent straight-line distance from radar to
target. This was evidenced in the case cited above by regaining contact with
the target lost at 28,000 yards much sooner than expected. Several of these
"skip" range contacts when tracked had speed zero. Their identity was un-
determined.

     Material failures were light and did not interrupt operation of
equipment for any length of time. They are itemized below:

3/27/45: SJ Transmitter-Receiver:-
          High voltage rectifier current went very high when variac was
          turned up to 500 volts. Motor on peg.
          V-4, 1/2 of 6SN7 GT/G burned out.
          Replaced 6SN7 GT/G.

3/30/45: SJ Receiver-Indicator:-
          No sweeps at all on cathode-ray indicator tube.
          Power supply rectifier, 2X2, burned out.
          Replaced 2X2.

3/31/45: SJ Transmitter-Receiver:-
          With variac raised slightly, high voltage rectifier current
          motor hit peg, blew fuses F9 and F10 in control unit, and
          blew one 836 rectifier tube in high voltage rectifier.
          Traced grounded high voltage lead to terminal #4 on
          Modulation Network.
          Replaced Modulation Network.

4/2/45: Range-Indicator:-
          Indicator scope suppression on full. No control with
          suppressor potentiometer, P8.
          P8 open between terminals 1 and 2.
          Replaced P8.

4/25/45: Plan Position Indicator:-
          Sweeps on 40,000 and 80,000 yard scales only.
          Sweep switch had become loose and leads controlling the
          other sweeps had been twisted off.
          Resoldered leads and secured switch properly.
          - 43 -

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol.

odas were long that he didn't either. But the time
seemed as good as any, so we closed him and were in
the act of firing when away he flitted on another mad
tangent. Maybe he saw us and maybe he didn't, but
he kept himself on the curtly sphere a few extra
moments. He headed east, he headed west.

Finally, however, he settled into a fairly nor-
mal zig-zag plan again; and at the end of our four-
th hour of approach he was caught by one of three
fish from our bow tubes. The explosion was quite
satisfactory, and he sank about one minute after he
was hit.

Friday, April 13

Friday the thirteenth had us on for six
hours at battle stations. At about 0800 periscope con-
tact was made on what was thought to be a mast. An
approach was begun, but suddenly it became apparent
that instead of a mast on the horizon, the contact
was a pole attached to a float of some sort. We
turned away to resume our peaceful pursuits, but the
"thing" seemed to become embarrassingly attached to
us, skipping and bobbing down our wake space.

Annoying, yes - but when a Jap trawler hove into
view alongside our uninvited guest, it became plain
that the complications were enormous. Were we to take
him in tow? Would he relieve us of our tail? or were
we to be reeled in like pickled herring (or whatever
it is that Japs harvest in this vast refrigerator)?

The solution was never fully reached before the Parche
battle surfaced and commenced a systematic dismembering
of the trawler, all guns in action. Shortly after 1100
he was left, lying low in the water and battered be-
yond description.

An hour later a contact was gained and lost after
a few moments, but they're a dozen these days,
and we had another by 1300. At range slightly over
1,000 yards we opened fire and again ridiculed the hap-
less target with a concentrated barrage. As the fin-
ishing touches were being applied, the long expected
air patrol arrived. The guns were still smoking when
the Parche slipped beneath the waves, retiring to 450
feet, rigged for depth charge and silent running. One
lullaballoon exploded right between the tables in the
crew's mess, and all was quiet.
- 51 -

— page 217 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 2]
FB5-S-TRC#1
A16-3
SERIAL: ( 002 )
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
USS PARCHE'S Report of
Fifth War Patrol.

From:
To :
Via : SUBMARINE ADVANCE TRAINING
nd
AND RELIEF CREW NUMBER ONE

c/o Comsubpecsubordcom, Navy 1504,
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
30 April 1945.

The Administrative Commander, Submarine Advance
Training and Relief Crew No. ONE.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
Subordinate Command, Navy No. 1504.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific
Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS 384) - Report of War Patrol
Number Five.

1. The fifth war patrol of the PARCHE, conducted in the
area East of HONSHU was of forty-three days duration, twenty of
which were spent in the patrol area.

2. This area proved quite fruitful. Numerous contacts
were made, which included small fishing craft, small pickets, and
various Yard and Coastal craft. Five torpedo and three gun attacks
were made.

TORPEDO ATTACK No. 1A and 1B (April 9, 1945)
(estimated tonnage - 5000) was made on a naval transport
escorted by an
old type destroyer, similar
to the MINEKAZI Class. Fired (4), three Mk. 18-2 from the stern
tubes, range 1000 yards, 140° port track angle, 25° left gyro, depth
set 5 feet, at the destroyer, then fired (4), four Mark 14-3A from
the bow tubes, range 800 yards, 135° starboard track angle, 60° R
gyro, depth set 5 feet, at the transport. One hit in the destroyer
caused her to blow up and sink. The transport was damaged by the torpedo explosion
in the destroyer, turned away and avoided all torpedoes fired at her.

TORPEDO ATTACK No. 2. (April 12, 1945)
day surface attack on a small, unescorted freigh-
ter, similar to the TAIJI MARU (3200 tons). Fired three Mk. 14-3A
from the bow tubes, range 1650 yards, 95° port track angle, small
gyro angles, depth set 3 feet. One observed hit caused the target
to disintegrate with a tremendous explosion and disappear in 90
seconds.

TORPEDO ATTACK No. 3 (April 13, 1945)
day periscope attack on a small unescorted
APL Freighter (estimated 1900 tons). Fired three Mk. 18-2 from the
stern tubes, range 1200 yards, 80° starboard track angle, small gyro
angles, depth set 3 feet. All torpedoes missed, probably because of
fire control errors.

- 1 -

— page 220 —
A16-3
Serial: 098
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
USS PARCHE - Report of
Fifth War Patrol Dated
30 April 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Subordinate
Command, Navy No. 1504.
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. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number Five.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks in the first endorsement.

2. It is recommended that the U.S.S. PARCHE be credited with the
following damage to the enemy in her fifth war patrol:

SUNK

1 - DD (MINEKAZE Class) (EU) -- 1,200 tons (Torpedo Attack No. 1-A)
1 - AK (TAIEI MARU Class) (EC) -- 3,200 tons (Torpedo Attack No. 2)
1 - SMC (Coastal Freighter)(EC) -- 800 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
TOTAL - 5,200 tons

DAMAGED

1 - AO (Type 55 MMF) (EC) -- 3,200 tons (Torpedo Attack No. 4)
1 - AO (Type 55 MMF) (EC) -- 3,200 tons (Torpedo Attack No. 4)
1 - SMC (Wooden Steam Trawler)(EC)-- 200 tons (Gun Attack No. 2)
1 - SMC (Picket Boat) (EC) -- 200 tons (Gun Attack No. 3)

3. The commanding officer, officers, and crew of the U.S.S. PARCHE
are heartily congratulated upon the completion of this active, aggressive,
and well conducted fifth war patrol, and for the damage inflicted upon the
enemy in continuance of this submarine's excellent record.

[SIGNATURE: K. C. Hurd]
K. C. HURD.

COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET,
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504.

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

— page 221 —
Ga
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 01141                                 Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                             San Francisco, California.
CONFIDENTIAL                                 16 May 1945.

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 754.
U.S.S. PARCHE - FIFTH 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. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol
           (19 March to 30 April 1945).

1. The fifth war patrol of the PARCHE, under the command of Lieutenant
Commander W. W. McCrory, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the area east of Honshu. The
PARCHE coordinated her patrol with the SUNFISH, the commanding officer of the PARCHE
being group commander.

2. This aggressive and well conducted patrol resulted in serveral
contacts mostly hugging the coast. Five torpedo attacks and three gun attacks
resulted in the sinking of one destroyer, one freighter, and a small coastal
freighter, known to be initially two small tankers, a trawler, and a sea truck.
A large naval auxiliary evaded torpedoes fired at her after the destroyer had
been sunk. Area coverage was thorough.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the PARCHE for the completion of this
most aggressive, interesting, successful patrol added to her previous illustrious
record. The PARCHE is credited with having inflicted the following damage upon
the enemy during this patrol:

S U N K

- DD (MIKAZE Class) (EU) - 1,200 tons (Attack No. 1A)
- Small AK (TAIEI MARU Class) (EC) - 3,200 tons (Attack No. 2)
- Small Coastal Freighter (SMC) (EC) - 800 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)

TOTAL SUNK - 5,200 tons

- 1 -

— page 222 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET Gn
Serial 01141
Care of Fleet Post Office,
CONFIDENTIAL San Francisco, California,
16 May 1945.

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 754
U.S.S. PARCHE - FIFTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Fifth War Patrol
(19 March to 30 April 1945).

D A M A G E D
1 - Small AO (Type 55 MMF) (EC) - 3,200 tons (Attack No. 4A)
1 - Small AO (Type 55 MMF) (EC) - 3,200 tons (Attack No. 4B)
1 - Trawler (SHC) (EC) - 200 tons (Gun Attack No. 2)
1 - Sea Truck (SMC) (EC) - 200 tons (Gun Attack No. 3)

TOTAL DAMAGED 6,800 tons

TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED 12,000 tons

MERRILL COMSTOCK.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) ComsubspacSubordCom (3)
CNO (5) All Squadron and Div.
Cincpac (6) Commanders, Pacific (2)
JICPOA (1) Substronpac (2)
Comicpoa (1) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
Comservpac (1)
CincLant (1) [SIGNATURE: R Hynes 2nd]
ComsubLant (8) E. L. HYNES, 2nd,
S/M School, IL (2) Flag Secretary.
CO, S/M Base, PH (1)
Comsopac (2)
Comsovespac (1)
Comsubsovespac (2)
CTG 71.5 (2)
Comnorpac (2)
Comsubpac (3)
ComsubspacSubordComd (40)
SUBAD, MI (2)

— page 223 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 1st Copy]

SS384/A16-3
Serial (056)

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384)

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
28 July 1945.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via: (1) The Commander Submarine Division 104.
     (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 10.
     (3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
     (4) The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol Number Six.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
           (B) Track Chart.

     1. Enclosures (A) and (B), covering the sixth war patrol of
this vessel conducted in the areas north and east of HONSHU during the period
25 May 1945 to 28 July 1945, are forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: W. W. MC CRORY]
W. W. MC CRORY.

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
[HANDWRITTEN: BY OP-09B9C DATE 5/31/72]
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 137386]

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

June 7, 1945 (Continued)
          Shortly after, heard report that one plane was circling 3 rafts
          55 miles bearing 311 T from a reference point unknown to us.
          This checked if the reference point was on Guam. This plane
          apparently had to depart because of low fuel. Various other planes
          searched the area but with no success in the darkness. Finally a
          destroyer appeared, making a searchlight sweep. Saw what looked like
          a ditched plane several times in the beam, so finally asked if he had
          recovered any survivors. He replied in the negative, but shortly
          after reported to one of the base stations that he had sighted the
          ditched plane.
2310 K    With another destroyer and several planes on the scene proceeded,
          knowing that the presence of a submarine would complicate the rescue.
          The impromptu communications left much to be desired but we had been
          introduced to our assignment. In consideration of being in a safety
          lane did not transmit to make any report to Comsubpac of our partici-
          pation in the search.

June 8, 1945
0825 K    Made trim dive.
0835 K    Surfaced.
1200 K    Position: Lat. 16-55 N, Long. 144-20 E.
1730 K    Exchanged recognition and calls with BLACKFIN on opposite course.
2330 K    Exchanged recognition and calls with DRAGONET on opposite course.

June 9, 1945
0832 K    Made trim dive.
0841 K    Surfaced.
1200 K    Position: Lat. 21-03 N, Long. 139-46 E.

June 10, 1945
0010 K    Dived to test drain pump discharge valve to compensating system which
          had dropped from stem. Satisfactory.
0029 K    Surfaced.
0802 K    Dived.
0829 K    Surfaced.
1200 K    Position: Lat. 26-08 N, Long. 139-29 E.
          Had radar interference of moderate strength at 107 and 210 mc.,
          believed to be on CHICHI JIMA.
2303 K    Dived.
2314 K    Surfaced.

- 4 -

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Serial (056)

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

June 18, 1945 (Continued)
1318 K Dived for two unidentified planes, flying very low, heading directly
 for us from the direction of HACHIJO SHIMA at 4 miles. No IFF
 response. Probably LIBERATORS but could have been HELLS.
1336 K Surfaced.
 In passing between AOGO and HACHIJO had several Jap radars reaching
 saturation but nothing new.
2000 K CCM back in operation after having been out of commission since 1100.
2220 K Reported compliance with orders to Comsubpac.
 Had trouble since morning with the master gyro precessing excessively
 due apparently to heavy rolling causing either the gimbal or sensitive
 element to stick.

June 19, 1945
 Enroute patrol area.
 All subsequent times are Item unless otherwise designated.
0614 Dived.
0637 Surfaced.
1000 Lat. 36-25 N, Long. 142-08 E.
1610 Made deep dive at silent running to check for leaks and noise.
 Opened flood valves on #4 FBT.
1732 Battle surfaced and test fired all guns.
1745 Dived to flush out #4 MBT.
1805 Surfaced and put men on deck to eliminate rattles.
1910 Set course for the 100 fathom curve off KINKASAN to patrol there
 overnight.
 Had weak radar interference throughout the day at various frequencies,
 all land-based aircraft warning type.
2200 Received instructions from PIRANHA for rendezvous tomorrow at 1700.

June 20, 1945
 Patrolled north outside the 100 fathom curve off KINKASAN.
0013 Radar contact on KINKASAN bearing 304 T, 32 miles.
0115 Master gyro off again, steering by the auxiliary.
0359 Dived.
0421 Surfaced.
0500 CCM out of commission again due to grounds.
1200 Position: Lat. 39-19 N, Long. 142-30 E.
1300 Enroute rendezvous with PIRANHA.
1820 Rendezvoused with PIRANHA. Received some very valuable information
 by line-throwing gun, including PIRANHA's track chart and contacts.
 Discussed patrol results and anti-submarine activity by VHF.
 Received patrol instructions for DEVILFISH and PARCHE from PIRANHA.
1850 Enroute area in vicinity TSUGARU STRAIT in accordance with orders
 from PIRANHA.
2200 Transmitted PARCHE second to Comsubpac advising that CCM was out of
 commission and requesting relay of patrol instructions to DEVILFISH
 for PIRANHA.

- 9 -

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

June 23, 1945
0840 Patrolled south and north across traffic route below ERIMO SAKI.
     Patrolling 14 miles southwest of ERIMO SAKI sighted several trawlers
     about 8 miles to the northeast. (SC#6)
     Went to battle stations and closed. The three closest trawlers were
     roughly in line offering a good opportunity to shoot all of them.
0927 With range at 2,000 yards, opened fire on the first trawler,
     Six 5" hits sank him.
0930 Shifted to second trawler. Eight 5" hits left him sinking, four men
     having abandoned ship. This trawler sank before we pulled clear.
0937 Opened fire on the third trawler, who had turned tail to. Seven 5" hits
     on his runwales with no target left for
     the gunners.
     Only the second trawler was armed and he did not open fire.
0940 Ceased firing and cleared to the south.
1037 Dived and patrolled south across the route off ERIMO SAKI.
1200 Position: Lat. 41-43 N, Long. 142-46 E.
2008 Surfaced and patrolled toward SHIRIYA SAKI.

June 24, 1945
     Closed SHIRIYA SAKI to 8 miles after daylight but still could not see
     land. With fog closing in to 3,000 yards patrolled back toward the
     fishing ground off ERIMO SAKI.
1105 Sighted the wreckage of our third trawler from yesterday. A shambles,
     fully flooded, but some one had put a rogue out on him.
1116 Sighted a trawler bearing 060 T about 4 miles off shore. He was
     heading in, having apparently seen us. Patrolled to the south.
1200 Position: Lat. 41-50 N, Long. 143-04 E.
1208 S/J contact bearing 258 T, 12,000 yards. (SC#7) Pip indicated that
     it would have been picked up sooner had we been making constant sweeps.
     Started tracking and determined the base course to be 060 T, speed 6.
     Zigs were occasionally large. There was only one ship and it was
     suspected of being a patrol of DE size.
1343 Closing the target in the fog, barely made him out as a transport type
     at 6,000 yards.
1344 Dived and started approach.
1358 With the forward tubes ready, range 2,200 and closing for a good set-
     up got the first glimpse of the target through the ST. Noted a large
     white flag flying astern. Closer examination showed all the markings
     of a hospital ship, probably the TAKASAGO MARU.

- 12 -

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

— page 241 —
```
33834/A16-3
Serial (056)
C-O-M-M-A-N-D
Subject: U.S.S. PARGO (SS-263) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

July 7, 1944

0047  34° 34' and radar contact on two large ships bearing 315° T, range about 20,000 yards (SG-13). Track-ed them on base course 315° S, mid-sagging to knots. Started maneuvering to streamline it flank speed, while skirting what appeared to be a large PC and two smaller escorts of 3C Navy for perhaps and requested a short look at them.

0525  Heard the first of repeated transmissions on 500 kc, the large ships closing range courses to 290 T and one of the escorts, probably the PO, indicating there was no indication of or no radar to closed 10,000 yards and fairly steady bearing. Changed course to north, hoping that would give us the chance and give us a chance to get into.

0600  Having lost contact changed course to close SHILLA, MAJ.

0830  About 7 miles east of SHILLA, the visibility opened wide. No sight of the convoy but sighted smoke out of the later appeared to be a freighter bearing 310° T, spread out 20,000 yards. (SG-14). We headed toward SHILLA at full speed. Transmissions on 500 continued, but A/P indicat-ors from this area were normal.

0636  Resumed action to the north could be made with the large ships. Sighted bank range to the east of about 3 degrees in improving visibility. Heading south north, intending to close SHILLA before giving out the position. 10 miles north still closing.

0705  Divided 6 knots port of last point and started closing for attack. Provided a 45° port bow shot would be all right. Started approach to the leading freighter, and the leading ship was CHUDOT circling as they approached this point. From the freighter and a small merchant type were now performing northward of SHILLA, but the smaller escorts were not seen.

0731  At 80 turns to close, JP reported abnormal shaft noise and high vibration, gear noise. Verified it and broke off the attack. Reading just home to this area and resumed escaping in the port shaft pilot, 1st spiral. The propeller cavitated at T tune at periscope depth, but the steering occurred after deeper depth could be heard.

0800  After the landing, CHUDOT recorded his freighter around SHILLA, he was closing out, making a pinging noise in that 1,300 yards. Went to sight, running at 75 yards to starboard. Proceeded due to the rudder being in the water, heavy turning in the stabilization gear, but could not make it.

1013  One more time, after this the course drawn to due south.

1200  Position: Lat. 42°- 12' N, Long. 114°- 49' W.

1205  Back to periscope again. Continued submerged on a southerly course. Surfaced and headed for eastern part of the area.

- 18 -
```

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[HANDWRITTEN: 17]
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

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Serial (056)

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

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS334) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

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35384/A16-3
Serial (056)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

Several float-type planes were seen patrolling
along the coast in the vicinity of TODO SAKI. Visibility
in the TSUGARU STRAIT area was generally too poor for
effective aircraft patrol. Only one plane was contacted
at night, this one in moonlight southeast of TODO SAKI,
but the APR indicated night search planes occasionally.
The convoy attacked near TODO SAKI on June 26 had one
RUFE for air cover. It is believed that all important
convoys have air cover. After our attack off SHIRIYA
SAKI on June 21 a RUFE was sighted later searching
the area. On July 16 while we were searching for sur-
vivors about 40 miles from SHIRIYA an unidentified plane
forced us down, dropping one bomb. In general, there was
less aircraft activity than on our previous patrol in
this area, although at that time no escorted ships were
seen to have air cover.

- 27 -

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2 A & B

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA.

TYPE ATTACK: Submerged - Day.

                                Attack No. 2A             Attack No. 2B
                                1       2       3         4       5       6
TUBES FIRED:                    1       2       3         4       5       6
TRACK ANGLES:                   128 S   129 S   130 S     74 S    76 S    76 S
GYRO ANGLE:                     067½    071     069       022½    025     023½
DEPTH SET:                      8 feet  8 feet  8 feet    8 feet  8 feet  8 feet
POWER:                          27.9 kts. 27.9 kts. 27.9 kts. 27.9 kts. 27.9 kts. 27.9 kts.
HIT OR MISS:                    Hit     Hit     Miss      Hit     Hit     Miss
ERRATICS:                       -       -       -         -       -       -
MARK TORPEDO:                   18-1    18-2    18-2      18-2    18-2    18-2
SERIAL NO:                      55493   57565   57329     57450   99445   99324
MARK EXPLODER:                  8-7     8-7     8-7       8-7     8-5     8-5
SERIAL NO:                      10933   11240   11231     10872   8177    8867
MARK WARHEAD:                   18-2    18-2    18-2      18-2    18-2    18-2
SERIAL NO:                      5078    2845    4166      4946    4206    4179
EXPLOSIVE:                      Torpex  Torpex  Torpex    Torpex  Torpex  Torpex
FIRING INTERVAL:                0       9 sec.  7 sec.    20 sec. 8 sec.  8 sec.
TYPE SPREAD:                    0       1½ R    1½ L      0       1½ R    1½ L

SEA CONDITIONS: Average swell from 160 T, force 2 wind from 135 T.

OVERALL ACTIVITY: Submarine/Midway Islands
                  Base,

REMARKS: TORPEDO RUN:           1,800 yards               1,700 yards
         DURATION:              1 min. 58 sec.            1 min. 52 sec.
         INJECTION:             54° F                     54° F
         ELECTROLYTE:           55° F                     55° F

                                - 31 -

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```
S334/16-3
Serial (056)
G-O-S-P-I-T-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. RATIO (S334) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA (Continued)

GUN ATTACK NO. 3
TIME: 1408 I
DATE: 1 July 1945
LAT: 42-20 N
LONG: 112-08 E

TARGET DATA - Damage Inflicted

SUNK: 1 HIS fishing trawler of 30 tons and 2 HIS fishing trawlers of 25 tons each, all three of trawler design, now standard type. First and third trawlers had steam power.

DAMAGED: None.

DAMAGE DESCRIBED:
Five 5" hits left the first trawler stopped, sinking by the stern, with 2 survivors in the water. A complete wreck, further firing would have meant a loss of ammunition. Several 40mm hits and four 5" hits left the second trawler completely disabled and badly flooded. First 5" hits left the third trawler completely wrecked and fully flooded.

DETAILS OF ACTION:
A battle surface was made 8,000 yards to seaward of the first two trawlers after they had been sighted in poor visibility amidst a flurry of action. Closed to within two and opened fire on the first trawler within 3M of range of 2,850 yards, at the same time operating fire on the second trawler, wrecking the first trawler since, left and opened fire on the second within its range of 600 yards. Leaving the second trawler aambles fully flooded, closed into the west. On the way out, I contacted a third trawler, heading for the coast. Opened fire on him at 1,800 yards, firing 5" hits wrecking and flooding him. None of the trawlers returned fire. Ammunition expended was 26 rounds of 5" and 40 rounds of 40mm.

- 34 -
```

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SS384/A16-3
Serial (056)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. TINOSA (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

— page 261 —
```
C5338/36-3
Serial (096)

CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. PARCH (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(x) WORK DONE AND DAMAGE

Hull and Machinery

Shafts and Reduction Gears
Annote to Gun a heavy vibration appeared in the starboard shaft, disappearing after about four hours. Inspection of the shaft and propeller showed a slight dent in the tip of one blade. Subsequent tests indicated a secondary vibration of the starboard propeller. Also a squeak in the starboard bearing was frequently heard through the hull.

In Guam removal of the starboard propeller and removal of the shaft found no line on our stern tube bearing eliminated the noise.

On the morning of June 30 in the area a similar vibration occurred in the port shaft. It did not persist but would occur at intervals. Sound tests indicated a considerable amount in the shaft, a slight signal, and equivalent at 72 yards per scope depth. Then after five days the scraping continued, definitely, patrol was discontinued. The stern tube bearing was stopped with no improvement in the condition.

Reduction gear wine is considered too high and is increasing; all changes in speed have to be made very slowly and 70 turns is considered the limit in which reduction gear level is safe. On July 5 while running on one shaft at 75 turns, there was a steady surge in the starboard reduction gear, probably due to the rudder being carried, and an occasional clamp could be heard in the gear.

L. D. Motor Generators
During the last patrol the noise level of all I.C. motor generators was found to be above the allowable limits. By balancing the parameters and working on the brush riggings and sound, mounting all were brought just under the allowable limit before departures. During the depth charging, on June 26 the generator could be heard on sound so that all had to be secured.

Drain Pump Discharge Valve
The drain pump discharge valve to the compensating water line separated from the start on two occasions, the trouble was finally remedied by drilling the stem and keeping the disc to it. The significance of this valve in the working or this valve necessitated securing the compensating water system temporarily.
- 36 -
```

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[HANDWRITTEN: 17]

SS384/.16-3
Serial (056)

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

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

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Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

(Q) PERSONNEL

     (a) Number of men detached after previous patrol 12
     (b) Number of men on board during patrol 73
     (c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol 51
     (d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol 65
     (e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol ...... 9

          The performance of duty of all officers and men has been
     excellent.
          With the progress shown by the unqualified men in school-
     of-the-boat, about twelve men can be spared for new construction and
     rotation during the overhaul period.

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

     Midway to Guam 2497 miles 30,100 gals.
     Guam to Area 1073 miles 13,600 gals.
     In Area 7845 miles 72,400 gals.
     Area to Pearl 3475 miles 36,443 gals.

     Totals 14,890 miles 152,543 gals.

(S) DURATION - 65 days.

     Days enroute Area (including 4 days in Guam) 16
     Days in Areas 36
     Days enroute Base 13
     Days submerged 12

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

     Torpedoes     Fuel (Gals.)     Provisions (Days)     Personnel (Days)
        12            16,150               15                    15

     Limiting Factor this Patrol - Operation Order.

                                 - 41 -

— page 267 —
... 100,00
... 000
... 214,00
... miles by
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L (056)

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.

— page 269 —
JB5-104/A16-3(2)
Serial: C33
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to CO, USS PARCHE's
Conf ltr SS384/A16-3 Serial (056),
dated 28 July 1945.

From:
To:
Via:

Subject:

1. The Sixth war patrol of the U.S.S. PARCHE, under the command of
Lieutenant Commander W. W. McCRORY, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the areas North
and East of HONSHU, during the period 25 May 1945 to 28 July 1945. The patrol
was of sixty-five days duration, thirty-six of which were spent in the area.

2. This patrol was marked by very excellent area coverage which re-
sulted in six contacts worthy of torpedo fire. These contacts resulted in three
torpedo attacks. Unfortunately one approach had to be terminated because of an
abnormally noisy port shaft. In addition to the torpedo targets, three groups
of trawlers and luggers were very successfully attacked with gunfire.

3. Summary of attacks:

Attack Number One: On 21 June, a FTC type freighter (EC) of 2700
tons was attacked during daylight while submerged. Four Mk 18-1 torpedoes were
fired at a mean range of 1300 yards; track angles averaged 85°; depth set 5 feet;
gyros averaged 335°. One torpedo hit the target and one minute later the target
had disappeared, only the escorts remaining to pick up survivors.

Attacks Number 2A & B: A heavily escorted convoy consisting of
three large ships escorted by two CHIDORI type torpedo boats and four SC types was
sighted hugging the coast on 26 June 1945. Using divided fire the second and
third ships in column were attacked with the bow nest. The first ship attacked
was a medium AK (EU) thought to probably be a naval auxiliary because of flag
hoists observed although the naval ensign was not seen. The second ship was a
large AK (EU) of unusual design. It had a very high freeboard, a superstructure
with rugged bow, and goal posts forward and aft. Three Mk 18-1 torpedoes were fired at a range of
1600 yards; track angles 129°; gyro angles 067°; and depth set at 8 feet. Two
properly timed hits were heard followed by breaking up noises and the stopping
of the ship's screws. It is considered this target sank. Three Mk 18-1 torped-
oes were fired at the second target mean range was 1800 yards; track angle 78°;
gyro angle 024; depth set at 8 feet. Two properly timed hits were heard and the
crews stopped but no breaking up noises were heard so that this target is consid-
ered only to have been damaged. A close and accurate depth charge attack follow-
ed but PARCHE evaded with no serious damage after some bad moments.

Gun Attack Number One: On 22 June, three luggers and an escort
of undetermined type were attacked. PARCHE battled surfaced astern of the column

-1-
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FOUR
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

30 July 1945.

The Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED FOUR.
The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
(1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

U.S.S. PARCHE (SS 384) - Report of War Patrol Number SIX.

— page 270 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED FOUR

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

30 July 1945.

FB5-104/A16-3(2)
Serial (033)
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS 384) - Report of War Patrol Number SIX.

— page 271 —
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California 11/rhb

FCS-10/A16-3
30 July 1945
Serial: 0211

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) -
Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

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

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of War Patrol
Number Six.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN congratulates
the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S.
PARCHE upon the completion of this aggressive and successful
patrol.

3. It is recommended that the U.S.S. PARCHE be
credited with the following:

SUNK

1 - FTC type freighter (EC) 2700 tons
1 - AK (EU) medium 4000 tons
2 - Mis Luggers 200 tons
3 - Mis Fishing trawlers 150 tons
3 - Mis Fishing trawlers 100 tons
Total sunk 7150 tons

DAMAGED

1 - AK (EU) large 7500 tons
1 - Mis sea truck 200 tons
Total damaged 7700 tons

Total sunk and damaged 14850 tons

[SIGNATURE: G. E. Peterson]
G. E. PETERSON.

— page 272 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)                                SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET                                mr
Serial 01935                                        Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                                    San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL                                        8 August 1945.

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 840                    EXTRA | ORIGINAL
U.S.S. PARCHE - SIXTH WAR PATROL.                   SORG. | MICRO
                                                    PHOTO LAB | OP-16
From:       The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To :        The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :       The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
                                                    RETURN TO F-4253
Subject:    U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report of Sixth War Patrol.
            (25 May to 28 July 1945).

1.
The sixth war patrol of the PARCHE, under the command of Lieutenant
Commander W. W. McCrory, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the areas along the North-
eastern Coast of Honshu.

2.
This patrol, part of which was devoted to lifeguard duties and the
rest to offensive patrol, was characterized by excellent judgment and thorough
area coverage. Two aggressive torpedo attacks accounted for two medium freighters
and damage to a third. Three brilliant gun attacks sent eight small craft to the
bottom and damaged another. The PARCHE underwent an intense depth charging after
the second attack but with skillful evasive tactics avoided serious damage.

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

4.
The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
commanding officer, officers, and crew of the PARCHE for adding another highly
successful patrol to the PARCHE's long illustrious record. The PARCHE is credited
with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

SUNK

1 - Medium AK (FTC Type) (EC)             | 2,700 tons (Attack No. 1)
1 - Medium AK (EU)                        | 4,000 tons (Attack No. 2A)
2 - LIS (Luggers - 100 tons each) (EC) -  | 200 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)
3 - IS (Fishing Trawlers - 50 tons        | 150 tons (Gun Attack No. 2)
    each) (EC)                            |
1 - (Fishing Trawlers - one 50            | 100 tons (Gun Attack No. 3)
    tons and two 25 tons each) (EC)       |

TOTAL SUNK                                | 7,150 tons

- 1 -

— page 273 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 01985

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
PARCHE Report of
Sixth War Patrol.

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 840
U.S.S. PARCHE - SIXTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. PARCHE (SS384) - Report
         (25 May to 28 July 1945).

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

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

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

D A M A G E D

SUNK:
1 - Large AK (EU)                               7,500 tons (Attack No. 2A)
1 - SCS (SCS-S1 Class) (EC)                     170 tons (Separate Report)
1 - MIS (Sea Truck) (EC)                        200 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)

TOTAL DAMAGED                                   7,870 tons

TOTAL SUNK & DAMAGED                            15,020 tons

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch                               (7)
CNO                                   (5)
ComSubpac                             (6)
CINCPAC                               (1)
CINCPACPOA                            (1)
COMSUBPAC                             (1)
ComWesPac                             (1)
ComSubWesPac                          (1)
ComSubDiv                             (3)
ComSubFlot                            (2)
ComSubPacAdComd                       (40)
ComSubPacAdComd                       (3)
ComSubPacSubordCom                    (3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific                   (2)
ComSubTraGrBalboa (Airmail)           (5)
ComSubTrainPac                        (2)
All Submarines, Pacific               (1)

MERRILL COMSTOCK,
Deputy.

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

— page 274 —
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