U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS-397) — war patrol report SS-397_SCABBARDFISH.pdf

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: G-108]

OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: M. Monroe]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 3/4/80]

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THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

[IMAGE: Department of Defense seal with text "DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"]

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

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START OF REEL
JOB NO. [HANDWRITTEN: G-108]
OPERATOR [HANDWRITTEN: M. Monroe]
DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 3/5/80]

1.0   4.5   2.8 2.5
      5.0   3.0
1.1   5.6   3.2 2.2
      6.3   3.6
1.25        4.0
            1.4 1.8
            1.6 2.0

THIS MICROFILM IS
THE PROPERTY OF
THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT

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

MICROFILMED BY
NPPSO-NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
MICROFILM SECTION

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

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Scabbardfish

A long, compressed, silver-colored fish found on Eu-
ropean coasts and around New Zealand.

(SS-397: dp. 1,525 (surf.), 2,415 (subm.); l. 311'8";
b. 27'3"; dr. 15'3"; s. 20 k. (surf.), 8.75 k. (subm.);
cpl. 80; a. 10 21" tt., 1 40mm., 1 20mm.; cl. Balao)

Scabbardfish (SS-397) was laid down on 27 Septem-
ber 1943 by the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Portsmouth,
N.H.; launched on 27 January 1944; sponsored by
Ensign Nancy J. Schetky; and commissioned on 29
April 1944, Lt. Comdr. F. A. Gunn in command.

After completing initial training at Portsmouth,
N.H., and torpedo trials at Newport, R.I., Scabbardfish
reported to the Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic,
New London, Conn., for advance training and final
outfitting. Upon completion thereof, she sailed to Key
West, Fla., for ASW duties which began on 21 June
1944. On 1 July, she departed for Panama, Canal Zone.
Four days later, she transited the canal en route to the
west coast and Pearl Harbor.

Scabbardfish, as a unit of Submarine Force, Pacific
Fleet, arrived at Pearl Harbor on 24 July. After com-
pleting voyage repairs and final training, she departed
for Midway Island on 17 August. After refueling
there, she departed on her first war patrol in the
Ryukyu Islands area.

On 31 August, she sighted her first enemy ships, an
inter-island steamer with two escorts. Scabbardfish
fired two spreads of three torpedoes but all missed.
After a light depth charge attack, she surfaced and
continued steaming west.

On 19 September, west of Okinawa, she damaged a
5,500-ton Jingei-class submarine tender with two hits.
She also fired a spread "down the throat" of a Chidori-
class escort but missed. As a consequence, she under-
went a depth charge attack for three hours but suf-
fered no damage. The remainder of her patrol proved
fruitless, and the submarine returned to Midway Is-
land, on 12 October, for refitting. Two weeks later, she
sailed to Saipan, Mariana Islands, for further orders.

Scabbardfish departed Saipan on 12 November for
her designated patrol area in the seas southeast of Honshu. She arrived in
her designated patrol area on the 16th and sank a
2,100-ton inter-island steamer that day. Six days later,
she sank the 875-ton Kisaragi Maru and damaged a
4,000-ton freighter. On 28 November, she sank the
Japanese submarine I-365, picking up one lone survi-
vor named Sasaki.

SS-397 completed her patrol at Guam on 20 Decem-
ber 1944; remained there until 16 January 1945; and,
then, sailed to Saipan. Upon arrival there, she under-
went intensive training in wolfpack tactics. Her third
war patrol began on 23 January when she began
patrolling the sea lanes between the Philippine and
Ryukyu islands. In late February, she engaged two
luggers and a trawler with her deck gun but was
forced to submerge by an enemy plane. She was
bombed but suffered no damage. She returned to Sai-
pan on 6 March and was ordered to return to Pearl
Harbor for refitting.

Scabbardfish returned to Guam in late April and
underwent voyage repairs by Holland (AS-3). On the
29th, she departed for the East China Sea. A change of
orders assigned her to the Life Guard League; and, on
4 May, she rescued five crewmen from a ditched B-29.
They were transferred to Picuda (SS-382) two days
later, and SS-397 continued to the Yellow Sea area.
On 17 May, Scabbardfish fired a spread of torpedoes at
a small freighter which was accompanied by two es-
corts. This, proved to be a hunter-killer group; and,
when the torpedoes missed, they subjected the subma-
rine to a grueling four-hour depth charge attack. The
submarine sustained no serious damage and returned
to Guam on 11 June to be refitted by Apollo (AS-25).

Scabbardfish began her fifth, and last, war patrol on
1 July with another assignment to the Life Guard
League. During the period 25 July—10 August, she
rescued seven pilots. When she returned to Saipan on
15 August, the cease fire had gone into effect.
Scabbardfish sailed to Pearl Harbor. She sailed from
there on 6 September under orders which sent her to
Eniwetok for ASW training duties. She remained there
for a month; sailed to Guam for a month; and, on 14
November, stood out of Apra Harbor en route to San
Francisco via Midway Island. On 29 November 1945,
the submarine arrived at Mare Island for her first
overhaul, which was not completed until mid-March
1946.

Scabbardfish operated along the west coast until 17
March 1947 when she entered the San Francisco Naval
Shipyard for her second major overhaul. The subma-
rine departed directly from drydock, on 8 August, for
San Diego. One month later, she called at Pearl Har-
bor for a few days and then continued sailing west on
a simulated war patrol. After visiting the Palau Is-
lands, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tsingtao, and Okinawa,
she returned to San Diego on 11 December 1947.

On 3 January 1948, she was underway for Pearl
Island and, two days later, reported to the Commander,
Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet for inactivation. In February 1948, she
was placed in reserve, out of commission, and berthed
at Mare Island. Scabbardfish remained there until
October 1964 when she was again placed in commis-
sion, preparatory to transferring her to the govern-
ment of Greece. She was officially transferred to the
Royal Hellenic Navy, on 26 February 1965, and served
as Triaina (S-86).

Scabbardfish received five battle stars for World
War II service.

— page 7 —
Dictionary of
American Naval
Fighting Ships

VOLUME VI

Historical Sketches—Letters R through S
Appendices—Submarine Chasers (SC)
Eagle-Class Patrol Craft (PE)

WITH A FOREWORD BY
ADMIRAL JAMES L. HOLLOWAY III, United States Navy,
THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

AND AN INTRODUCTION BY
VICE ADMIRAL EDWIN B. HOOPER, United States Navy, Retired,
THE DIRECTOR OF NAVAL HISTORY

NAVAL HISTORY DIVISION
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON: 1976

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U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

SS397/A16-3
Serial (Q1)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL

DECLASSIFIED ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1F [HANDWRITTEN: Cano 10] Fleet Post Office,
BY [HANDWRITTEN: OPO 9BK] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6-14-62] San Francisco, California.
October 12, 1944.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of War Patrol
Number One.

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

1. Enclosure (A) covering the First War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the NANSEI SHOTO Area from August 17 to October 12,
1944 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. A. Gunn]
F. A. GUNN.

92259 [STAMP: FILMED]

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Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.

31 August 1944
0305(K) SJ Radar contact bearing 300° T. range 10,000 yards.
          (Ship contact #2). Commenced tracking. PPI shows three
          pips possibly five. Largest pip kept fading out above
          14,000 yards. Target zigging between 220° T. and 170° T.,
          speed 8 knots. No radar interference. Decided against
          night surface attack. Sea was flat calm. Water so
          phosphorescent bow looked like a bill-board in Times Square
          at any speed.

0458K'    Ahead of target on course 190° T. Went to Battle Stations
          Torpedo. Headed in for dawn radar-periscope attack.

0515(K)   Dove to radar depth. Three distinct pips.

0528(K)   Periscope depth at 4750 yards. Bearing 359, angle on bow
          about 25° S. Target very indistinct in scope due to morning
          surface haze. Could not get scope range or ping range.
          Could now see target enough to get approximate angle on bow.
          Target appeared to be a small inter-island AK lightly loaded.
          Overestimated length to be 300-350 feet. (MFM).

          Trawler escort on starboard bow of target dropped back to
          targets beam then swing toward us presenting very small
          angle on bow. Thought he had sighted us, so with T.D.C.
          checking on with bearings and approximate angle on bow, at

0534-47(K) Fired three Mk. 18 torpedoes from forward re st, torpedo run
          angle 50 S., angle on bow 40° S., using
          divergent spread of 2° and torpedo depth setting six feet.
          All missed. (Attack #1).

0537(K)   Obtained another set up still using generated range and at

0537-17   Fired tubes 4, 5, 6. All Mk. 18, depth set six feet. All
          missed. Escort still closing with small angle on bow, so

0539(K)   Went deep. Rigged for depth charge.

0542(K)   One depth charge above and not close. Escort commenced
          echo-ranging occasionally stopping for listening.

0543-17(K) One depth charge - not close. Escort throwing single
          nuisance depth charges.

0544(K)   One depth charge - farther away.

0545(K)   Boat now at 550 feet. Negative gradient straightened out and
          with standard speed and 5° rise bubble were still dropping.
          Caught boat at 580'.

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[HANDWRITTEN: 6]

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CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.
31 August 1944 Cont'd.
0547(K) One depth charge still farther away. Came to test depth.
0646(K) Periscope depth - all clear,
0940 (K) Surfaced. Decided we had wasted too many torpedoes on
this target and another end around would take us too far
off our Area Track. Set course for area at full speed.
1145(K) Lookout reported wake of two torpedoes bearing 160° T.
Ship was on base course 2859 T. constant helming 30 on
base course. (Lat. 29-35 N., 141-35 E.)...
JOOD misunderstood the report to be a plane close aboard.
Dove. Believe lookout was mistaken as neither JP or JK
could pick up sound contact.
1225 (K) Surfaced,
1335(K) SJ Radar contact 5800 yards dead ahead. Most experienced
radar operator on SJ. Definite pip. Not sighted by OOD or
lookouts. Operator claimed pip about size for a periscope,
S at
1336(K) Dove, No sound contacts. Beginning to believe crew has
slight case of "Periscopitis".
1622(K) Surfaced. Proceeding to area at full speed.
1624(K) Radar interference. 600 megacycles.
At this time we are about 30 miles South of SOFU GAN.
1635(k) Set clocks back 1/2 heur to zone time KI (Minus 91/2).
1829(KI) SD Radar contact 6 miles closing. Plane not sighted.
Dove. [HANDWRITTEN: Plane contact #7].
1902(KI) Surfaced,
1 September 1944
0050(KI) Radar interference on SJ radar - 314° T. to 344° T.
Believe this to be BOWFIN homeward bound.
0830(KI) Set clocks back 1/2 hour to zone time Minus 9 (I).
1941(1) Flank speed to reach area by dawn.
2 September 1944
0500 (1) Entered area.
0522(1) Dove to patrol shipping lanes North of AMAMI OʻSHIMA,
-6-
7

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Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.
[HANDWRITTEN: HYDRO 1-XTRA]

(C) WEATHER.

The weather in the NANSEI SHOTO area with the exception
of the one typhoon encountered on station, was uniformly mild, seas
smooth to glassy the majority of the time with sea water temperature
about 82° F. Horizon haze was encountered frequently and was most
noticeable at dawn and sunset near the islands.

Three typhoons were encountered; one enroute station
August 28-29, one on station September 16-17, and one enroute Midway
October 5-6-7. On August 28-29, the storm center must have passed
very close to our track, as the barometer dropped quickly to 29.28 inches,
with gale winds, mountainous seas, and heavy rain. At one third
speed, momentary, headed into sea, we took too much water
down hatch. With storm at its height, submerged to keep from
flooding out conning tower and control room electrical gear.
Even at 200 feet, the ship rolled 3 degrees. The storm center
appeared to move in a North-Northwesterly direction. The typhoon
encountered September 16-17 on station, judging from shifting
true wind and barometer reading, must have passed close to Eastern
coast of NANSEI SHOTO in a Northeasterly direction. We were
able to ride this one out on surface at 1/3 speed with no special
difficulty. The third typhoon encountered on October 5, 6, and 7,
was the least severe although we encountered high seas and gale
winds. From best information, we must have been at least 900 to
1000 miles from storm center. Our lowest barometer was 29.50 inches.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION.

The currents around the NANSEI SHOTO area in general
followed those given in H.O. No. 123B, Japanese Pilot Vol. II,
1940 and on the Charts. East of TOKUNO SHIMA a set of 348° (T)
with drift of .6 knots was observed. On the Western side of
AMAMI O'SHIMA off NAZE KO the set toward the beach is
Southeastward about 1 knot. In the passage from TORI (IWO) SHIMA
to SENTO SHOSHO a drift of two knots setting Northeastward was
experienced.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

No navigational lights were sighted. In vicinity
of islands, position was maintained by radar fixes on nearest
islands.

Navigation through pass between TOKUNA JIMA and AMAMI
O'SHIMA one dark night, consisted soley of conning ship between the
two islands as seen on P.P.I.

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Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.
[HANDWRITTEN: I-XTRA]

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (REVISED).

| CONTACT NUMBER | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| :| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Date | 9/21/44 | 9/21/44 | 9/23/44 | 9/25/44 | 9/28/44 | 10/5/44 | |
| Time (Zone) | 1128 I | 1332 I | 1621 I | 0645 I | 1750 I | 1015 K | |
| S | Position: Lat. | 28-10N | 27-58N | 26-10N | 25-06N | 25-15N | 28-21N | |
| U | Long. | 127-25E | 127-20E | 125-36E | 123-02E | 123-30E | 137-21E | |
| B | Speed | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 2.0 | 13.0 | |
| M | Course | 200(T) | 207(T) | 320(T) | 230 | 200 | 078 | |
| A | Trim | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Surf. | Per. | Surf. | |
| R | Minutes Since | | | | | | |
| I | last SD radar | 0 | 0 | 55secs. | 55secs. | Secured | Cont. | |
| N | Search | | | | | | |
| E | Number | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| | Type | UNK. | UNK. | THELMA | BETTY | THELMA | BETTY | |
| A | Probable Mission | Pat. | Pat. | Trans. | Pat. | Trans. | Pat. | |
| I | How contacted | SJ & SD | SD | Sight | Sight | Sight | Sight | |
| R | Initial Range | 11 Mi. | 10 Mi. | 7 Mi. | 10 Mi. | 15 Mi. | 3 Mi. | |
| C | Elevation Angle | UNK. | UNK. | 3° | 1° | 1° | 1° | |
| R | Range & Relative | | | | | | |
| A | Bearing of Plane | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | |
| F | When it detected | | | | | | |
| T | S/M | C | Sea: (State (Beau- | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | | |
| O | fort) | | | | | | |
| N | (Direction(Rel) | 077 | 075 | 070 | 075 | 075 | | |
| D | Visibility(Miles) | 8 | 8 | 20 | 20 | 4 | | |
| I | Clouds: (Height in | | | | | | |
| T | Ft. | 3000 | 3000 | 8000 | 8000 | 2000 | | |
| I | (Percent | | | | | | |
| O | Overcast | 95 | 95 | 50 | 40 | 95 | | |
| N | Moon: (Angle | | | | | | |
| S | (Bearing(Rel) | | | | | | |
| | (Percent | | | | | | |
| | Illum. | | | | | | |

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol LIGHT GRAY.
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U.S.S. SCABBARDTISH (SS397)

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Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.
(H) ATTACK DATA.
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH
Time: 0913(I)
Torpedo Attack #4
Patrol No. 1
Date: 19 Sept., 1944. Lat. 27-35 N. Long. 127-07 E.
Target Data Damage Inflicted
Description:
One CHIDORI Class torpedo boat escorting one JINGEI
Class Submarine Tender.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged or Probably Sunk: None.
Damage Determined by: None.
Target | Draft | Course | Speed | Range (At firing)
CHIDORI (EC) | 6' | 322 | 16 | 1600
Own Ship Data
Speed | Course | Depth | Angle
2.5 | 170 (Swinging) | 64' | 1 1/2° Down (At firing)
Fire Control and Torpedo Data
Target slowed to take stock of the two hits in the
submarine tender searching for us. Target sighted scope
bent on speed heading towards. Fired 3 from forward nest
when angle on bow was 20° S. range 1600 yards bearing
352 relative. All missed. Depth set 4 feet using 2 1/4°
divergent spread. An excessive spread was used on this
down the throat shot due to the commanding officer giving
the control party an angle on bow of 200 S. while target
was still swinging towards. Control party assumed
target had steadied with this angle and thus used an
excessive spread.

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CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.
(I) MINES.
No mines were encountered nor no mining activity was
observed.
(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS.
10TH FLT
DESLANT.
No new anti-subm rine measures were encountered.
The CHIDORI that worked us over used alternate Pinging and
listening. Either he had an excellent sound man or his gear has
improved. On two occasions he passed directly overhead dropping.
a string of close charges each time. Charges exploded approximately
33 seconds after he passed directly overhead, Charges exploded
close above submarine whose depth was 420 feet. Evasion consisted
of running silently and deep at slow speed, keeping the stern to
attacking ship.
(K) MAJOR DEFECTS.
(1) Fuel Oil System:
[HANDWRITTEN: D
BUSHIPS.
4-XTRA]
The fuel system has given us a good deal of trouble during
the entire patrol. First trouble encountered was difficulty in
pumping salt water from collecting tank. While on surface, could
not pump this tank even with the trim pump. On submerging, no
difficulty was experienced in pumping collecting. This condition
existed until we shifted from fuel ballast tanks to normal fuel
tanks after which time it became possible to pump collecting tank
on surface with no difficulty. By checking system under various
conditions, the possibility of salt water leakage into collecting
tank from neighboring tanks (Expansion tank, #6 N.F.O. tank, and
#6 M.B.T.) have practically been eliminated. Leakage from #6 N.F.O.
seems most likely at present time because a discrepancy of 8000
gallons of oil was noted in this tank. Explanations for leaks do
not hold up under all conditions encountered, and at present time the
system is operating normally, and source of leakage is still a
mystery. All the conditions of leakage encountered have been outlined
and will be presented at material conference preceeding refit.
The second trouble encountered was with the fuel ballast tanks. We
were unable to empty any of the F.B.T.'s entirely through the fuel
transfer lines. It was necessarý in each case to vent the last bit
of oil through the inboard vents, thence to bilges and then to
expansion tank. It is believed that the fuel transfer lines in all
the Fuel Ballast Tanks are definitely short.
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Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.

(0) DENSITY LAYERS.

All officers on board are beginning to depend more and more
on bathythermograph readings in compensation of boat submerged. It
was found to be of no value at all while going deep during depth
charging, as the stylus jumps all over the card causing a big
blurr, making a trial dive at some earlier time almost imperative.
On our first attack, there was no opportunity for a trial dive, and
on going deep, an isothermal condition found us very heavy with
subsequent difficulties in trying to maintain depth control.

The following table shows density layers encountered during
this patrol.
HYDRO 1-XTRA'
DENSITY LAYERS
Time | Date | Latitude Longitude | Isothermal | Bottom of
| | | Depth : Temp. | Gradient
| | | | Depth : Temp.
0530 W | 8/20/44 | 29-21 N. 174-41 W. | 80 Ft. 80 Deg. | 380 Ft. 62 Deg.
0300 X | 8/21/44 | 29-29'30" 174-151 W. | 60 " 79 " | 320 " 62 "
| | N. | |
2215 M | 8/23/44 | 27-59'55" 179-03'55" E. | 150 " 79 " | 300 " 68 "
| | N. | |
2100 L | 8/26/44 | 27-34' 164-36' E. | 80 " 81 " | 130 " 68 "
0545 K | 8/29/44 | 28-50'30" 150-40' E. | 60 " 77 " | 180 " 64 "
2000 K | 8/29/44 | 28-50' 150-40' E. | 110 " 79 " | 180 " 66 "
0500 K | 8/30/44 | 29-15' 145-52' E. | 80 " 80 " | 125 " 71 "
1230 K | 8/30/44. | 29-14' 144-52' E. | 100 " 79 " | 125 " 73 "
2100 K | 8/31/44 | 29-00' 142-21' | 160 " 76 " | 320 " 63½ "
1745 I | 9/7/44 | 26-26'30" 128-37'30" | 80 " 84 " | 380 " 74 "
1055 I | 9/19/44 | 27-61' 127-40'30" | 125 " 82 " | 450 " 79½ "

-39-

40

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U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 50 —
[UNCLEAR: 4 - 2]

U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of First War Patrol.

— page 51 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION SIXTY-ONE

FB5-61/A16-3

Serial: 0120

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
15 October 1944.

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

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S. SCABBARD FISH Report
of War Patrol No. 1.

From : The Commander Submarine Division SIXTY-ONE.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Coordinate Command, Navy No. 1504.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS 397) - Report of FIRST
War Patrol.

1. The first war patrol of the SCABBARD FISH was con-
ducted in the southern Nansei Shoto and the northeastern Formosa
areas. This patrol lasted fifty-six days of which thirty-one
were spent in the areas. The patrol was terminated in accordance
with the operation order.

2. Area coverage was good and resulted in seven con-
tacts worthy of torpedo fire. Unfortunately most of these contacts
consisted of small AKs. The SCABBARD FISH was able to develop
four of these contacts into attacks.

3. ATTACKS:

ATTACK No. 1 - was a night submerged radar-periscope attack
on a small AK escorted by two trawler type escorts. Though the
night was dark, extreme phosphorescence of the water rendered an
undetected surface attack improbable. Two salvoes of three tor-
pedoes were fired at the AK, both salvoes missed. Misses are
attributable to errors in fire control data, gyro angle and
spread employed, it being noted that range data was doubtful.

ATTACK No. 2 - was a pre-dawn submerged radar-periscope
attack on a small AK with two Sampan escorts. A three-torpedo
salvo was fired at a designated range of 2,000 yards, and missed.
Misses are attributable to insufficient and inaccurate fire con-
trol data, particularly range.

ATTACK No. 3 - was a well conducted submerged daylight peri-
scope attack on a submarine tender with one Chidori type escort.
Four torpedoes were fired for two observed hits. Anti-submarine
measures unfortunately precluded observation of results. This
valuable target was undoubtedly severely damaged and probably
sunk but evidence of sinking is inconclusive.

- 1 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 44]

— page 52 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION SIXTY-ONE
FB5-61/A16-3
Serial: 0120
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS 397) - Report of FIRST
War Patrol.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California
15 October 1944

ATTACK No. 4 - was a quick set-up for a three-torpedo salvo
fired at the Chidori escort, above, which missed due to maneuver-
ing target and spread employed.

4. The SCABBARDFISH returned from patrol in good
condition. All deficiencies noted will be corrected and a nor-
mal refit is anticipated.

5. The Commanding Officer, officers and crew are
congratulated on the damage inflicted on the enemy and on the
successful completion of their first patrol in this fine ship.
The lessons learned on this patrol will prove of future benefit.

6. It is recommended that the SCABBARDFISH be credited
with inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

DAMAGED

1 - AS (JINGEI class)(EU) 5,200 tons (Attack #3)

TOTAL 5,200 tons.

[SIGNATURE: J. C. Broach]
J. C. BROACH.

[HANDWRITTEN: 45]

— page 53 —
ALL JOINT SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
SUBORDINATE COMMAND, NAVY NO. 1504

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
15 October 1944.

16-3

Serial: 0171

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

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH: Report
of 1st Patrol No. 1.

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, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS 397) - Report of FIRST
War Patrol.

1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks made by
the Commander Submarine Division SIXTY-ONE.

2. SCABBARD FISH is further congratulated upon
the completion of this first war patrol for the damage in-
flicted upon the enemy.

[SIGNATURE: H. L. Clark]
H. L. CLARK.

[HANDWRITTEN: 46]

— page 54 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 11 0200]
[HANDWRITTEN: F4354] mr

FF12-10/A16-3(15) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Serial 02336 [HANDWRITTEN: R-ws] Care of Fleet Post Office,
[HANDWRITTEN: 11-10-44] San Francisco, California,
CONFIDENTIAL 24 October 1944.

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 553
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH - 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. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of First War
Patrol (17 August to 12 October 1944).

1. The first war patrol of the SCABBARD FISH was conduct-
ed in the Nansei Shoto Area.

2. Excellent area coverage was maintained throughout
this patrol but only three contacts worthy of torpedo fire were made.
Four determined torpedo attacks were delivered, three of which unfor-
tunately were unsuccessful. The fourth, a direct attack on a
JINGEI Class submarine tender resulted in two hits and severe damage
to this valuable enemy ship. Subsequent information indicates that
this cripple was later sunk by Third Fleet aircraft in the Nansei
Shoto Area.

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

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

D A M A G E D

1 - AS (JINGEI Class) (EC) - 5,200 tons (Attack No. 3)

C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.

DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch (7) Comsubspac (40)
CNO (5) SUBAD, MI (2)
Cincpac (6) ComsubspacSubordcom (3)
Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas (1) All Squadron and Div.
Comservpac (1) Commanders, Pacific (2)
Cinclant (1) Substrainpac (2)
Comsubslant (8) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
S/M School, NL (2)
S/M Base, PH (1) [SIGNATURE: C. L. Hynes 2nd] [STAMP: EXTRA = ORIGINAL]
Comsopac (2)
Comsowespac [STAMP: FILMED] (1) E. L. HYNES, 2nd, [STAMP: SCRG. MICRO]
Comsubsowespac (2) Flag Secretary. [STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
CTF 72 (2) [STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]
Comnorpac (1)
[HANDWRITTEN: 47]

— page 55 —
SS397/A16-3
Serial ( 018 )

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of War Patrol
Number TWO.

Enclosure: (A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (Comsubspac Only).
(C) Comparative Radio Reception Data.

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Second War Patrol of this
vessel conducted in the EMPIRE-NANPO SHOTO Areas from November 2 to
December 20, 1944 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. A. Gunn]
F. A. GUNN.

U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
20 December, 1944.
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST. 5510.10
BY [HANDWRITTEN: O.P.O.9.B.H] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/14/72]

101904 [STAMP: FILMED]

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U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

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— page 60 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.
21 November 1944 (cont'd.)
1203 Smoke still in sight. Received tardy but welcome news of
another 24 hour postponement of B-29 strike. Commenced
closing smoke. Convoy in sight through high periscope
consisted of two medium sized ships in column with SC type
escort ahead and one bulkier looking escort, possibly PC
type, on starboard quarter of convoy.
(Ship Contact #3). Starboard shaft has had a very loud
and constant squeal in vicinity of strut bearing at speeds
above 1/3 speed submerged since 16 November. Decided to
make nite surface attack.

Ο 1630 Made SJ contact on the convoy bearing 213° (T), range 22,250
yards. Four pips with the escorts giving larger and better pips
than the two merchant ships. Closed to 10,000 yards and
commenced tracking. Convoy zigging on base course 320° (T),
speed eight knots. Before sunset we were wondering why strike
had been called off. Sea conditions were about state two and sky
clear. Sunset brought the answer, when barometer suddenly
commenced dropping fast with rain squalls and increasingly
strong wind and rough sea from Northwest.

2100 Moonset. Weather very squally with high wind and about state
six sea. Weather appeared to be getting worse rather than
better and convoy was too close to TOKYO to further delay
attack waiting for better conditions. Did not trust target
draft for greater than 3 foot depth setting, so with some doubt
in my mind as to how torpedoes would perform, decided to
make attack and hope for the best. Planned to attack from
port bow of convoy and fire three bow fish at leading
escort (A), three bow fish for ship next astern of escort,
and possibly stern tubes at third ship, and retire from escort
(B) located on starboard quarter of convoy.
A convoy zig just prior to firing placed us on starboard
bow of convoy, which was not so good due to position of the
starboard quarter escort, but due to poor visibility conditions
decided to complete attack anyway. So with set up on T.D.C.
and Plot checking at

2115 27 Fired tube #4.
2115 37 Fired tube #5.
2115 47 Fired tube #6. Torpedoes were fired practically down sea
at leading escort (A), Range 1600 yards, 60° starboard track,
small gyros, divergent spread, depth set 3 feet.
(Attack #2). All torpedoes missed, most likely due to shallow
depth setting in state 6 sea or extreme shallow draft of escort.
ENCLOSURE (A) -5-

— page 61 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol,

21 November 1944 (Cont'd.)

2116 Turned with right full rudder at flank speed and steadied
     for stern tube shot at ship astern of escort (A). This ship's
     silhouette which was sighted during turn away was that of a
     medium size engines aft oiler (EU) lightly loaded. Got quick
     set up and at

2120 17 Fired tube #7.

2120 25 Fired tube #8.

2120 35 Fired tube #9. Torpedoes were fired practically down sea -
     at Medium A.O. (EU), Range 1900 yards, 90° Starboard track,
     40° R. gyros, depth set 3 feet. (Attack #3). Starboard
     quarter escort (B) with small angle on bow loomed up very large
     on starboard beam at radar range of 1200 yards, so swung hard
     left to put him well on our starboard quarter. At radar range
     of 900 yards to the nearest escort, range commenced opening. The
     escort (A) was now approximately on port beam and looking
     pretty large in binoculars when at

2122 21 Heard #7 torpedo hit and saw huge sheet of flame on the A.O.,
     and at

2122 30 Heard #8 torpedo hit. Flames died out on target shortly
     after second hit. Flames died out on target shortly
     and large cloud of black smoke completely obliterated
     silhouette of A.O. As range to nearest escort was opening
     rapidly, shifted radar to A.O. Pip which was very weak at 3500
     yards, disappeared at 5000 yards and was never picked up again.
     Slowed down at 8000 yards with three remaining ships still
     on radar screen to take stock of situation. One escort had
     turned on a steady green light and other had turned on
     a steady red light, and both were signalling with white
     blinker. About 10 random depth charges were counted during our
     retirement. Considered two hits out of six with 3 foot depth
     settings in such a rough sea good enough to warrant another try,
     so headed back in for another attack. Escort (A), apparently
     searching for us had opened out from Escort (B) who was keeping
     very close to the remaining Maru. Rain squalls very bad with
     visibility varying quickly from about 3000 yards to almost zero.
     Commenced blind radar approach on Escort (B) and its Maru.
     Radar checking on good, so with Escort (B)
     overlapping the remaining Maru on 120° Starboard track at

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 6 -

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— page 63 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

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U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 65 —
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CONFIDENTIAL
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— page 66 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
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— page 67 —
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Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

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U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

7 December 1944.
0340 SJ radar contact 4900 yards. (Ship contact #9).
Two pips show on screen. One a little larger than -the
other. Weather overcast and unable to see either
target at 4000 yards. Size of pips and range at initial
contact at 4900 yards which situation we have had previously
on two patrol vessels indicate these also patrol vessels
and not worthy of our last six torpedoes. Opened out.
Pips weak at 6000 yards, lost both at 7500 yards. This
is the third time this patrol we have run into twò patrol
vessels in company, Believe that since the International
Sweep-stakes Patrol boats are traversing this area in
Company. Determined course 120° (T), speed 10 knots.

0545 Weather squally. Seas rough. No lifeguard duty until
1830. Submerged.
1644 - Surfaced. Headed for lifeguard, station.
1945 Sighted searchlight reflection on clouds sweeping
in vicinity of NOJIMA SAKI.

8 December 1944.
0721 Submerged.
1645 Surfaced.

9 December 1944.
0716 SD contact twelve miles closing. (Plane contact #15).
Dove.
1213 Surfaced.
1453 Sight contact on plane - Betty type bomber. Dove to 150 feet.
(Plane contact #16).
1647 Surfaced.

10 December 1944..
0647 Submerged.
1644 Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 15 -

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CONFIDENTIAL
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CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 79 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397).

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 80 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
(H) ATTACK DATA.

U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 81 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.
(H) ATTACK DATA.
Torpedo Attack No. 3
Patrol No. 2
Time: 2120 (1)
Description:
Date: 21 November 1944.
Lat. 33-28 N. Long. 141-35 E.
Convoy consisting of four ships; one medium AO, one
medium unidentified Maru, one SC type escort ahead
one larger PC type on starboard quarter of trailing
Maru. Seas: State six intermittent squalls, no moon,
high winds.
Ship(s) sunk:
1 Medium AO,
Ship(5) Damaged or Probably sunki
None
1
Damage determined by: The Commanding Officer and O.O.D. saw flames and
explosion of one hit; heard explosion of second
torpedo. Two hits timed by conning tower and
torpedo room at 2 minutes 4 seconds and second at
2 minutes and 13 seconds at proper torpedo run.
Radar reported pip getting smaller finally dis-
appearing at about 5000 yards and never picked up
again. Counted only three remaining pips.
Target | Draft | Course | Speed | Range (At firing)
1 Medium AO | 10' | 310 | 8 | 1900
Own Ship Data
Course | Speed | Depth
000 | 12.5 | Surface
Type Attack:
Night surface radar follow up from attack #2
at ship astern of leading escort. Fired three
stern tubes, depth set 3 feet, 90 S. track,
average range 1900 yards, divergent spread 1 1/2°.
40° right gyro. Depth charges dropped indiscriminate-
ly. One escort proceeded to search for us through
East and North. One escort large PC type staying
in vicinity of remaining Maru. We were never sighted
by targets.
ENCLOSURE (A)
-27-

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U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

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U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(H) ATTACK DATA.
                                            Torpedo Attack No. 6
                                            (Continued)
                                                                Patrol No. 2

Type Attack:
Continued:                  generated range of 1500 yards when actually the
                            range must have been around 1900. Second torpedo
                            hit target after 1 minute 59.seconds run. J.P.
                            sound bearings from about 6000 yards
                            range until time of firing.

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 34 -

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U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS CONT'D.

(3) Auxiliary Engine.

While the following defect is not a major one and was corrected
on patrol, it is felt that it should be brought to the attention of
Fairbanks Morse Engine personnel.

[HANDWRITTEN: W] After 630 engine hours, #1 compression ring of #2 lower piston
of auxiliary engine (BuShips Dwg. No. 81223-S41-717 Pc. 18) cracked
allowing about half of the Gold Seal insert to drop out and be ground
up by piston action. As the other compression rings were found to
be stuck and badly worn, it is believed that the small filings
from the missing Gold Seal insert possibly were forced past the
rings and into the sump. The first indication of trouble was the
discovery of the metal filings in the lubricating oil purifiers.
All rings were renewed and sump was cleaned and filled with clean
oil.

(4) Main Vent Operating Gear.

The main vent operating gear is absolutely too noisy in operation.
Whenever main vents and bow buoyancy vent are opened or closed the
ensuing metallic banging noise is terrific. The hydraulic lines have
been vented religiously this patrol, and the noise definitely does not
emanate entirely from an air-bound hydraulic line. It is believed that
the vent valve disc is possibly opening too far and striking the metal
casing which surrounds it. The entire boat shakes every time the vents
are operated. This condition should be corrected before next patrol.

(5) Periscopes.

Since the start of the first patrol, the periscopes have not
been entirely satisfactory. During first patrol, continual loss of
pressure with internal fogging made both scopes almost unusable. A
depth charging caused dust particles to be shaken loose and scattered
over lenses causing specks in field of #2 scope. Some foreign matter
in scope bearings also scored the barrels of both scopes rather
deeply. During last refit, Midway gave both scopes a complete overhaul,
cleaning internal optics, adjusting barrels, and repacking and tightening
all glands. On the second patrol, the pressures held in both scopes,
but in spite of this they were not clear, having a very cloudy field.
#2 scope still has a number of dust specks scattered about its field.
#1 scope barrel has developed numerous new scratches or scores
indicating that bearings are not yet clear of some form of grit. No
major troubles have been experienced with salt water leak through
packing.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 96 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397).

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 97 —
CONFIDENTIAL
- Subject:
-
(U) REMARKS.
:
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397). Report of Second War Patrol.
(1) Mk, 18 Torpedoes. A full load of Mk. 18 torpedoes were carried
again this patrol. Charging straps installed last refit, solved the problem
of shifting fish for maintainance. It seems that Torpedo Shop, Submarine
Base, Midway delivered us torpedoes that were in extremely poor condition,
even though we were greatly hurried in loading and departing from that
base. Some items noted were as follows:
(a) Almost all torpedoes had vent plugs corroded and frozen.
One vent plug was so bad, it had to be drilled out.
(b) One torpedo was missing hydrogen eliminator filament.
(c) Two torpedoes were missing filament and disc, having no
more than two bare leads under hand hole plates which
were secured with ordinary spiders.
(d) One torpedo was minus tail clamp for eliminator lead.
(e) Two torpedoes had oversized charging socket guide plugs.
It is realized that the above items are minor in nature, but it is
believed that they should be found and corrected in the base shop prior
to delivery or if base work load is too great, at least mention made to
ship's torpedo officer that condition exists at time of delivery aboard.
The performance of the Mk. 18 Torpedoes were satisfactory. No
end of run explosions were encountered, and no low order detonation
was experienced. The following suggestions are offered:
(a) Replace fibre gasket on gyro clamp plate with rubber gasket.
(b) Solder small lugs on hydrogen eliminator lead ends to
facilitate threading lead through stuffing box and allow
better connection at connection box.
(2) Life Guard Duty. The following suggestions apply to Life Guard Duty
for B-29 Strikes in Empire Areas:
(a) If possible communication frequency should be changed, because
Japs use same frequency and are so noisy it is almost
impossible to get dope on Posit of downed planes.
(b) After strike starts, planes should turn on I.F.F. Some B-29
pilots do this, but the majority do not. As we could not
sight some B-29's at 7 miles, it is a great comfort to have such
pips answering I.F.F.
ENCLOSURE (A)
-43-

— page 98 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

(U) REMARKS (CONT'D.)

(c) If possible, submarine should have knowledge of approximate
    number of planes in strike, or if not that, some signal from
    last group of planes over target indicating strike is over
    and last planes are headed home. With this information, a
    sub. would feel a lot easier about leaving station to chase
    a doubtful contact reported down 60 or 70 miles distant.

(d) Exact information as to number of planes missing should be
    given sub. as soon as possible after "Tail End Charlie"
    arrives back at base. This would prevent sub. searching
    all night for a doubtful contact in a very rough sea,
    when in reality all planes had returned to base early
    in the evening.

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 44 -

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— page 100 —
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Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

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U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.

— page 104 —
CONFIDENTIAL

U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second War Patrol.
[REDACTED SECTION]
RECEPTION TABLE

POSITION: 29-11-45 N., 139-54-15 E. DATE: 16 DECEMBER 1944.

Time        :Signal   :Signal
(GCT) : Frequency :(In DB's):Noise
                       :Strength :to
                       :Ratio
                       :Remarks
0300  4515 kc.    -       -     Unable to raise NPM.
0300  6045 kc.    -       4-1   Unable to raise NPM.
0300  9090 kc.    7       5-1   Stations in background strength 1 to 2.
0300  16730 kc.   18      5-1   Good reception.

0400  4515 kc.    0       1-1   NPM barely audible.
0400  6045 kc.    -5      2-1   Stations in background strength 3 to 4.
0400  9090 kc.    15      5-1   Good reception.
0400  16730 kc.   5       5-1   Good reception, fading slightly.

0500  4515 kc.    -5      1-1   NPM barely audible.
0500  6045 kc.    10      4-1   Good reception.
0500  9090 kc.    15      2-1   Stations in background strength 3 to 4.
0500  16730 kc.   0       3-1   Slight fading.

0600  4515 kc.    0       1-1   Stations in background strength 2.
                                Fading slightly.
0600  6045 kc.    5       3-1   Fair reception. Slight noise in background.
0600  9090 kc.    17      5-1   Good reception.
0600  16730 kc.   -5      2-1   Signal weak and fading.

0700  4515 kc.    12      5-1   Stations in background strength 1 to 2.
0700  6045 kc.    20      5-1   Very good reception.
0700  9090 kc.    19      5-1   Good signal, fading slightly.
0700  16730 kc.   5       3-1   Good clear signal, fading slightly.

0800  4515 kc.    10      4-1   Stations in background strength 1.
0800  6045 kc.    18      5-1   Very good signal.
0800  9090 kc.    18      5-1   Good signal, fading slightly.
0800  16730 kc.   8       3-1   Clear signal, fading slightly.

0900  4515 kc.    15      3-1   Fair signal, fading. Station
                                Interfering strength 4.
0900  6045 kc.    19      3-1   Good signal, CW & WCW Interference S-5.
0900  9090 kc.    18      3-1   Good signal, MCW interference S-4.
0900  16730 kc.   -       -     Unable to hear NPM.

1000  4515 kc.    14      3-1   Fair signal, fading. Station
                                Interfering strength 4.
1000  6045 kc.    19      4-1   Good signal, interfering CW & MCW S-4.
1000  9090 kc.    18      3-1   Good signal, CW & MCW strength 4.
1000  16730 kc.   -       -     Unable to hear NPM.

ENCLOSURE (C)

- 6 -

— page 106 —
FC5-10/A16-3
Serial 0282
CONFIDENTIAL
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TEN
Care of Fleet Post Office;
San Francisco, California,.
24 December 1944.
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO SCABBARDFISH Conf.
1tr. SS397/A16-3 Serial
(018) of 20 Dec. 1944.
From:
To:
Via:
Subject:
The Commander Submarine Squadron Ten.
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. SCABBARDFISH - Report of War Patrol No. Two.
1.
War Patrol Number Two of the U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH
was conducted in the NANPO SHOTO EMPIRE AREA. This patrol was of
forty-seven days duration of which twenty-se en were spent in the
area,
2.
Area coverage was excellent considering the life
guard duties which were for the most part in unproductive local-
ities.
3.
The following attacks were delivered:
ATTACK NO. 1 16 Nov. 1944:-This was a night surface radar
attack made against a single freighter escorted by one (1) P.C.
type, and three trawler type escorts. Freighter was identified
as similiar to UNYO MARU, #5 (EU). Four torpedoes were fired at.
a range of 2300 yards, resulting in one hit. The target was ob-
served to break in half and sink.
ATTACK NO. 2 21 Nov. 1944:-A night surface radar attack
against a convoy consisting of one (1) medium AO, one (1) medium
freighter and two P.C. type escorts. Contact was made at dusk,
and targets were tracked until moonset at 2100. Three tor pe do es
were fired at the leading escort, depth set three feet in state
#6 sea, range 1500 yards. All missed. Misses were probably due
to erratic runs in heavy seas, with shallow depth settings.
ATTACK NO. 3 immediately followed Attack No. 2:-The
SCABBARDFISH swung and fired three torpedoes from the stern tubes
at a medium AK on favorable track angles at a range of 1900 yards.
One hit was observed by the Commanding Officer, and the Officer of
the Deck, another timed hit was heard by personnel on the bridge
and below decks. This target was observed to grow smaller, and
it disappeared from the radar screen at a range of 5000 yards,
leaving three targets for the attacks that followed.

-1-

— page 109 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 2ND Copy]
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
[STAMP: RECEIVED S-C FILES] Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial 0 17 [STAMP: 230 Room 2056] San Francisco, California,
[STAMP: ROUTE TO 13 JAN 1945] 5 January 1945.
CONFIDENTIAL
[STAMP: Op File No. (06)]
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to [STAMP: Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 150414]]
SCABBARD FISH Report of [STAMP: Copy No. [HANDWRITTEN: 397]] NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
Second War Patrol. DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 627.
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH - Second War Patrol.

[STAMP: Office of the Chief of Naval Operations]
[STAMP: FLEET MAINTENANCE]
From: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet. [STAMP: 13 JAN 1945]
Via : The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
[STAMP: RECEIVED]
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Second [UNCLEAR: War]
Patrol (2 November to 20 December 1944). [STAMP: NAVY DEPARTMENT]

1. The second war patrol of the SCABBARD FISH under command
of Commander F.A. Gunn, USN, was conducted in the Empire -- Nanpo
Shoto areas. The SCABBARD FISH also provided lifeguard services as well
as performing an offensive patrol.

2. Despite heavy seas and bad weather, the SCABBARD FISH
maintained excellent area coverage throughout this patrol. Four con-
tacts worthy of torpedo fire were made, and three were developed into
attacks. In the six aggressive attacks conducted, one AK, one AO,
and one SS (I-365) were sunk and another AK damaged. Recovery of a survivor
from the I-365 provided positive identification of this target.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratu-
lates the commanding officer, officers, and crew of the SCABBARD FISH
for this aggressive and successful patrol. It is possible that the
I-365 was the submarine which sank the John A. Johnson in Pacific
waters in late October, and ruthlessly shelled survivors in the water
and lifeboat. If this is true, then their destruction by the SCABBARD-
FISH was a fitting end for such a barbarous crew. The SCABBARD FISH is
credited with having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy
during this patrol:

S U N K

1 - Small AK (UNYO Maru No. 5 - 2,100 tons (Attack No. 1)
Type) (EC)
1 - Medium AO (EU) - 5,000 tons (Attack No. 3)
1 - SS (I-365) (EC) - 1,500 tons (Attack No. 6)

TOTAL SUNK 8,600 tons

371 - 1 -

— page 110 —
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch
FF12-10/A16-3(15)
Care of Fleet Post Office,
Serial, 017 San Francisco, California,
3 January 1945.

CONFIDENTIAL

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

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 627.
Patrol Commander's Second War Patrol.

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Second War
Patrol (2 November to 20 December 1944).

— page 111 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

SS397/A16-3

Serial (06)
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
CONFIDENTIAL
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED BY OPO9GA DATE 6/14/72]
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.

From : The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397).
To : The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
    (1) The Administrative Division Commander.
    (2) The Administrative Squadron Commander.
    (3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
    (4) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of War Patrol
         Number THREE.

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

1. Enclosure (A) covering the Third War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Luzon Straits Area from January 23 to February 11, 1945,
and in the East and Northeast Formosa Area from February 11, 1945 to
March 1, 1945 is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. A. Gunn]
F. A. GUNN.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 113253]

— page 112 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 113 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

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U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 116 —
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:

31 January 1945 (Cont'd.)

2035       SD contact 11 miles closing. Dove (Plane Contact #21). Night
           is bright moonlight.
2130       Surfaced.

1 February 1945

0459       Dove for submerged patrol.
1801       Surfaced.
1830       Received Comsubpac 010848 concerning downed pilot. We are due
           North of his position. Changed course and speed to close position.
2046       SD contact 8 miles closing. Dove. (Plane Contact #22).
2208       Surfaced. Bright moonlight, smooth sea, good visibility.
2213       Commenced search curve for 2 knots, for courses between 290° (T),
           to 020° (T).

2 February 1945

0020       Another star fix shows set 000° (T), drift 2.5 knots. Searched
           along North and South line again from position reported down, and
           thence to eastward. Have SJ interference bearing 311° (T).
           Presumably PLAICE also searching.
0405       SD contact 5 miles closing. Dove (Plane Contact #23). Weather
           is changing, winds increasing with rough sea.
0452       Surfaced. Resumed search along North and South line. After
           torpedo room reported three distant explosions.
0633       SD contact 4 miles closing. Dove. (Plane Contact #24).
           Commenced submerged patrol along North and South line from aviator's
           downed position. Have no hope of sighting aviator in this weather.
1809       Surfaced. Discontinued search for aviator.
2120       SD contact 8 miles. Dove. (Plane Contact #25)
2222       Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE "A"
                                                                 - 5 -
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 117 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

2 February 1945 (Cont'd.)
2306 SJ and SD contact 4 miles. Dove. (Plane Contact #26).

3 February 1945
0115 Surfaced.
0605 Dove.
0800 Sighted [UNCLEAR: bily] type Jap plane through scope. (Plane Contact #27).
1823 Surfaced. Sent 031342.
2103 AFR contact 530 megacycles. Keyed SD. Contact at 8 miles closing.
     Dove. (Plane Contact #28).
2243 Surfaced.
2245 Sent SCABBARD FISH Serial #1 regarding negative results on search
     for downed aviator. Received PLAICE orders joining us with "Joe's
     Jugheads", and to patrol pass between CALAYAN and DALUPIRI Islands.

4 February 1945
0052 Radar contact on CALAYAN Islands.
0200 Commenced patrol across pass.
0603 Dove. Conducting submerged patrol.
1832 Surfaced. Patrolling pass.

5 February 1945
0318 SD and SJ contact 6 miles. Dove. (Plane Contact #29).
0445 Surfaced.
0558 Dove. Conducting submerged patrol across pass.
1840 Surfaced.

6 February 1945
0553 Dove. Submerged patrol across pass. Seas very rough.

ENCLOSURE "A"
- 6 -

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U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 121 —
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.
17 February 1945
0055
SJ contact on plane at 4,000 yards. Dove. (Plane Contact #46).
0144
Surfaced.
0555
Dove. Patrolling between SUO WAN and KARENKO.
1903
Surfaced.
18 February 1945
0200
Received orders from PLAICE to patrol lifeguard station in
accordance with Comsubspac 171151, Serial #69.
0205
APR contact steady on, at saturation. Dove. (Plane Contact #47).
0247
Surfaced with big port list. Check showed #2 vents sluggish
and slightly opened. Greased thoroughly, and at
0450
Dove to test all vents. After short workout all vents operated
satisfactorily. Our greasing schedule has been sadly neglected
this patrol due to absence of calm seas in this area..
0513
Surfaced. Vent now operates normally.
0800
Commenced lifeguard surface patrol in accordance with Comsubspac.
171151.
1305
Dove.
1855
Surfaced. Surface patrol between YONAKUNI Island and PEITAU KAKU.
19 February 1945
0649
Sighted Betty type Jap plane heading South. Dove. (Plane
Contact #48).
0301
Surfaced. Commenced lifeguard patrol.
0841
SD contact 8 miles. Dove. (Plane Contact #49).
0947
Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE "A"
- 10 -

— page 123 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 124 —
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject:
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.
27 February 1945 (Cont'd.)

40 MM, 20MM, and 50 Cal., whose fire was slightly erratic, but
did count about(8) eight 40MM hits, and numerous 20MM, and
50 Cal. hits. The lugger's machine gun fire was fairly accurate,
but only intermittent. Minimum range was about 2,400 yards.
With 40MM ammunition expended, 20MM experiencing a jam, and
lugger stopped, and smoking, decided to call off the gunnery
exercise. Gun's crews cleared deck just in time because at
0932 The 0.0.D. sighted a plane at about 5 miles, zero angle on bow,
which had not been picked up by SD radar. (Plane Contact #51).
At
0933 Dove to 200 feet.
0934 One bomb explosion not close.
1000 At periscope depth, our lugger still stopped and smoking, rest
of fishing fleet continuing to Northward, West of SENTO SHOSHO.
Continued periscope patrol. This, our first gun fight, was
disappointing, but the experience gained was very beneficial.
It also acted as a good tonic for entire crew, who, after an
entire patrol with not a single ship contact, was getting slightly
disgusted. The 5"/25 gun casualty was later determined to be a
broken firing pin, the casualty being incorrectly diagnosed dur-
ing the action. The cause of the firing pin breaking has not
been determined.
1855 Surfaced. Checked all guns and greased them thoroughly.

28 February 1945
0540 Dove. Submerged patrol off SENTO SHOSHO.
1853 Surfaced.
2030 Received Comsubspac 280537, Serial #3 directing SCABBARDFISH
to leave station at sunset 1 March.
2252 Received orders from PLAICE to patrol station fifteen miles
North of ISHIGAKI SHIMA. PLAICE taking station off harbor
of NAGURA WAN.
ENCLOSURE "A" - 13 -

— page 125 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 126 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 127 —
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 128 —
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 129 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 130 —
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.

NO. | TIME & DATE | LAT. & LONG. | TYPE(S) | INIT. RANGE | EST.CSC. & SPEED | HOW CON- TACTED | REMARKS
----|||||||
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**Header:**
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

**Main Body:**
CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.

NO. | TIME & DATE | LAT. & LONG. | TYPE(S) | INIT. RANGE | EST.CSC. & SPEED | HOW CON- TACTED | REMARKS
----|||||||
```
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS.

NO. | TIME & | LAT. & | TYPE(S) | INIT. | EST.CSC. | HOW CON- | REMARKS
    | DATE   | LONG.  |         | RANGE | & SPEED  | TACTED   |
----||||-------|||

— page 131 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

NO. | TIME
& DATE | LAT.
& LONG. | TYPE(S) | INIT.
RANGE
& SPEED | EST.CSC. | HOW CON-
T ACTED | REMARKS
1. | 1234(K)
24 Jan | 15-17
141-11 | 2 eng.
bomber | 14
miles
200 | 090°
200 | SD | Did not answer IFF.
Dove to 150 feet.
2. | 1557(I)
26 Jan | 15-07
130-20 | unknown | 12
miles
200 | 030°
200 | Sight | Dove.
3. | 1925(I)
27 Jan | 15-08
130-17 | unknown | 10
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
4. | 0540(I)
28 Jan | 16-26
123-02 | unknown | 9
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
5. | 1424(H)
28 Jan | 18-26
123-01 | unknown | 10
miles
150 | 270°
150 | Sight | Dove.
6. | 1527(H)
28 Jan | 18-23
123-01 | BETTY | 12
miles
150 | 270°
150 | Sight | Dove.
7. | 2030(H)
28 Jan | 19-00
122-30 | unknown | 32
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove to 150 feet.
8. | 2202(H)
28 Jan | 19-25
122-20 | unknown | 19
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
9. | 0405(H)
29 Jan | 19-38
121-33 | unknown | 5
miles
-- | -- | SD&SJ | Dove.
10. | 1617(H)
29 Jan | 19-55
121-08 | BETTY | 6
miles
200 | 180°
200 | PER. | Submerged Patrol.
11. | 1943(H)
29 Jan | 20-30
120-14 | unknown | 18
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove at 10 miles.
12. | 2135(H)
29 Jan | 20-33
120-30 | unknown | 14
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove at 12 miles.
13. | 2320(H)
29 Jan | 20-35
120-40 | unknown | 12
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
14. | 0135(H)
30 Jan | 20-36
121-00 | unknown | 18
miles
-- | -- | SJ
SD | Dove at 5,250 yards.
15. | 1612(H)
30 Jan | 20-41
121-10 | BETTY | 8
miles
200 | 180°
200 | PER. | Submerged patrol.
16. | 1828(H)
30 Jan | 20-37
120-53 | unknown | 12
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
17. | 2043(H)
30 Jan | 20-30
120-27 | unknown | 14
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
18. | 2100(H)
30 Jan | 20-25
120-26 | unknown | 11
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
19. | 2302(H)
30 Jan | 20-25
120-31 | unknown | 12
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
20. | 0425(H)
31 Jan | 20-23
121-12 | unknown | 14
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
21. | 2035(H)
31 Jan | 20-38
121-15 | unknown | 11
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
22. | 2046(H)
1 Feb | 20-13
120-56 | unknown | 8
miles
-- | -- | SD | Dove.
23. | 0405(H)
2 Feb | 20-36
121-02 | unknown | 5
miles
-- | -- | SD
SJ | Dove.

ENCLOSURE "A"
- 20 -

— page 132 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd.)

NO. | TIME & DATE | LAT. & LONG. | TYPE(S) | INIT. RANGE | EST.CSC. & SPEED | HOW CONTACTED | REMARKS
----|||||||
24. | 0633(H)     | 20-30        | unknown | 4 miles     | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 2 Feb       | 121-06       |         |             |                 |               |
25. | 2120(H)     | 20-27        | unknown | 8 miles     | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 2 Feb       | 120-28       |         |             |                 |               |
26. | 2305(H)     | 20-24        | unknown | 4 miles     | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 2 Feb       | 120-24       |         |             |                 | SJ            |
27. | 0800(H)     | 19-40        | LILY    | 8 miles     | 180° / 150      | PER.          | Submerged patrol.
    | 3 Feb       | 120-35       |         |             |                 |               |
28. | 2103(H)     | 20-20        | unknown | 8 miles     | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 3 Feb       | 120-32       |         |             |                 |               |
29. | 0318(H)     | 19-15        | unknown | 6 miles     | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 5 Feb       | 121-05       |         |             |                 | SJ            |
30. | 0653(H)     | 19-30        | MAVIS   | 10 miles    | 000° / 150      | PER.          | Submerged patrol.
    | 6 Feb       | 121-10       |         |             |                 |               |
31. | 2025(H)     | 19-12        | unknown | 12 miles    | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 6 Feb       | 121-00       |         |             |                 |               |
32. | 0025(H)     | 19-18        | unknown | 4 miles     | --              | SJ            | Dove.
    | 7 Feb       | 121-02       |         |             |                 |               |
33. | 0505(H)     | 19-13        | unknown | 11 miles    | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 7 Feb       | 121-03       |         |             |                 |               |
34. | 1533(H)     | 19-17        | Five(5) B-24's | 10 miles | 180° / 180      | PER           | Submerged patrol.
    | 7 Feb       | 121-06       |         |             |                 |               |
35. | 2001(H)     | 19-26        | unknown | 10 miles    | --              | SJ            | Dove.
    | 7 Feb       | 121-20       |         |             |                 |               |
36. | 2158(H)     | 19-15        | unknown | 7 miles     | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 7 Feb       | 121-06       |         |             |                 |               |
37. | 1045(H)     | 19-25        | Two(2) BETTYS | 8 miles | 150° / 180      | PER.          | Submerged patrol.
    | 8 Feb       | 121-10       |         |             |                 |               |
38. | 2024(H)     | 19-30        | unknown | 10 miles    | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 8 Feb       | 121-06       |         |             |                 |               |
39. | 0359(H)     | 19-07        | unknown | 10 miles    | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 9 Feb       | 121-02       |         |             |                 |               |
40. | 1207(H)     | 19-25        | Two(2) MAVIS  | 7 miles     | 180° / 180      | PER.          | Submerged patrol.
    | 9 Feb       | 120-53       |         |             |                 |               |
41. | 0055(H)     | 19-35        | unknown | 5 miles     | --              | SJ            | Dove.
    | 10 Feb      | 120-38       |         |             |                 |               |
42. | 2023(H)     | 19-14        | unknown | 9 miles     | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 10 Feb      | 120-28       |         |             |                 |               |
43. | 0310(H)     | 22-31        | unknown | 5 miles     | --              | SD            | Dove.
    | 12 Feb      | 121-40       |         |             |                 |               |
44. | 1442(H)     | 24-10        | unknown | 5 miles     | 270° / 150      | PER.          | Submerged patrol.
    | 13 Feb      | 121-45       |         |             |                 |               |
45. | 0045(H)     | 24-32        | unknown | unk.        | --              | APR           | Dove.
    | 16 Feb      | 121-47       |         |             |                 |               |
46. | 0055(H)     | 24-20        | unknown | 2 miles     | --              | SJ            | Dove.
    | 17 Feb      | 122-10       |         |             |                 |               |

ENCLOSURE "A"
- 21 -

— page 133 —
CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS (Cont'd.)

NO. | TIME & | LAT. & | TYPE(S) | INIT. | EST.CSC. | HOW CON- | REMARKS
| DATE | LONG. | | RANGE | & SPEED | TACTED |
| | | | | | | APR |
47. | 0205(H) | 24-37 | unknown | unk. | -- | -- | Dove.
| 18 Feb | 122-28 | | | | |
48. | 0649(H) | 24-47 | BETTY | 6 | 180° | Sight | Dove.
| 19 Feb | 122-24 | | miles | 150 | |
49. | 0341(H) | 24-40 | unknown | 8 | -- | SD | Dove.
| 19 Feb | 122-35 | | miles | | |
50. | 1133(H) | 24-49 | unknown | 14 | -- | SD | Dove.
| 19 Feb | 122-25 | | miles | | |
51. | 0933(H) | 25-45 | unknown | 5 | 080° | Sight | Dove.
| 27 Feb | 123-20 | | miles | 200 | |
52. | 1512(H) | 22-24 | unknown | 8 | -- | SD | Dove.
| 2 Mar | 123-30 | | miles | | |

ENCLOSURE "A"
- 22 -

— page 134 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 135 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 136 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397).
CONFIDENTIAL
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 137 —
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

— page 139 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.

[HANDWRITTEN: NRL]
[HANDWRITTEN: CRD] [HANDWRITTEN: 2-XTRAI]

(N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

All sound gear operated satisfactorily for most of patrol.
After about 400 hours of submerged operation, the conductor in the
cable leading to the JP hydrophone parted at the base, due to constant
twisting during operation. This break occurred too far in the tube
for splicing, keeping JP out of operation for the remaining one (1)
day on station.

The sound conditions encountered were good to fair. A
great variety of fish noises were encountered.

ENCLOSURE "A"
- 28 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 29]

— page 140 —
CONFIDENTIAL
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Patrol.
[HANDWRITTEN: HYDRO]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2-XTRA]
(O) DENSITY LAYERS.

During this patrol no dive was made greater than 200 feet,
and no exceptional density layers were encountered down to this depth.
B.T.G. cards were taken, but for the most part were isothermal, the
largest gradient observed was about 1.5° negative.

(P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY. [HANDWRITTEN: BUMED.]

The general health of the crew, while still good, was below
par of the first two patrols. This was undoubtedly due in part to the
great deal of time spent submerged this patrol. Total number of sick
days this patrol are as follows:

ESTELL, TM2c - DU (Jaundice Ac. Inf.) - 4 days
LARKHAM, EM2c - DU (Jaundice Ac. Inf.) - 1 day
MAILL, MoMM2c - Cat Fever - 2 days

Total Sick Days 7

The food was palatable and well prepared throughout the entire
patrol. The pastries made by R.D. SMITH, Bkr3c, U.S.N.R., were well
received and would do credit to "Mother".

Even though a great deal of the time on station was spent
submerged, the habitability of the boat was not too bad. While the
temporary air conditioning unit in forward battery compartment has
helped a great deal, the forward torpedo room is still
too warm for comfort on all day dives.

(Q) PERSONNEL.

(a) Number of men on board during patrol75
(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol64
(c) Number of qualified men at end of patrol67
(d) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol...7
(e) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol1

ENCLOSURE "A"

- 29 -

[HANDWRITTEN: 30]

— page 143 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION ONE HUNDRED THREE
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
17 March 1945

FB5-103/A16-3
Serial: 017
CONFIDENTIAL
FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CO SCABBARD FISH ltr.
SS397/A16-3 Ser:
( 06 ) of 17 March 1945.
Report of 3rd War Patrol.

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

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of War Patrol Number
THREE.

1. The third war patrol of the U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH was con-
ducted in the Luzon Straits Area between 23 January 1945 and 17 March 1945.
Thirty-three days were spent in the area, thirty-one submerged.

2. This patrol was characterized by absence of any possible
torpedo target, one gun action, non-productive lifeguard duty, and many
plane contacts both by sight and on the APR. The gun action took place on
27 February 1945 when a group of thirteen fishing luggers was encountered.
The battle surface was made rear one. Opened fire with five inch at 600
yards. After one shot, misfire. The range was closed and opened fire with
40MM, 20MM and 50 calibre. Finally, with 40MM ammunition expended, 20MM
jammed and the target stopped smoking, the commanding officer decided
to call off the action. This was fortunate because just as the guns'
crews had cleared the deck a plane was sighted at about 5 miles. As the
submarine passed 200 feet astern the lugger received one bomb. When last seen the
lugger was still smoking.

3. The SCABBARD FISH returned from patrol clean and ship-shape.
The refit will be accomplished at Pearl, and should be of routine duration.

4. The Division Commander regrets that the Japs did not furnish
targets and congratulates the commanding officer, officers and crew of
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH on their safe return from this arduous war patrol
punctuated by nerve-wracking plane contacts. The damage to the lugger
furnished valuable experience to the guns' crews which will be of great
value on future patrols.

[SIGNATURE: R. H. Benson]
R. H. BENSON.

— page 144 —
SUBMARINE SYVAPRON FOUR
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
20 March 1945.
11/jis

FC5-4/A16-3
Serial: 0233

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND LI DORSAT to
USS SCABEARDFISH (SS397)
Report of Third War Patrol

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

Subject:
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Third
War Fatrol.

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

2. The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR congrat-
ulates the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the U.S.S.
SCALEARDFISH upon completion of this patrol.

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

DALAGED
1 - LIS(LUGGER)-EC - 100 tons

[SIGNATURE: H. V. O'Regan]
W. V. O'REGAN.

— page 145 —
[HANDWRITTEN: F4254]
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
26 March 1945.
Fr: 10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 0632 [HANDWRITTEN: R-W94]
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to [HANDWRITTEN: 4-10-45.] NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
SCABBARD FISH Report of DESTROYED PRIOR TO
Third War Patrol. ENTERING PATROL AREA.
4 0925

COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 69
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH - 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. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Third War Pa-
trol (23 January to 17 March 1945).

1. The third war patrol of the SCABBARD FISH, under the
command of Commander F. A. Gunn, U.S. Navy, was conducted in the Luzon
Straits Area. The SCABBARD FISH conducted independent patrol, life-
guard duties, and operated in a coordinated attack group with the
commanding officer of the U.S.S. PLAICE (SS390) as group commander
during this patrol.

2. Unfortunately the SCABBARD FISH, with two successful
previous patrols to her credit, on this third patrol was afforded only
one opportunity to inflict damage upon the enemy. This contact, the
only one made during the patrol, was with a group of fishing luggers,
one of which was attacked by gun fire. Bad weather prevailed through-
out this patrol and many enemy aircraft contacts were made.

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

4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congra-
tulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for completion of
this arduous patrol and wishes them better luck next time. The
SCABBARD FISH is credited with having inflicted the following damage
upon the enemy during this patrol:

D A M A G E D
1 - MIS. (Lugger) (EC) 100 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)

[STAMP: FILMED] MERRILL COMSTOCK.
DISTRIBUTION: EXTRA - ORIGINAL
(Complete Reports) SORG. MICRO
Cominch (7)
CNO (5) CTG 71.9 (2) PHOTO-LAB OP-16
Cincpac (6) Comnorpac (1) RETURN TO F-4253
JICPOA (1) Comsubspac (3)
ADICPOA (1) ComsubspacAdComd (20)
Comservpac (1) SUBD, M (2)
Cinclant (1) ComsubspacSubordCom (3)
Comsubslnt (8) All Squadron and Div.
S/M School, NL (2) Commanders, Pacific (2) [SIGNATURE: E. L. HYNES, 2nd]
CO, S/M Base, PH (1) Subtrainpac (2) [SIGNATURE: Flag Secretary.]
Comsopac (2) All Submarines, Pacific (1)
Comsowespac (1)
Comsubsowespac (2)
[HANDWRITTEN: 35]

— page 146 —
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

SS397/A12
Serial ( 09 )
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[HANDWRITTEN: DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445, OPNAVINST 5510.1C]
BY [HANDWRITTEN: Opnabt] DATE [HANDWRITTEN: 6/14/72]

11 June 1945.

From: The Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397).
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY-ONE.
(2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT.
(3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397), Report of War Patrol Number FOUR.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the FOURTH War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea during the
period 14 April 1945 to 4 June 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. A. GUNN.]
F. A. GUNN.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILMED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 128206]

— page 147 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(A) PROLOGUE:

On 17 March 1945, arrived Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T. H., from
Third Patrol. Assigned to Submarine Division 103 for refit, and allowed four-
teen days for completion of refit. Having completed two successive advance base
refits, and having many new alterations to be accomplished, the Commanding Officer
believes that the fourteen days allowed was insufficient time for the necessary
work. This belief was borne out by the fact that work on new installations
carried well over into the training period.
Drydocked on 25 March 1945. Removed and took cut on both shafts
which had a pitted condition, and renewed both propellers, found out of balance,
in an attempt to reduce unsatisfactory noise level.
The following major work items were accomplished during this refit:
(a) T.D.M. and chemical recorder installed; (b) S.T. Radar installed; (c) Loran
installed; (d) Depth charge lower hatches on After Torpedo Room, After Engine
Room, After Battery Room installed; (e) New Portsmouth type Main Engine Sea
Suction Valves installed; (f) Additional stop valves in H.P. blow lines from
H.P. manifold to Bow Buoyancy, Safety, and Negative tanks installed; (g) Installed
speed and range halving device on T.D.C.; (h) Reduced perchlorate condition of
Gould main storage battery and adjusted cell gravities to within required limits;
(i) Shifted J.P. sound gear from starboard to port, but did not complete
installation of mechanical training gear.
On 1 April 1945, refit was completed, and officers and crew returned
from rest and recreation center. Completed training period on 11 April 1945,
having fired a total of 14 exercise torpedoes for two ACTUAL hits on U.S.S. RAY
and U.S.S. FLORIKAN.
Transferred Lieut. Comdr. H. A. THOMPSON, U.S.N., Executive Officer,
to Submarine Division 103; Lieutenant R. L. DENTON, U.S.N.R., Engineer and Div-
ing Officer to U.S.S. SEARAVEN; and Ensign W. R. VANGEN, U.S.N.R., Assistant
Electrical Officer to U.S.S. TAUTOG. The following unqualified officers reported
aboard for duty: Lt.(jg) H. F. DALEY, Jr., U.S.N.R., and Ensign R. G. NEWBY,
U.S.N. Readiness for sea date 14 April 1945.

(B) NARRATIVE:

OFFICERS:
| NAME & RANK | DUTIES | TOTAL WAR PATROLS |
|---|---|---|
| Comdr. F. A. GUNN, U.S.N. | Commanding. | 11 |
| Lieut. C. M. ESLER, Jr., U.S.N. | Executive Officer. | 4 |
| Lieut. H. W. PALMER, U.S.N.R. | C. & R. Officer. | 4 |
| Lieut. J. "B" MILLER, U.S.N.R. | Torp. & Gun Officer. | 4 |
| Lt.(jg) J. H. BARNARD, U.S.N.R. | Electrical Officer. | 4 |
| Lt.(jg) H. F. DALEY, Jr., U.S.N.R. | Commsy., & Asst. C. & R. | 1 |
| Ensign J. B. HALL, U.S.N. | Communication & Radar | 11 |
| Ensign R. G. NEWBY, U.S.N. | T.D.C. & Asst. Gunnery. | 1 |
| Mach. M. G. HANSEN, U.S.N. | Engineering Officer. | 9 |

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 1 -

— page 148 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS

NAME                 RATE    SERVICE NUMBER        TOTAL WAR PATROLS
J. J. WALL           CRM     212 50 92, USN        4
P. D. BYORK          CPhM    234 31 19, USN        4
B. GRIFFIN           CMoMM   262 33 37, USN        10
C. D. JEWELL         CTm     232 59 66, USN        8
E. H. DRESCHLER      CMoMM   268 37 66, USN        9

14 April 1945:

1300(W)      Underway from S/M Base, P.H.T.H. enroute Guam in company with escort
             FC #487 in accordance with ComSubSPacAdComd OpOrd #63-A-45.

1510(W)      Set course for Guam.

1930(W)      Released escort.

15 April 1945:

0640(W)      Dived for trim and training.

0715(W)      Surfaced.

1000(W)      Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone plus 10 1/2 time.

1200(WX)     Lat. 20 - 59.5 N., Long. 163 - 17.0 W.

1500(WX)     Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone plus 11 time.

16 April 1945:

1200(X)      Lat. 21 - 45.7 N., Long. 169 - 14.0 W.

1300(X)      Exercised Fire Control Party with problem.

1715(X)      Dived for trim and training.

1815(X)      Surfaced.

17 April 1945:

1000(X)      Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone plus 11 1/2 time.

1012(XY)     Dived for trim and training.

ENCLOSURE (A)                                - 2 -

— page 149 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

17 April 1945 (Cont'd.)
1100(XY) Surfaced.
1200(XY) Lat. 22 - 34.6 N., Long. 174 - 23.1 W.
1424(XY) Dived for training.
1509(XY) Surfaced. Conducted fire control problem.
1800(XY) Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone plus 12 time.

18 April 1945:
0800(Y) Enroute Guam commenced routine of Mk. 18-2 Torpedoes.
1200(Y) Lat: 22 - 27.9 N., Long. 179 - 58.2 W.
1230(Y) Crossed international date line, cancelled one day. Zone minus
         12 time.

19 April 1945:
1500(M) Conducted fire control problem.

20 April 1945:
1200(M) Lat. 21 - 42.6 N., Long. 174 - 17.4 E.
1400(M) Completed routine of Mk. 18-2 torpedoes.
1615(M) Dived for training.
1642(M) Surfaced.
1700(M) Conducted fire control problem.

21 April 1945:
0555(M) Intermittent SJ radar interference bearing 260° (T).
0605(M) Attempted exchange recognition signals over SJ, results negative.
0710(M) Radar interference faded out bearing 105° (T).

ENCLOSURE (A)

- 3 -

— page 150 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)
21 April 1945 (Cont'd.)
0920(M) Dived for training.
0946(11) Surfaced.
1200(萬) Lat. 21 - 05.3 N., Long. 168 - 07.0 E.
1400(M) Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone minus 11½ time.
1530 (LM) Dived for training.
1616(LM) Surfaced.
1800 (LM) Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone minus 1l time.
22 April 1945:
1019(L) Dived for training.
1056(L) Surfaced.
1200(L) Lat. 19- 59.6 N., Long. 162 - 21.1 E.
1302(L) Dived for training.
1335(L) Surfaced.
1624(L) Dived for training.
1700(L) Surfaced.
23 April 1945:
1200(L) Lat. 19 - 03.5 N., Long. 157 - 08.8 E.
24 April 1945:
1016(L) Dived for training.
1048(L) Surfaced.
1200(L) Lat. 17 - 53.4 N., Long. 152 - 03.4 Ε.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 4 -

— page 151 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)
24 April 1945 (Cont'd.)
1400(L) Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone minus 10 1/2 time.
1439(LK) Dived for training.
1518(LK) Surfaced.
1745(LK) Dived for training.
1800(LK) Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone minus 10 time.
1745(K) Surfaced.
2105(K) SJ radar interference bearing 260° (T).
2135(K) Exchanged recognition signals with Eastbound U.S.S. FLOUNDER (SS251).

25 April 1945:
0620(K) Sighted Eastbound U.S. Submarine bearing 187° (T) with high
periscope. Results of SJ recognition, negative.
0646(K) Sighted second Eastbound U.S. Submarine bearing 228° (T). Results
of SJ recognition, negative. Believe these submarines to be the
U.S.S. ROCK and U.S.S. SKIPJACK.
1050(K) Sighted SARIGAN Island and ANATAHAN Island bearing 263° (T) and
230° (T) respectively.
1132(K) Dived for training and check for leaks at test depth.
1200(K) Lat. 16 - 48.0 N., Long. 146 - 05. E.
1300(K) Surfaced.
2105(K) Exchanged recognition with friendly P.B.M.

26 April 1945:
0545(K) Sighted and exchanged recognition with escort, DD 375, and set
course for Guam.
0910(K) Moored starboard side to U.S.S. SANDLANCE in nest alongside
U.S.S. HOLLAND at Apra Harbor, Guam. Commenced voyage repairs.

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 5 -

— page 152 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

27 and 28 April 1945:
    Undergoing voyage repairs alongside U.S.S. HOLLAND.

29 April 1945:
    Alongside U.S.S. HOLLAND undergoing voyage repairs.
1200(K) Held party in honor of U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH's first birthday.
        No AC's, no WAVES, no CANDIE, but cake was excellent.
1504(K) Underway enroute patrol area.
1545(K) Joined escort, DD 365.
1744(K) Dived for trim.
1758(K) Surfaced.
1845(K) Released escort. Set course for patrol area.

30 April 1945:
1000(K) Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone minus 9 1/2 time.
1200(IK) Lat. 15 - 26.0 N., Long. 142 - 04. E.
1400(IK) Set ship's clocks back 1/2 hour to Zone minus 9 time.

1 MAY 1945: (All Times are "ITEM" unless shown otherwise.)
0918 Exchanged recognition signal with friendly B-17.
1200 Lat. 19 - 22 N., Long. 137 - 22 E.
1940 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. TRUTTA.
2156 SJ radar interference bearing 040° (T). Attempted recognition
        by SJ, results negative.
2340 Interference faded out bearing 165° (T).

ENCLOSURE (A)

— page 153 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

2 May 1945:

1112 SD contact on plane 20 miles, no I.F.F.
1117 Dived for plane and training.
1200 Lat. 25 - 16 N., Long. 137 - 37 E.
1204 Surfaced.
1600 Received ComSubPac 020125 directing rendezvous with SENNET.

3 May 1945:

0523 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. SENNET by SJ.
0555 Received SENNET'S E.C.M. and associated publications. Exchanged
       movies and mail via rubber boat.
0600 Sent SCABBARDFISH First to ComSubPac.
0750 Plane contact on SJ radar, 6 miles, no I.F.F. Dived.
0810 Surfaced.
1000 Received ComSubPac 022316 assigning life guard duties and station.
1200 Lat. 28 - 45 N., Long. 137 - 18 E.
1920 Received ComSubPac 030444 changing life-guard station. Set course
       for new station.

4 May 1945:

0626 Sighted floating mine Lat. 30° - 29 ' N., Long. 135° - 14' E.
       Sank mine expending two magazines 20 MM ammunition. Mine did not
       explode.
0630 Received ComSubPac 031319 directing search for life rafts and
       survivors at 29 - 22 N., 133 - 33 E.
0918 Sighted floating mine Lat. 30° - 05' N., Long. 134° - 25' E.
       Took 5 minutes off to sink mine, expending one magazine 20 MM.
       ammunition. Mine exploded with great flash but low order
       detonation. Fragments of case almost reached the bridge.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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— page 154 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

4 May 1945 (Cont'd.)

0923 Resumed course for life rafts at flank speed.

1200 Lat. 29 - 30 N., Long. 133 - 45 E.

1222 Sighted B-29 bearing 355° (T) circling low over water. Changed
course to 355° (T).

1315 Exchanged recognition signals with B-29 (OILY BOID).

1405 Brought aboard three (3) survivors from ditched B-29 (CITY OF
DALLAS). Each man was in a one man life raft, and had been in
water since afternoon 3 May 1945. The survivors were:
Sgt. R. V. MAROLEWSKI, Tech. Sgt. E. W. OWNEY, and Sgt. W. H.
MUCHKIVCH. All from plane Kingbird 7 of Squadron 28 of Group
19. MUCHKIVCH had sustained a compound fracture of lower left
leg and was suffering from severe shock and loss of blood.
PhM. U.S. Navy, deserves much credit for saving
this man's life as he was failing rapidly. Blood plasma and
morphine brought him back in short order.

1438 B-29 sighted a man not sighted previously and dropped smoke float.

1442 Brought aboard another survivor of Kingbird 7, 2nd Lt. D. E. VEZEAU,
U.S.A.A.F., who had been in water with only a MAE WEST since time
of ditching. This officer was hauled aboard with a 10 foot shark
running him a very close second. So close, in fact, that a rifle
is now kept in conning tower at all times.

1443 Flank speed headed for last survivor.

1519 Brought aboard the last survivor of Kingbird 7, Sgt. J. T. KIMBELL
who was alone in a large raft.

1522 Dumbo departed for base due to shortage of gas. Continued search
of area for other six (6) survivors two (2) of whom were known
to be dead. Kingbird 7 had to ditch after raid on East KONOHA
Airfield when some flak ruptured their gas transfer system.

1844 Sent SCABBARDFISH Second to ComSubPac.

2200 Received ComSubPac 041203 designating rendezvous with U.S.S. PICUDA
for transfer of survivors.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

5 May 1945:

0000         Searching area for B-29 survivors.

0459         Dived for trim and training.

0526         Surfaced.

0921         SD plane contact, 5 miles, no I.F.F., no sight contact.

0922         Dived to 100 feet.

1021         Surfaced. Commenced search for other survivors of Kingbird 7
             without benefit of Dumbo.

1200         Lat. 30 - 07 N., Long. 134 - 10 E.

1418         Sighted much debris from Kingbird 7, but no further survivors.

1522         Received word from Dumbo who was assigned to ATULE that he was
             circling life raft with one survivor at 29 - 42 N., 133 - 33 E.
             Headed for position at flank speed.

1641         Dumbo notified us that he was departing for base due to fuel
             shortage. Neither raft nor Dumbo was in sight at this time.

1705         Sighted formation of B-29's headed South after KYUSHU raid.
             Contacted them and asked for help in search for raft. One plane
             Kingbird 2, helped search for very short time only due to gas
             shortage, then departed for base. No results.

1840         Arrived at reported position of raft, and commenced search for
             raft. Covered area thoroughly throughout night firing green
             flare every 4 miles during search. Fired total of 26 green flares
             during night. No results.

2355         Sent SCABBARD FISH Third to ComSubPac.

6 May 1945:

0410         Secured firing flares and night search plan. Set course for
             rendezvous with PICUDA.

0833         Dived for trim, training, and SD contact at 10 miles, no I.F.F.

0908         Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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— page 156 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

6 May 1945 (Cont'd.)

0955 Sighted floating mine Lat. 29 - 44 N., Long 133 - 30 E. Lost
      contact with mine in rough sea, and decided against searching
      for it.

1050 Sighted PICUDA bearing 201° (T) distance 6 miles. Sea condition
      not good for transfer of survivors, decided to wait for sea to
      calm down slightly.

1200 Lat. 29 - 40 N., Long. 133 - 31 E.

1330 Decided sea was not going to get better, so closed PICUDA for
      transfer operations.

1350 Completed transfer of 3 able bodied Zoomies. Got too close to
      PICUDA's screws, so pulled away for another approach.

1444 Completed transfer of one able bodied and one broken legged
      Zoomie. Heaved big sigh of relief. Bid PICUDA "God-speed" to
      Top of the Mark, and pulled clear.

1600 Sea condition improved commenced searching area for life raft
      with survivor.

1944 Sent SCABBARD FISH Fourth to ComSubPac.

7 May 1945:

0437 Saturation pip on APR, 146 mcs., pulse rate 1000. Decided it must
      be something Japanese.

0506 SJ plane contact 347° (T), 6 miles, closing.

0507 Sighted plane, not a B-29, coming in. Dived to 150 feet.

0508 1st. Depth bomb - close and very loud.

0509 2nd. Depth bomb - At 200 feet close and very loud.

0510 3rd. Depth bomb - at 300 feet close and loud.

0511 4th. Depth bomb - at 300 feet close and loud. No more bombs. Only
      damage sustained: SCABBARD FISH picture knocked off Wardroom bulkhead.
      After consultation with lookouts and O.O.D., decided plane was most
      likely a "KATE". Guess we have been in this one spot too long.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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— page 157 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

7 May 1945 (Cont'd.)

0710 Surfaced, all clear except one B-29, with I.F.F. at 14 miles.

0820 Exchanged recognition with plane #49, Boxkite 15 which was our
     DUMBO. Tried to get him to help search, but was informed that he
     had an independent search plan, after which he dis-appeared.
     Sighted him at intervals throughout morning.

1030 Set course for rendezvous with U.S.S. SPRINGER for transfer of E.C.M.

1120 Exchanged recognition with SPRINGER.

1150 Completed transfer of E.C.M., mail, and one spare belt for Sharpless
     hub oil purifier to U.S.S. SPRINGER. Congratulated Skipper on his
     new arrival (a boy!), and pulled clear.

1200 Lat. 29 - 43 N., Long. 133 - 16 E.

1444 Sent SCABBARD FISH Fifth to ComSubPac.

1530 Received ComSubPac 070412 assigning SCABBARD FISH to Lewis' Legions
     in Area Twelve.

2025 Commenced converting #4 F.B.T.

2200 Completed conversion of #4 F.B.T. Set course for operating area.

2210 Exchanged SJ radar recognition signal with U.S.S. DRAGONET (SS293)
     bearing 170° (T). Closed DRAGONET and received orders and area
     assignment.

2330 Took station 20 miles astern DRAGONET for passage through NANSEI
     SHOTO enroute area.

8 May 1945:

0034 Dived to flush out #4 F.B.T.

0044 Surfaced.

0054 Dived to flush out #4 F.B.T.

0104 Surfaced.

0115 Dived to flush out #4 F.B.T.

0124 Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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— page 158 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NAPRATIVE (Cont'd.)
8 May 1945 (Cont'd.).
0509 Dived for daylight submerged patrol east of NANSEI SHOTO.
1200 Lat. 29 - 26 N., Long. 131 - 15 E.
1919 Surfaced in very calm sea.
2110 SD plane contact 10 miles closing, no.I.F.F.
2117 Dived.
2157 Surfaced, all clear, with such a calm sea we expected to have and
are having numerous SJ "bogies" or "Superpips" at ranges from 1400
to 3500 yarus.

9 May 1945:
0110 SJ radar interference and contact bearing 198° (T) distant 12,300
yards. Attempted exchange of recognition signal, negative results.
Believe this contact to be eastbound LIONFISH or TREPANG.
0445 Dived for submerged patrol through pass South of AKUSEKI SHIMA.
0845 Sighted two planes. (MAVIS) bearing 188° (T), 7 miles.
1200 Lat. 29 - 19 N., Long. 129 - 32 E.
2012 Surfaced.
2042 Dived for SD plane contact 6 miles, closing.
2115 Surfaced.
2121 Dived for SJ plane contact 9 miles, closing.
2215 Surfaced.
2240 Dived for SD contact 3 miles, closing.
2325 Surfaced.
2335 SJ plane contact bearing 280° (T), 27000 yards. Stayed up and
watched it fade out astern.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 12 -

— page 159 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH, (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

10 May 1945:
0115 Entered patrol area.
0259 SJ plane contact bearing 335° (T), 10 miles, closing fast.
0300 Dived.
0334 Surfaced.
0340 SJ radar plane contact bearing 355° (T).
0343 Dived with plane at 3,400 yards. Stayed up too long trying to
     decide this was a plane contact.
0420 Surfaced.
0453 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 30 - 31 N., Long. 128 - 46 E.
1505 Sighted two (2) MAVIS type planes bearing 112° (T), distant
     about 7 miles.
1953 Surfaced.
2245 SJ contact on DANJO GUNTO bearing 327° (T), distant 38 miles.

11 May 1945:
0441 Dived for submerged patrol of pass between DANJO GUNTO and
     FUKAE SHIMA.
1200 Lat. 32 - 28 N., Long.128 - 00 E.
1217 Heard one distant explosion which shook the entire ship. Took
     good look, but nothing in sight. Maybe DRAGONET got something?
1358 Sighted plane bearing 037° (T), distant 5 miles. Not identified.
2030 Surfaced.
2216 SJ plane contact bearing 275° (T), range 15,500 yards, closing.
2221 Dived.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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— page 160 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

11 May 1945 (Cont'd.)

2245 Heard "echo-ranging" on JK bearing 270° (T).

2300 Surfaced to see what's going on. Have a single weak pip on SJ
     bearing 270° (T), range 12,000 yards. We also have Jap interference
     on SJ radar screen in direction of pip. Figure that we either have
     a hunter group consisting of radar equipped plane and patrol boat
     or the advance escorts of a convoy. Decided to get astern of patrol
     boat to check possibility of convoy. (SHIP CONTACT #1).

2347 Contact is changing speed from 8 knots to 11 knots and on base
     course 110° (T), using short radical zigs. Contact is small because
     pip fades in and out at 13,000 yards.

12 May 1945:

0035 We are now astern of contact and on opposite course. No pips on
     radar.

0050 Contact faded out astern. Am convinced now that plane and patrol
     boat were doing nothing but looking for a submarine. Radar from
     FUKAE SHIMA and DANJO GUNTO had steadied on us many times last night.

0445 Dived for submerged patrol off south coast of SAISHU TO.

1200 Lat. 33 - 03 N., Long. 126 - 48 E.

2015 Surfaced. Feel much better with both vapor stills back in commission
     after being out of commission for 48 hours.

2030 More trouble, #2 Main Engine now out of commission, something
     radically wrong with the vertical drive. Sounds like bearing
     trouble.

2100 Decided to shift to patrol area farther North in Yellow Sea.

13 May 1945:

0125 SJ plane contact bearing 302° (T), distant 7 miles.

0127 Dived.

0150 Surfaced.

0458 Dived for submerged patrol enroute new station.

1200 Lat. 32 - 46 N., Long. 125 - 17 E.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

13 May 1945 (Cont'd.)

2016 Surfaced.

2300 Received information that DRAGONET was leaving area to repair
     noisy bow planes and that our area has been extended to Lat. 36°
     North.

14 May 1945:

0523 Dived for submerged patrol.

1200 Lat. 34 - 25 N., Long. 124 - 11 E.

2014 Surfaced. Numerous radar contacts on small fishing boats all
     night.

15 May 1945:

0513 Dived for submerged patrol.

1200 Lat. 36 - 09 N., Long. 123 - 38 E.

2010 Surfaced.

2045 Exchanged SJ radar recognition signals with U.S.S. RATON (SS270).

16 May 1945:

0500 Dived for submerged patrol on assigned station.

1200 Lat. 37 - 19 N., Long. 123 - 36 E.

1400 Heard three (3) torpedo explosions and several depth charges.
     Took good look but nothing in sight.

2015 Surfaced. #2 Main Engine tested and back in commission. The
     Engineers deserve a real pat on the back for this repair job.

17 May 1945:

0458 Dived for submerged patrol on MUI TAO to DAISEI GUNTO lane.

1030 Heard one distant explosion.

1200 Lat. 37 - 23 N., Long. 124 - 03 E.

ENCLOSURE (A) - 15 -

— page 162 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. CABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

17 May 1945 (Cont'd.)

1233         Sighted masts of three (3) ships bearing 317° (T) with large port
             angle on bow. Apparently on course about 240° (T), with bearing
             drawing rapidly to the west. If on course to MUI TAO, they have
             slipped around us. Took normal approach course and bent on speed
             hoping for a zig toward. (SHIP CONTACT #2).

1340         Ships have zigged towards and now show small port angle on bow.
             Still assuming their base course to be 240° (T), the only reason-
             able one for shipping going west, kept on N.A.C. at standard
             speed hoping to get ahead of them.

1353         Ships now have small starboard angle on bow and appear to have
             steadied on toward us. As this was not a reasonable course for
             west-bound shipping, began to have doubts about their innocent
             appearance. Ships identified as one small coastal freighter with
             one trawler type escort and one P.C. class escort echo ranging.
             The freighter was small with two stick masts, tall slender stack
             amidships. No one clipper type with bowsprit. Changed course to
             head for target.

1359         Came right to close for bow shot starboard track.

1406         Now inside targets starboard escort, came left to present small
             angle to screen.

14 16        Target appears to have steadied on course 128° (T). Came right
             for bow tube shot 70° starboard track. Small gyros.

1418-07      Fired #1 torpedo - torpedo run 1,400 yards.

1418-17      Fired #2 torpedo - torpedo run 1,380 yards.

1418-27      Fired #3 torpedo - torpedo run 1,350 yards.

1418-37      Fired #4 torpedo - torpedo run 1,300 yards.

             On first shot, #1 poppet valve stuck open, and before stop could
             be closed, lost depth control. Before periscope went under saw
             large splash short of target. Although the Commanding Officer
             was unable to identify splash, it is believed that #1 torpedo
             broached due to erratic depth performance. All fish were set
             on 4 feet. All torpedoes missed, no end of run explosions were
             heard.

ENCLOSURE (A)                                - 16 -

— page 163 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

17 May 1945 (Cont'd.)

1419     With depth control lost, and good possibility of escort being
         alerted due to torpedo broaching, came hard left and commenced
         evading. Diving Officer had boat under control at 180 feet, so
         eased to 200 feet and ran at 2/3 speed under a small gradient.
         One escort echo-ranging and coming in.

1424     One depth charge. Loud but not too close. One escort evidently
         using sonic gear and other echo-ranging. They seem to trail us
         well, but not too close.

1447     Three depth charges. Loud but no damage. Escorts screws were
         very loud in JK just prior to this salvo.

1458     One depth charge.

1459     Two depth charges.

1622     One depth charge.

1712     Seven depth charges.

1847     While at periscope depth taking looks at escorts a good distance
         astern, two aircraft bombs went off fairly close, shaking the
         boat. Went to 100 feet.

1955     Periscope depth, all clear.

2035     Surfaced. All clear.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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— page 164 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

18 May 1945:

0445 Dived for submerged patrol on MUI TAO to DAISEF GUNTO Lane.
1200 Lat. 37 - 20 N., Long. 123 - 18 E.
2018. Surfaced having sighted nothing but small fishing boats all day.
2255 SJ radar interference and contact bearing 060° (T). Exchanged
recognition signals with U.S.S. BALAO (SS285).
2300 Received ComSubPac 180209 giving area departure date of 4 June.

19 May 1945:

0437 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 38 - 12 N., Long. 123 - 26 E.
1421 Heard distant explosion, nothing in sight.
2052 Surfaced. Sighted many small fishing boats with nets. They are
a nuisance.

20 May 1945:

0415 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 38 - 11 N., Long. 123 - 00 E.
2050 Surfaced. Very few fishing boats today. Guess the fishermen
all went to Church.

21 May 1945:

0418 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 38 - 04 N., Long. 122 - 47 E.
2103 Surfaced.

22 May 1945:

0439 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 38 - 09 N., Long. 122 - 53 E.
2047 Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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— page 165 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

23 May 1945:
0421 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 38-07 N., Long. 122 - 41 E.
2050 Surfaced. Set course for new station off SHANTUNG PENINSULA.

24 May 1945:
0215 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. SEGUNDO (SS398) who had
shifted to our new area by mistake.
0433 Dived for submerged patrol on MUI TAO to DAISEI GUNTO shipping lane.
1200 Lat. 37 - 06 N., Long. 123 - 22 E.
2040 Surfaced.

25 May 1945:
0437 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 37 - 21 N., Long. 123 - 16 E.
2056 Surfaced. Have sighted numerous small fishing boats and net
buoys today.

26 May 1945:
0315 Received RAY's message requesting rendezvous and 30 rounds of
5" ammunition.
0437 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 37 - 20 N., Long. 123 - 14 E.
2040 Surfaced. Set course for rendezvous.
2215 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. RAY (SS271) by SJ radar.
2324 U.S.S. RAY moored alongside to port in calm sea.
2340 Completed transfer of 30 rounds of 5" ammunition to U.S.S. RAY.
Received news that RAY had sunk 10 sailing schooners of 300 tons
each, by gunfire near DAISEI GUNTO, and taken two prisoners.

ENCLOSURE (A)
- 19 -

— page 166 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

26 May 1945 (Cont'd.)

2345 U.S.S. RAY pulled clear. Set course for patrol station off
SHANTUNG. The RAY confirmed our belief that on certain bright,
clear, cold nights radar conditions in this area are exceptionally
good. Normally our SJ radar will pick up a submarine at 17,000
yards. Tonight the RAY was picked up at 21,700 yards and tracked
out to 28,000 yards. She in turn picked us she had picked up
schooners with sail at about 30,000 yards.

27 May 1945:

0324 SJ radar contact bearing 196° (T), range 35,440 yards. Target
tracked on general Southerly course along coast, speed 2 knots.

0435 Dived for submerged patrol. Sighted our contact on horizon, a
small schooner with large sails. In view of OKINAWA plane report
of ships anchored in MUI TAO last night and possibility of their
transit to CHUNTO today, decided not to play with the
schooner. (SHIP CONTACT #3).

1200 Lat. 37 - 02 N., Long. 123 - 25 E.

1355 Sighted net buoy and avoided.

2045 Surfaced. Am getting very tired of seeing nothing but fishing
boats. In view of SPRINGER's contacts in early May and OKINAWA's
reports of ships anchoring at KENCHI TO on East Coast of KOREA.
Received permission to shift station to vicinity of 35° North,
123° - 30' East in hopes of catching something crossing East or
West in this lane.

2140 Set course for new station.

28 May 1945:

0453 Dived for submerged patrol.

0655 Sighted U.S. Submarine on surface bearing 170° (T), range about
7,000 yards, apparently using Arma Course at high speed. Believed
this to be the U.S.S. BILIFISH.

0700 Fired yellow recognition signal to attract his attention as he was
heading directly toward us, and apparently unaware of our presence.

0703 Fired another signal as he made no apparent effort to clear the
area.

ENCLOSURE (A)

- 20 -

— page 167 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

28 May 1945 (Cont'd.)

0706         From his actions decided he had not sighted either recognition
             signals so surfaced and changed course to show him our profile.
             We were in plain view of each other at about 4,000 yards for about
             two minutes when suddenly the sub turned away and dived. The sub
             was unmistakeably U.S. with 5" gun aft, but due to his puzzling
             behavior, at

0710         Dived to 120 feet and turned away. Nothing was said over area
             frequency afterwards so guess he finally figured out our identity.

1200         Lat. 35 - 29 N., Long. 123 - 37 E.

2045         Surfaced.

29 May 1945:

0802         Ground fog cleared so dived for submerged patrol.

1055         Sighted floating mine bearing 331° (T), but lost it in swells,
             cleared vicinity.

1200         Lat. 34 - 59 N., Long. 123 - 40 E.

2015         Surfaced. Patrolling North and South across shipping lane.

30 May 1945:

0455         Dived for submerged patrol.

1200         Lat. 34 - 40 N., Long. 123 - 39 E.

2022         Surfaced.

31 May 1945:

0450         Dived for submerged patrol.

1200         Lat. 34 - 31 N., Long. 123 - 22 E.

2020         Surfaced.

ENCLOSURE (A)
                                                                 - 21 -

— page 168 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

1 June 1945:
0845 Ground fog cleared, dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 34 - 20 N., Long. 123 - 48 E.
1519 Surfaced when ground fog set in.
1915 Sighted floating mine in haze, and sank it expending 3 magazines
     of 20 MM. ammunition. Mine did not explode.

2 June 1945:
0502 Dived for submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 34 - 39 N., Long. 123 - 49 E.
2026 Surfaced.

3 June 1945:
0100 Received ComSubPac 020314 concerning rendezvous with TINOSA
     for exchange of survivors.
0125 Set course for rendezvous at full speed.
0400 Sent SCABBARD FISH Six to ComSubPac in acknowledgement.
1200 Lat. 32 - 26 N., Long. 126 - 06 E.
1218 Dived when lookout sighted 2 engine plane coming in on port beam.
2009 Surfaced.

4 June 1945:
0303 Sighted U.S. Submarine on opposite course in moonstreak at 9,000
     yards. Believe this to be one of the Hellcats, but could not get
     him to exchange recognition on SJ radar.
0430 Sighted another U.S. Submarine on opposite course at about 7,000
     yards. He would not exchange recognition signals either, but
     turned away and opened range to the North.
0445 Sighted FUKAE SHIMA and DANJO GUNTO in morning twilight.

ENCLOSURE (A)

- 22 -

— page 169 —
CONFIDENTIAL
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
4 June 1945 (Cont'd.)
0456
Dived for submerged patrol.
1200
Lat. 32 - 10 N., Long. 128 - 45 E.
1201
Sighted floating mine, and changed course radically to avoid.
2038
Surfaced.
2138
SJ radar contact bearing 176° (T), range 28,500 yards. Contact
has radar interference possibly TINOSA.
2207
Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. TINOSA.
2230
U.S.S. TINOSA came alongside and transferred the following Army
Aviators attached to the 61st. Bombing Squadron of the 39th
Bombing Group:
NALE
RANK
SERVICE NUMBER
STANBERG, A. D.
2nd. Lt.
0-2068492
FRODSHAM, J. M.
Flight Officer
T-3925
BLAKE, J. E.
1st. Lt.
0-1298176
COSTA, W. A.
1st, Lt.
0-2064222
ORR, W. D.
1st. Lt.
0-732057
MASTROMATTEO, P.
Sgt.
13159235
GERVAIS, R. T.
Sgt.
16136923
WEILER, R. E.
Cpl.
12043347
MYCKOFF, J. W.
Sgt.
42094288
SCHOEGLER, J. E.
S/Sgt.
36810824
2250
Transfer completed, pulled clear and set course for Guam.
5 June 1945:
0003
Dived. Aircraft contact 5 miles, closing.
0037
Surfaced.
0500
Sent SCABBARDFISH Seventh to ComSubPac reporting transfer of
aviators and departure from patrol area.
0812
Dived for submerged patrol, jockying for position for transit
of pass South of AKUSEKI SHIMA tonight.
1200
Lat. 29-46 N., Long.129 - 17 E.
ENCLOSURE (A)
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— page 170 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

5 June 1945 (Cont'd.)

1900         Sighted shears of submarine on surface bearing 279° (T), bearing
             drawing rapidly to the right. In the evening twilight it did not
             look like a U.S. submarine. Headed for sub at standard speed, but
             could not keep it in sight.

1951         Surfaced and gave chase at full speed.

2010         SJ radar contact on sub bearing 340° (T), range 11,000 yards. No
             SJ interference on bearing of contact. Target tracked on course
             020°, speed 13 knots.

2058         SJ contact on plane bearing 350° (T), range 2 miles. Dived.

2115         Surfaced. Went ahead full speed to regain contact. Sent contact
             report over area frequency and mentioned no SJ interference on
             general bearing of contact.

2118         Received strong flash of SJ interference on generated bearing of
             target. Also received message from TIRANTE saying she was in
             vicinity and not using SJ. Secured tracking party and headed
             back for AKUSEKI SHIMA.

6 June 1945

0035         Exchanged recognition signals with U.S. submarine on opposite
             course. Could not get call, but believe her to be the U.S.S. HADDO.

0100         Exchanged recognition signals with U.S. submarine on opposite course.
             Could not distinguish call, but believe her to be the SEA OWL.

0115         Completed transit of AKUSEKI PASS.

0153         SD plane contact 6 miles, closing fast.

0154         Dived.

0217         Surfaced.

0554         Sighted Jap plane possibly a KATE flying very low and fast, range
             about 4 miles.

0555         Dived. Sky is completely overcast with heavy clouds.

0622         Surfaced.

0730         SD contact 5 miles, closing, no I.F.F.

0731         Dived.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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— page 171 —
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

6 June 1945 (Cont'd.)

0800 Surfaced.

1200 Lat. 29 - 15 N., Long. 132 - 26 E.
1221 Sighted empty life raft.

2000 Gave a movie for benefit of passengers.

7 June 1945:
0515 Dived for trim and training.
0537 Surfaced.
0910 Sighted many B-29's (Approx. 100) headed for HONSHU.
1000 Set ship's clocks ahead 1/2 hour to zone minus 9 1/2 time.
1200(IK) Lat. 29° - 29' N., Long. 138° - 18' E.
1332(IK) Sighted first B-29 returning from strike.
1340(IK) Sighted several B-29's (Navigation Planes) returning surrounded
       by P-51's, being led back to IWO JIMA from HONSHU. Sky is filled with
       B-29's, surely a wonderful sight to see all these planes and know
       they are ours.
1400(IK) Set ship's clocks ahead 1/2 hour to Zone minus 10 time.
1530(K) Sighted two B-29's flying low and very close together. One evidently
       having trouble with controls. Tried to contact him, but they peeled
       off finally in direction of IWO JIMA and flew out of sight.
1540(K) Received message from BIRDDOG THREE of plane ditched, but in terms
       of reference point we did not have. Asked for planes posit in
       shackle, but this was garbled. BIRDDOG THREE finally gave us
       position as 150 LIBELSUIT 334. We did have this reference point,
       and planes posit was about 150 miles from us on course 168° (T),
       just outside joint zone. Headed for point of ditching.
1615(K) Last of Southbound B-29's faded out on radar screen.

8 June 1945:
0305(K) Sent second SCABBARDFISH Seventh to ComSubPac reporting start of
       search for survivors, and asking for more information from base.
0950(K) Sighted B-24 search plane, but lost him immediately in low hanging
       clouds. Visibility is bad for aircraft search.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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— page 172 —
CONFIDENTIAL U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)
(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd.)

8 June 1945 (Continued).

1030(K) Sighted U.S. Destroyer by high periscope searching for survivors whom
Were unable to exchange recognition as he disappeared into horizon
haze.

1200(K) Lat. 26° - 12' N., Long. 139° - 29' E.
Received message from BIRDDOG THREE to BOXKITE THREE which led us to
believe that he was searching area for contact reported by SCABBARD FISH
when in reality he was one who originally gave us the information
concerning ditched plane. What a vicious circle of misinformation.
Informed BOXKITE THREE that we were abandoning search.

1222(K) Sent SCABBARD FISH Eighth to ComSubPac concerning abandoning search
for survivors.

9 June 1945:

Enroute Guam.
1200(K) Lat. 20° - 17' N., Long. 140° - 43' E.

10 June 1945:

Enroute Guam.
1200(K) Lat. 17° - 23' N., Long. 143° - 23' E.

2205(K) Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. REDFIN (SS272), and joined
company enroute escort rendezvous.

11 June 1945:

0545(K) Dived for trim.

0615(K) Surfaced.

0744(K) Sighted escort, U.S.S. DOHERTY (DE 14); set course for Guam.

1200(K) Moored Apra Harbor, Guam.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(C) WEATHER:

    No unusual weather conditions were noted during the entire
    patrol. In general weather was good with calm seas and good visibility.
    In northern and central portion of Yellow Sea, a consistant
    haze which cleared immediately after sunrise was encountered. Injection
    temperature averaged 55° F., and humidity was very high most of the time.

(D) TIDAL INFORMATION:

    Currents in general coincided with those shown on charts.

(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS:

    No lighted navigational aids were observed. Celestial observa-
    tions were possible and were used for determining position most of the
    time. Radar fixes on land were used to check position. No special
    difficulties were encountered in maintaining position at any time.
    Single ping soundings on fathometer were taken frequently at the same
    time and were checked against charted soundings. For the most part these soundings
    agreed within reasonable limits.

(F) SHIP CONTACTS:

| No. | Time Date | Lat. Long. | Types | Initial Range | Est. Course and Speed | How Con-tacted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 5-17-45 2245(I) | 32-40 N. 127-15 E. | Patrol Boat(UN) with radar (10 cm.) | 12000 | 090° 7 knots | JK & Radar | Searching with radar equipped plane. |
| 2. | 5-18-45 1230(I) | 37-33 N. 124-03 E. | Small AK (EU) (2000 Tons) | 14000 | 128° 11.8 knots | Sub. Per. | LFM with bowsprit ATTACK #1. |
| | Same | Same | PC Type (EC) | 11000 | Same | Same | Port Escort echo-ranging. |
| | Same | Same | Trawler Type(EC) | 11000 | Same | Same | Stbd. Escort, no echo-ranging. |
| 3. | 5-20-45 0324(I) | 36-27 N. 123-14 E. | Schooner with high sails | 35400 | 140° 2 knots | Surf. Radar | Sighted later in scope - Not Torp. target. |
| 4. | 6-8-45 1045(K) | 26-40 N. 139-50 E. | U.S. Destroyer | 17000 | 090° 10 knots | Surf. Per. | Searching for downed fliers. |

ENCLOSURE (A)

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REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(G) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS:

    During period 3 May to 7 May while life-guarding
    of 29° N., 133° E. only one definite Jap aircraft was con-
    tacted. This was identified as a Kate which dropped 4 depth bombs as we
    dived. Many plane contacts were made during night hours while en-
    route North and South between AKUSEKI SHIMA and DANJO GUNTO. The Japs are definitely
    running a close night patrol along the island chain South of KYUSHU.
    When keying the SD 5 seconds every minute and using SJ con-
    tinuously they seemed to be able to locate us. After putting SD on stand-
    by condition and setting APR watch, they ceased to trouble us even though SJ radar
    was used continuously. There are definite night and day aircraft patrols
    in vicinity of SAISHU TO. In the Northern and Central Yellow Sea area
    no planes were encountered and few APR contacts other than those of
    known shore based stations were encountered at night.

(H) ATTACK DATA:

U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 1
TIME: 1418(I) DATE: 17 May 1945. LAT: 37° - 32' N., LONG: 124° - 03' E.

Target Data - Damage Inflicted
DESCRIPTION: (Ship Contact #2) Small Coastal AK (LFM) with slender stick masts
    and tall slender stack amidships, clipper bow with bowsprit.
    Escorted by P.C. class echo-ranging on port bow with trawler
    type escort on starboard bow. Estimated tonnage - 2,000 tons.
    Contacted by periscope submerged on a very clear day, calm sea.
Ship(s) Sunk: None.
Ship(s) Damaged: None. Damage determined by: None.
Ship(s) probably sunk: None.
TARGET DRAFT: 8 feet. COURSE: 128° SPEED: 11.8 knots. RANGE: 1550 (at firing)

OWN SHIP DATA
SPEED: 3.8 knots. COURSE 014° DEPTH: 64'. ANGLE 2° D (at firing).

FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
TYPE ATTACK: Submerged periscope attack using 70° S track at average torpedo
    run of 1350 yards. All gyros were small. Fired 4 Mk. 18-2
    torpedoes from bow tubes set at 4 feet depth in calm sea.
    Attempted use of ST radar, but with ship in full sight at 62
    feet in calm sea, could get no range pip on ST.
    Believe misses due to error in targets speed due to wrong esti-
    mate of masthead heighth. Commanding Officer saw unidentified
    splash between target and own ship after firing first torpedo,
    which might have this torpedo breaching. Nothing else
    observed due to #1 poppet valve sticking and losing depth con-
    trol after first torpedo was fired. Used divergent spread of
    1/2° between torpedoes. No end of run explosions were heard.

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— page 175 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR.
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL
(I) MINES:
A total of six (6) floating mines were encountered during patrol in
the following positions:
DATE | TIME | LATITUDE | LONGITUDE | REMARKS
5-4-45 | 0626(I) | 30°-29′ N. | 135°-14'E. | Sunt with 20 ml.
5-4-45 | 0918(I) | 30°-05′ N. | 134°-25' E. | Detonated with 20 MM.
5-6-45 | 0955(I) | 29°-44′ N. | 133°-30' Ε. | Lost contact - rough, sea.
5-29-45 | 1055(I) | 34°-25' Ν. | 123°-49' Ε. | Lost contact - Avoided.
6-1-45 | 1915(I) | 34°-34'5 N. | 123°-26' Ε. | Sunk with 20 M.
6-4-45 | 1201(I) | 32°-10' Ν. | 128°-35' E. | Lost contact - Avoided.

All mines were spherical type with 4 hors, were rusty, and covered with
barnacles. No minesweeping activity was observed.

(J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS:

No new anti-submarine methods or weapons were encountered. It is
believed that the radar equipped patrol boat and plane encountered during
"night of 11 May, immediately South of SAISHU TO were definitly an Anti-
submarine team. The patrol boat was equipped with radar which gave inter-
ference on our SJ radar screen.

After conference with U.S.S. RAY in area, it is believed that the
ship attacked on 17' May 1945 (Ship Contact #1), was the third member.and
"con" man of the same hunter-killer group which also worked on the RAY
in this area. Evasion tactics consisted of fishtailing away at 2/3 speed
at depths varying from 180 to 200 feet, in charted soundings of 40 fathoms.

None of the depth charges came very close, but in the shallow water
they sounded very loud.

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS:
1. Hull and Machinery:

(a) #2 Main Engine.

Upon rolling the engine by air prior to starting, a clicking noise
was noticed near the vertical drive compartment. The vertical drive was
removed and the lower pinion thrust roller bearing (F... Dwg. No.
Ma-AFE-2435E, Pc. 17) was renewed. The rollers on this bearing were badly
cut and the spacer broken. This engine had 2498 engine hours at time of
bearing failure.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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— page 176 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(K) MAJOR DEFECTS (Cont'd.)

    1. Hull and Machinery (Cont'd.)

        (b) #1 and #2 Distilling Units:
            After being bombed it was impossible to feed #1 and #2 distillers
            with the compressor engine running. Number 2 distiller was dismouthed
            and the following conditions found:
                1. Large amount of loose salt between the coils and the inner
                   cone - lower shell section.
                2. Large amount of loose salt between the coils and the water
                   baffle.
                3. Only three of the coils could be removed separately, the
                   remaining seven were removed as a unit.
            After flushing #1 distiller for 48 hours it was possible to make
            water. This distiller was not dismouthed.

            The probable cause of this defect maybe attributed to improper
            cleaning during last refit and the help of some close bombs.

            Hours in operation since last cleaned: 70.

        (c) #3 Main Engine Governor Control:
            The main engine governor controller on the control cubicle
            developed a short on #3 selsyn transmitter. This unit was out of com-
            mission for the entire patrol.

    2. Ordnance and Gunner:
        None.

(L) RADIO:
    Good reception of all Fox frequencies during the night hours was
    had. At dawn all frequencies decreased in signal strength to a point where
    they were unreadable. This condition lasted for one to two hours, then the
    radio became again became readable. Nine messages were
    sent on ship-shore frequency, all to radio Guam without difficulty. The
    antenna to ground resistance, as usual, decreased to about 15,000 ohms on
    all wing antennas after several days submerged. The SD antenna was then
    used as a transmitting antenna.

    No intentional jamming was experienced on any of the frequencies
    although the primary Safplan frequencies were pretty crowded with Jap
    signals. An error was made when two messages were sent both with serial
    number seven.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

(M) RADAR: (SD-4).

The SD gave excellent performance throughout the patrol, although
it was used very little in areas nine and twelve. It was keyed five seconds
every minute during our short period of lifeguard duty and while going to
and from areas. Ranges obtained were about 40 miles maximum, and 20 miles
dependable on high planes, but with low flying planes often coming in at
5 to 6 miles without being detected by the SD. The usual lowering of
antenna resistance to ground after extended submerged periods did not occur
this patrol. The antenna insulator at the tip of the mast was treated
with an insulating varnish during our last refit which has apparently
eliminated this trouble.

Casualties and Repairs:

C: V101 and V102 (446A) in pre-amplifier had a tendency to break
into self oscillation.
R: Replaced tubes.
C: No I.F.F. response on SD screen - BN operating properly.
R: V218 (6AG7), I.F.F. amplifier in SD replaced.

(M) RADAR: (SJ).

Performance of this radar was excellent throughout the patrol.
It was in use continuously when on the surface, except for mid-daylight
hours with perfect visibility. Unusual atmospheric conditions were noted
most of the time in the Yellow Sea area, resulting in second sweep echoes
and, in at least two instances, third sweep echoes. Echoes from mountain
peaks two hundred miles away were not at all unusual. Echoes from sub-
marines were obtained at over 28,000 yards and on a sailing schooner at
34,000 yards. Atmospheric and water conditions were as follows:

WATER - Shallow, 20 to 40 fathoms, glassy smooth, with a sharp
negative gradient at about 30 feet. Deep water temperature
was 38° while surface temperature varied from 42° to 48°.

ATMOSPHERIC - Air temperature at the surface varied from 45° to
54°. Very little or no wind was present. Light to heavy
fogs, very close to the water were present occasionally but
when the fog was heavy, the unusual ranges disappeared.
Also the long ranges were not present when the wind blew
over four or five knots.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(M) RADAR: (SJ Cont'd.)

        The extremely long ranges obtained were a hindrance because:
    (1) Target determination not good. Previously, a target contact at 15,000
        to 20,000 yards was worth torpedoes.
    (2) Poor radar performance difficult to recognize when land pips at
        200,000 yards are strong and steady.
    (3) Primary and secondary pips difficult to recognize, especially when
        occuring near the end of the time-base line because, by increasing
        the pulse rate, the base line shortens and gives the appearance of
        moving the echoes off to the right.
    (4) Seconday pips get in the way of target pips, requiring constant
        juggling of the pulse rate to keep a clear space for the desired pip.

        SJ Casualties and Repairs are as follows:
    C: Weak echoes.
    R: Replaced V3 (726B) oscillator, V12 (721A) TR tube and crystal. Replaced
        two 6AC7 tubes in IF amplifier and retuned equipment.
    C: All sweeps double pulsing erratically.
    R: Coaxial cable from sync pulse to range indicator intermittently open.
        Resoldered.
    C: Unstable echoes.
    R: Weak 5U4G in regulated rectifier "B".
    C: "IF" gain poor.
    R: Two 6AK5 (V1 and V2), IF amplifiers, in selector unit weak and replaced.
    C: Weak echoes.
    R: TR tube V12 (721A) badly burned - replaced.
    C: Crystal current low.
    R: Replaced crystal - poor crystal - less than 24 hours operation on old
        one.
    C: Jittery gain from repeller voltage controll.
    R: Replaced all IF tubes.
    C: Jittery range step.
    R: Retouched capacitor C539 in range unit.
    C: Weak echoes.
    R: Replaced TR tube.

        A total of two hours was lost in operation time on this equipment this
    patrol, most repair work being done while submerged

(M) RADAR: (ST).

        Poor results were obtained from this equipment due to drifting in
    beating oscillator frequency. A new tune job throughout each day was
    finally decided necessary. TR tube (V5) (724B), oscillator tube (V1)
    (723AB), and crystal was replaced three times. No other trouble was ex-
    perienced with this equipment, other than that already listed under SJ.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(N) SONAR GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS:

Sound conditions were generally good considering the water temperature
gradients encountered. Maximum ranges were about five thousand yards for
all gear. One ping fathometer soundings were taken often with uniform
perfect readings. The T.D.M. was not used although the QB was used in
surface search with hand controlled power during JK casualties.

Casualties and Repairs:

C: JP-3 No power.
R: Replaced fuse in power unit - burned out during charge.
C: TCA-2 range indicator neon light burned out.
R: Replaced neon and inserted a 1000 ohm, one watt resistor in series
    with bulb.
C: JK intermittent and noisy operation.
R: Cable from head to jack-box broken. Spliced.
C: QC packing on cable into shaft worked out and grounded shield of
    cable broken.
R: Reconnected ground and repacked.
C: Training motor for QB overheats when used in high speed TDM
    operation. Motor load was evidently too great. The visual trace is
    very uneven due to varying speeds of the training motor.
R: None made. Will require either higher load or larger training motor.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(O) DENSITY LAYERS:

TIME | DATE | LAT. | LONG. | DEPTH | TEMP. | DEPTH | TEMP. | GREATEST DEPTH
2000 | '5/6/45 | '20-23 | '133-53 | '0' | '72° | '300' | '72° | '300'
1031 | '5/8/45 | '29-13 | '131-03 | '0' | '74° | '70' | '74° | '70'
1256 | '5/8/45 | '29-01 | '131-45 | '40' | '75° | '100' | '71° | '120'
1423 | '5/9/45 | '29-42 | '129-15 | '0' | '77° | '80' | '77° | '80'
1054 | '5/10/45 | '30-33 | '128-45 | '0' | '75° | '80' | '75° | '80'
1400 | '5/11/45 | '30-51 | '127-32 | '0' | '65° | '80' | '65° | '80'
1115 | '5/12/45 | '31-01 | '126-41 | '95' | '61° | '110' | '59° | '110'
1651 | '5/12/45 | '32-44 | '125-55 | '30' | '57½° | '50' | '60° | '50'
2345 | '5/12/45 | '32-48 | '125-28 | '40' | '56° | '80' | '48° | '80'
1113 | '5/14/45 | '34-42 | '124-11 | '0' | '52° | '40' | '52° | '40'
1110 | '5/15/45 | '36-04 | '123-30 | '0' | '50° | '40' | '50° | '40'
1115 | '5/16/45 | '37-12 | '123-37 | '30' | '48° | '60' | '46° | '60'
1143 | '5/17/45 | '37-22 | '124-03 | '40' | '47½° | '100' | '43° | '200'
1115 | '5/18/45 | '37-10 | '123-42 | '0' | '48° | '80' | '48° | '80'
1142 | '5/19/45 | '38-10 | '123-27 | '30' | '48° | '45' | '46° | '45'
1150 | '5/20/45 | '38-12 | '122-59 | '0' | '50° | '60' | '45° | '60'
1204 | '5/21/45 | '38-02 | '122-45 | '0' | '51° | '60' | '48° | '60'
1938 | '5/21/45 | '38-21 | '122-26 | '0' | '51° | '45' | '49° | '45'
1147 | '5/22/45 | '38-21 | '122-26 | '0' | '51° | '30' | '46° | '45'
1150 | '5/23/45 | '38-11 | '122-43 | '0' | '52° | '30' | '48° | '45'
1139 | '5/24/45 | '37-21 | '123-18 | '30' | '52° | '40' | '48° | '40'
1157 | '5/25/45 | '37-13 | '123-16 | '40' | '50½° | '50' | '49° | '50'
1139 | '5/26/45 | '37-22 | '123-32 | '40' | '51° | '50' | '49° | '50'
1146 | '5/27/45 | '37-01 | '123-26 | '40' | '52° | '80' | '42° | '30'
1114 | '5/28/45 | '35-16 | '123-46 | '30' | '56° | '60' | '51° | '60'
1121 | '5/29/45 | '34-40 | '123-40 | '0' | '56° | '30' | '56° | '30'
1123 | '5/30/45 | '34-42 | '123-40 | '20' | '57° | '60' | '53° | '60'
1120 | '5/31/45 | '34-33 | '123-35 | '0' | '58° | '40' | '58° | '40'
0616 | '6/1/45 | '34-33 | '123-46 | '0' | '58° | '40' | '58° | '40'
1126 | '6/2/45 | '34-28 | '123-50 | '0' | '55° | '60' | '55° | '60'
1109 | '6/3/45 | '32-22 | '125-16 | '30' | '62° | '100' | '47° | '100'

ENCLOSURE (A) - 35 -

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REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

CONFIDENTIAL

(P) HEALTH, FOOD, AND HABITABILITY:

Considering the amount of time submerged, the health of the crew
and officers has been good. A few colds were experienced on shifting
from warm Guam climate to Northern Yellow Sea climate.
Habitability was good considering excessive humidity encountered
in Yellow Sea. Air conditioning was secured at night on surface, and
operated only long enough during days submerged to take care of the
sweating of ship.
Food was uniformly good and all hands enjoyed ice-cream for the
first time on patrol.
Morale is considered fair even after two successive long and non-
productive patrols.
P. D. EYORK, CPhM, U. S. Navy, is to be congratulated on his very
efficient and skillful work in caring for the injured survivors of a
B-29. He did a very neat job of setting and splinting a compound leg
fracture.

(Q) PERSONNEL:

(a) Number of men detached after previous patrol: | 14
(b) Number of men on board during patrol: | 74
(c) Number of men qualified at start of patrol: | 62
(d) Number of men qualified at end of patrol: | 65
(e) Number of unqualified men making their first patrol: | 10

(R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED:

P.H.T.H. to GUAM | 3,460 Miles - | 46,743 Gals. Fuel Used.
Guam to Area | 1,162 " - | 10,804 " " " .
In Area | 4,693 " - | 52,182 " " " .
Area to Guam | 1,710 " - | 28,330 " " " .

(S) DURATION:

Days enroute Pearl to Area: | 18
Days in Area: | 32
Days enroute Area to Guam: | 6
Days Submerged: | 29
Total days for patrol: | 56

(T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING:

Torpedoes | Fuel | Provisions | Personnel Factor
17 and 5 | 23,000 gals. | 20 days. | 10 days.

Limiting Factor This Patrol: Operation Order.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397).

CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: NRL]
[HANDWRITTEN: OR I]
[HANDWRITTEN: BUSHIPS]
(U) COMMUNICATIONS, RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES:

(A) Communications: None.

(B) Radar:

Positive evidence that Jap planes are carrying ten centimeter
radar was noted when the "KATE" made her runs on us the 7th of May.
Interference on the SJ scope had the following characteristics:
Pulse width about three times the width of the SJ pulse -
about one microsecond pulse rate - unable to stop the Jap radar
pulse by varying our pulse rate but it was not too far off. The
APR detected a radar signal of 146 mcs. at 1000 c/s pulse rate
at the same time and considered it likely that the 10 centimeter
radar was causing this, therefore had same pulse rate.

A.P.R. CONTACTS:
| FREQ. | PULSE WIDTH | PULSE RATE | SWEEP | DATE | LAT.(N) | LONG.(E) | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 30 | 500 | Slow | 5-12-45 | 32-39 | 127-30 | All night. |
| 153 | 15 | 500 | Slow | 5-12-45 | 32-48 | 127-00 | All night. |
| 210 | 15 | 750 | 14 minutes | 5-13-45 | 32-34 | 127-51 | None. |
| 205 | 10 | 400 | Yes | 5-13-45 | 32-44 | 125-52 | None. |
| 76 | 40 | 500 | Yes | 5-13-45 | 32-47 | 124-54 | Weak. |
| 154 | 14 | 500 | Slow | 5-13-45 | 32-47 | 124-54 | Medium. |
| 155 | 8 | 1000 | Slow | 5-13-45 | 32-47 | 124-54 | Strong. |
| 156 | 12 | 500 | Slow | 5-13-45 | 32-47 | 124-54 | Weak. |
| 97 | 22 | 950 | Slow | 5-13-45 | 32-47 | 124-54 | Weak. |
| 195 | 8 | 100 | Slow | 5-13-45 | 32-47 | 124-54 | Weak. |
| 262 | 10 | 750 | Yes | 5-14-45 | 34-44 | 124-11 | Very weak. |
| 262 | 10 | 750 | Yes | 5-15-45 | 36-47 | 123-28 | Very weak. |
| 262 | 10 | 750 | Yes | 5-16-45 | 37-16 | 123-42 | Very weak. |
| 76 | 40 | 500 | Slow | 5-23-45 | 35-22 | 123-36 | None. |
| 155 | 10 | 500 | No | 5-28-45 | 35-22 | 123-36 | None. |
| 165 | 5 | 250 | Fast | 5-29-45 | 35-37 | 123-57 | Weak. |
| 160 | 6 | 500 | Normal | 5-29-45 | 35-37 | 123-57 | Very strong. |
| 148 | 10 | 1000 | Yes | 5-30-45 | 34-40 | 125-27 | Weak. |
| 154 | 15 | 500 | Yes | 5-30-45 | 34-40 | 125-27 | Medium. |
| 154 | 15 | 500 | No | 5-30-45 | 34-45 | 123-40 | Very strong. |
| 152 | 5 | 500 | No | 5-30-45 | 34-24 | 123-55 | Weak. |
| 76 | 35 | 500 | Slow | 6-1-45 | 34-47 | 123-39 | Weak. |
| 144 | 10 | 1000 | Yes | 6-1-45 | 34-37 | 123-46 | Very weak. |
| 157 | 15 | 500 | Yes | 6-1-45 | 34-33 | 123-46 | Very weak. |
| 255 | 15 | 750 | Yes | 6-2-45 | 34-43 | 123-48 | Very weak. |

ENCLOSURE (A)

- 37 -
[HANDWRITTEN: 3-XRA]
[HANDWRITTEN: 811]
[HANDWRITTEN: 38]

— page 183 —
[HANDWRITTEN: 16]
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FOUR
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
[STAMP: Reg. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 14349]]
[STAMP: R.S. No. [HANDWRITTEN: 5]]

CONFIDENTIAL

(U) COMMUNICATIONS RADAR AND SONAR COUNTERMEASURES: (Cont'd.)

A.P.R. CONTACTS (Cont'd.)

— page 184 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY ONE.

FB5/281/A16-3
Serial: 028
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
12 June 1945.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to:
USS SCABBARD FISH Conf ltr.
SS397/A12; Serial 09,
of 11 June 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Division TWO EIGHTY ONE.
To : The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via : (1) The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY EIGHT.
(2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

1. The fourth war patrol of the U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH in
the Nanpo Shoto area and in the East China and Yellow Seas was of
56 days duration, broken by a three day stop over at Guam enroute
area. Thirty two days were spent in the assigned area, twenty-
nine in submerged patrol. During part of the patrol SCABBARD FISH
operated as a member of a coordinated attack group commanded by
Commander J. H. LEWIS in DRAGONET.

2. This patrol was characterized by a paucity of ship
contacts, a total of five enemy ships were sighted only one of
which was considered a worthy torpedo target. Air opposition
slight east of the NANSEI SHOTO but considerable to the west.
A total of six floating mines were encountered, half of which
were destroyed. In the Yellow Sea SCABBARD FISH noted the extra-
ordinary radar performance which appears to be characteristic of
that vicinity.

3. On 4 May, while engaged in life guard duties,
SCABBARD FISH made the satisfactory rescue of one officer and four
non-commissioned officers of Bomber Group 19. One of the NCOs
was severely wounded but was competently treated by SCABBARD FISH
medical personnel. On 6 May, in spite of rough sea, all the
rescued were ably transferred to inbound U.S.S. IKOUDA.

4. On the morning of 17 May SCABBARD FISH made what
proved to be her only contact worthy of torpedoes. While con-
ducting periscope patrol a convoy consisting of one small coastal
freighter screened by one trawler and one PC was sighted. An
aggressive approach, aided by favorable zigs, placed SCABBARD FISH

- 1 -

— page 185 —
SUBMARINE DIVISION TWO EIGHTY ONE.

FB5/281/A16-3
Serial: 028

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
Subject: U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
12 June 1945.

in an excellent firing position (average track 750, torpedo run
1360 yards, small gyro angles) from which she attacked with four
Mark 18-2 torpedoes set to run at four feet in a calm sea. Loss
of depth control prevented her from making periscope
observation but no explosions were
heard consequently it must be assumed that all torpedoes missed.
In his analysis the Commanding Officer concludes that the misses
were the result of control errors. Certainly 11.3 knots, is un-
usually high for this type of enemy ship. In addition the large
splash observed during the torpedo run, whether it was caused
by a broaching torpedo, gunfire from the target or escorts, or a
protected aircraft, must have alerted the
target. In any event, the torpedo spread used (½ degree between torpedoes
or a maximum displacement of about 17 yards, measured along the
target track, from the general estimated MOT) was inadequate; small
evasive effort on the part of the target or a slight error in the
solution of the torpedo problem would be sufficient to cause a
miss.

5. Lack of complete understanding between SCABBARDFISH
and search planes on 7 and 8 June led to a confused situation.
On this occasion it appears that no harm was done, other than
mutual irritation. However, had an aircraft been in difficulty,
a tragedy might have resulted.

6. SCABBARDFISH returned to base in good material con-
dition and will be given a normal refit. The failure of the ver-
tical drive of Fairbanks - Morse main engine is worthy of note.
The incidence of this casualty has been so high in recent months
as to suggest a weakness in design or a need to improve current
maintenance procedure.

7. SCABBARDFISH is congratulated on the effective
assistance she rendered the Army Air Force.

[SIGNATURE: L. H. Childs]
L. H. CHILDS.

— page 186 —
FC5-28/A16-3
SUBMARINE SQUADRON TWENTY-EIGHT
Serial No. 0109.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California.
14 June 1945.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L
SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH Conf. Ltr.
SS397/A12, Serial 09, of 11
June 1945.

From: The Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT.
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. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of War Patrol
Number FOUR.

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

2. The squadron commander congratulates the commanding officer, officers
and crew on the completion of SCABBARD FISH fourth war patrol and on the rescue of
aviation personnel.

[SIGNATURE: J. M. WILL]
J. M. WILL.

— page 187 —
7 0441
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18) SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
Ga.
Serial 01555
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
[HANDWRITTEN: R-w]
CONFIDENTIAL
22 June 1945
[HANDWRITTEN: 7-6-45]
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
SCABBARD FISH Report of
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
Fourth War Patrol.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 792
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH - 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. SCABBARD FISH (SS397) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
(14 April to 11 June 1945).

1. The fourth war patrol of the SCABBARD FISH, under the command of
Commander F. A. Gunn, U. S. Navy, was conducted in the East China-Yellow Sea
area. The SCABBARD FISH formed a coordinated attack group with the U.S.S. BALAO,
U.S.S. BALAO, and U.S.S. DRAGONET, with the commanding officer of the latter
as task group commander.

2. Enroute to station the SCABBARD FISH performed lifeguard duties
and rescued five aviators. The transfer at sea to the PICUDA of these aviators,
one of whom was wounded, was expeditiously done. Coverage of the assigned
patrol area was good, but, unfortunately, suitable targets were scarce. One
attack was made on a small freighter, but all torpedoes missed, probably because
of light draft of the target. Enroute to base, the SCABBARD FISH rendezvoused
with the TINOSA and received ten aviators who had been rescued by the latter
ship.

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 SCABBARD FISH on the completion of
this patrol and on the rescue of five aviators.

E. B. YEOMANS.

Distribution & Authentication
next page.

- 1 -
[STAMP: FILMED]
[STAMP: EXTRA - ORIGINAL]
[STAMP: SORG. MICRO]
[STAMP: PHOTO-LAB OP-16]
[STAMP: RETURN TO F-4253]
[HANDWRITTEN: 811]
[HANDWRITTEN: 43]

— page 188 —
FF12-10(A)/A16-3(18)
Serial 01555
CONFIDENTIAL
THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
SCABBARDFISH Report of
Fourth War Patrol.
SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET
COMSUBSPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 792
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH FOURTH WAR PATROL.
Subject:
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
22 June 1945
NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE
DESTROYED PRIOR TO
ENTERING PATROL AREA.
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of Fourth War Patrol
(14 April to 11 June 1945).
DISTRIBUTION:
(Complete Reports)
Cominch
(7)
CNO
(5)
Cincpac
(6)
JICPOA
(1)
AdICPOA
(1)
Comservpac
(1)
Cinclant
(1)
Comsubslant
(8)
S/M School, ML
(2)
CO, S/M Base, PH
(1)
Comsopac
(2)
Comsowespac
(1)
Comsubs7thFlt (Fwd Echelon)
(2)
Comsubs7thFlt (Rear Echelon)
(2)
Comnorpac
(1)
Comsubspac
(3)
Comsubspacid.Comd
(40)
SUBAD, MI
(2)
ComsubspacSubordcom
(3)
All Squadron and Div.
Commanders, Pacific
(2)
CSS 3 (Airmail)
(5)
Substrainpac
(2)
All Submarines, Pacific
(1)
[SIGNATURE: W. S. Langley]
W. S. LANGLEY,
Asst. Flag Secretary.
Ga
CGMUR
811
44

— page 189 —
SS397/A16-3
Serial: (011)
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
C-O-N-E-F-I-DECLASSIFIED
From:
To
Via:
:
L-I-A-L-
DECLASSIFIED-ART. 0445,
BY DP0934
The Commanding Officer.
Care of Fleet Post Office,
San Francisco, California,
25 August, 1945.
OPNAVINST 5510. C
DATE 6/14/22
The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
(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. SCABBARDFISH (SS397) - Report of War Patrol Number FIVE.
Enclosures:
(A) Subject Report.
(B) Track Chart (ComSubPac only).
1.
Enclosure (A), covering the FIFTH War Patrol of this vessel
conducted in National Lifeguard League, the Tokyo Bay, and Nanpo Shuto areas
during the period 5 July 1945 to 25 August 1945, is forwarded herewith.

[SIGNATURE: F. A. GUNN.]
F. A. GUNN.

142186 FILMED

— page 190 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)
CONFIDENTIAL
(A) PROLOGUE:
On 11 June 1945, arrived Apra Harbor, Guam from Fourth Patrol. Assigned
to Submarine Division 281 and U.S.S. APOLLO for refit. Drydocked in A.R.D.-24 on
14 June 1945. Undocked on 15 June 1945. The refit consisted mainly of routine
work items, the major item being an attempt to cure the main hydraulic plant of
sluggishness in recharging. On 26 June 1945, refit was completed, and officers
and men returned to ship after a very enjoyable rest period at Camp Dealey. Many
of the crew expressed their appreciation of the "White Hat Club", a new feature
at Dealey. Completed training period under supervision of Captain L. H. CHAPPELL,
U.S.N., CSD 281, on 3 July 1945. Fired four exercise torpedoes during training.
The following unqualified officer reported aboard for duty, Lieutenant John J.
BUTLAK, USN. Transferred 10 men to SubDiv 281 and received 10 men as reliefs.
Readiness for sea date 5 July 1945.
(B) NARRATIVE:

| NAME & RANK | OFFICERS: | | TOTAL WAR PATROLS |
| :| :| :| :|
| Comdr. F. A. GUNN, U.S.N. | DUTIES | | 12 |
| Lieut. C. M. ESLER, Jr., U.S.N. | Commanding | | 5 |
| Lieut. H. W. PALMER, U.S.N.R. | Exec. & Nav. | | 5 |
| Lieut. J. "B" MILLER, U.S.N.R. | C & R Officer | | 5 |
| Lieut. J. J. BUTLAK, U.S.N. | Torp. & Gun. Officer | | 1 |
| Lt. (jg) J. H. BARNARD, U.S.N.R. | Asst. Eng. & Asst. C&R | | 5 |
| Lt.(jg) H. F. DALEY, Jr., U.S.N.R. | Electrical Officer | | 2 |
| Ensign J. B. HALL, U.S.N. | Coms'y & Asst Eng. | | 12 |
| Ensign R. G. NEWBY, U.S.N. | Comm. & Radar Officer | | 2 |
| Mach. M. G. HANSEN, U.S.N. | T.D.C. & Asst Gunnery | | 10 |
| | Engineering Officer | | |

| CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS: | | | |
| :| :| :| :|
| NAME | RATE | SERVICE NUMBER | TOTAL WAR PATROLS |
| J. J. WALL | CRM | 212 50 92, USN | 5 |
| P. D. BYORK | CPhM | 234 31 19, USN | 5 |
| C. D. JEWELL | CTM | 238 59 66, USN | 9 |
| E. H. DRESCHLER | CMOMM | 268 37 66, USN | 10 |
| G. RUNYON | CEM | 266 35 54, USN | 5 |
| J. W. THOMAS | CMOMM | 258 06 17, USN | 5 |

ENCLOSURE (A)
-1-
3

— page 191 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABBARDIFSH (SS397)

(B) NARRATIVE (Cont'd).

5 July 1945: (All times are "KING" unless otherwise stated)

1525 Underway from alongside U.S.S. APOLLO in Apra Harbor, Guam enroute
patrol area in company with escort, P.C. #596 in accordance with
ComSubPac OpOrd #148-45.

1844 Released escort.

2225 SJ radar contact bearing 040° (T), range 8800 yards. Was unable to
exchange recognition signals, but believe this to be U.S.S. WHALE
enroute Guam.
Sighted many friendly planes with running lights throughout night.

6 July 1945:

0557 Fire in maneuvering room.

0603 Secured from fire station. Fire caused by shorting of port motor
rheostat. Placed port shaft out of commission and commenced repair
of rheostat.

0613 Sighted what appeared to be a net buoy with only a padeye in top.
Sank buoy with one magazine of 20mm. Lat. 16° 35' N Long. 144° 52' E.

0625 Main hydraulic plant commenced running too hot. Plant appears to charge
sluggishly due to Automatic By-pass valve not unloading through pilot
valve properly and hence not allowing By-pass valve to seat properly.
Secured plant and commenced adjustments.

1050 Repairs to port motor rheostat completed, port shaft back in commission.

1200 Lat. 17 - 14 N., Long. 143 - 46 E.

1640 Hydraulic plant back in commission, but operation still not satisfactory.

7 July 1945:

1200 Lat. 20-50 N., Long. 140 - 04 E.

1235 Dived for trim and training.

1239 Surfaced. Hydraulic plant very sluggish and main induction valve
closed too slowly to suit diving officer and commanding officer.

1248 Dived for trim, training, and check on hydraulic plant.

1314 Surfaced. Set course for patrol area.

ENCLOSURE (A)
-2-

— page 192 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397).

(B) NARRATIVE Cont'd.

8 July 1945:
0140 Exchanged recognition signals with southbound U.S.S. REDFIN.
1200 Lat. 25 - 20 N., Long. 139 - 38 E.
1234 Passed through heavy oil slick at Lat. 25 - 28 N., Long. 139 - 38 E.
1659 Sighted southbound U.S. Submarine by high periscope bearing 270° (T).
1710 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. LAPON (SS260).
     Completed routine of all torpedoes.

9 July 1945:
0050 Received ComSubPac 081233 assigning lifeguard station east of SOFU GAN.
1157 Sighted SOFU GAN ISLAND by high periscope bearing 077° (T).
1200 Lat. 29 - 45 N., Long 140 - 05 E.
1404 Dived for trim and training.
1430 Surfaced.
2045 SD plane contact 12 miles, no I.F.F.
2057 Contact closed to 3 miles.
2058 Dived.
2130 Surfaced. Enroute lifeguard station.

10 July 1945:
0230 Arrived on lifeguard station, commenced patrolling on East-West line.
0242 Exchanged calls with and sighted "Playmate, 24" our cover for bomber
     strike. Communication by VHF excellent.
     Sighted many B-29's going north and returning, but no business.
0430 Granted
0430 Granted air cover permission to leave station for base. Asked cover to
     search a point of possible ditching on way back to base.
0652 Air cover reported search completed with negative results.
1200 Lat. 30 - 06 N., Long. 141 - 52 E.
1342 Dived for trim, training, and repair of Hydraulic System. Believe we
     have the hydraulic plant trouble in hand. Plant is now charging

ENCLOSURE (A)
-3-

— page 193 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

(B) NARRATIVE Cont'd.
July 1945 (Cont'd)
properly and not overheating, thanks to the abilities of our auxiliary-
man J. L. KING, 761-86-10, USN, and an enlightening article in a
Submarine Base Navy No. 1504 Bulletin covering similar hydraluic plant
casualty. The working drawing of the relief-check valve described in
the above article helped KING immensely in manufacturing this valve at
sea. (See MAJOR DEFECTS).

1725 Surfaced.

11 July 1945:

Patrolling on lifeguard station.

0748 Dived for trim and training.

0820 Surfaced.

1200 Lat. 30 - 01 N., Long. 141 - 24 E.

2.10 Received ComSubPac 110918 assigning new lifeguard station east of
SUMISU SHIMA.

12. Ju 1945:

1702 Enroute new lifeguard station.

1200 Lat. 30 - 04 N., Long. 140 - 36 E.

1304 Sighted two friendly B-24 distant 13 miles.

1430 Sighted TORI SHIMA bearing 270° (T).

1531 Sighted yellow object in water. Close inspection proved it to be a
piece of yellow cardboard box.

Sighted SUMISU SHIMA bearing 346° (T), distant 28300 yards.

13 July 1945:

0140 Arrived on new lifeguard station.

0200 Exchanged calls with "Playmate 23" over 4475 Kcs. Unable to work air
cover with VHF due to plansis transmitter not operating correctly.
Sighted many B-29 going to and returning from strike. No business
today.

0500 Air cover departed for base.

1000 Lat. 31 - 28 N., Long. 140 - 50 E.

ENCLOSURE (10)
-4-

— page 194 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397).

(B) NARRATIVE Cont'd.
13 July 1945 (Cont'd).
1610
Dived for trim and training.
2035
Surfaced. Patrolling on station.
14 July 1945:
1200
Lat. 31 - 30 N., Long. 140 - 49 E.
15 July 1945:
1200
Lat. 31 - 30 N., Long. 140 - 50 E.
2003
Received ComSubPac 150707 assigning new lifeguard station off DAIO
SAKI (HONSHU).
2035
Interference on SJ radar bearing 280° (T).
2325
Exchanged recognition and calls with U.S.S. POMFRET (SS391).
2.27
Set course for new lifeguard station.
16 July 1945:
Enroute new lifeguard station.
Dived for trim and training.
0913
Surfaced.
1.200
Lat. 32 - 46 N., Long. 138 - 00 E.
40%
Sighted "Privateer" bearing 001° (T), distant 5 miles.
1441
Dived from SD contact 6 miles, no I.F.F., no sight contact.
121
Surfaced. Enroute station for bombing mission.
17 July 1945:
0245
On station, 20 miles from DAIO SAKI Light, with "Airdale 31" overhead.
0515
Released "Airdale 31", no ditching reported.
0530
Dived for trim and headed in for station 5 miles off DAIO SAKI Light
for fighter strike.
0915
On station, but no planes in sight.
ENCLOSURE (A)
-5-

— page 195 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

(B) NARRATIVE Cont'd.

17 July 1945 (Cont'd).

0925 Surfaced, no planes in vicinity, nothing on radio.

0945 Received message from Liaison Office, Iwo telling us strike has been
postponed 24 hours. Was glad to receive this message at this time as
we felt pretty naked running back and forth so close off this point
with no cover overhead. Set course South to open out from the beach.

1031 Dived for trim and training.

1400 Lat. 33 - 59 N., Long. 137 - 07 E.

1955 Surfaced.

2200 Received message delaying fighter strike another 4 hours.

18 July 1945:

0541 Dived for trim and training. Depth control difficult at 60 feet in
heavy ground swells.

1200 Lat. 33 - 52 N., Long. 137 - 01 E.

1413 Surfaced on station for fighter strike. No air cover in sight or on
radio. Maybe we have missed message cancelling strike.

1525 With no dope concerning postponement, remained on station for two hours
awaiting air cover which did not show up. Decided strike had been
called off.

1532 Dived.

2035 Surfaced.

2151 SJ radar interference bearing 235° (T).

19 July 1945:

0020 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S.S. SPRINGER (SS414).

0330 Have received no information concerning strike postponement over Fox
schedule. Sent message to Lifeguard Liaison, Iwo asking for this
information.

0530 Iwo informed us strike was on for 0915 today. Set course for station.

0711 Dived for trim and submerged approach to lifeguard station.

0932 Sighted B-24 circling over station.

ENCLOSURE (A)

-6-

— page 196 —
REPORT OF W. R. PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCARBARDFISH (SS397)

(B) NARRATIVE Cont'd.

19 July 1945(Cont'd).

0933 Surfaced and contacted air cover on VHF and commenced circling on stat-
     ion.
1025 Dived on sighting 3 unidentified fighters diving at us out of clouds
     overhead.
1030 Surfaced immediately after radio said our Playmate had sent a message
     just as we were diving to the effect that our fighter friends were
     coming down to see us and to say "Hello".
1130 Fighter strike over, no business. Released air cover and headed for
     new station south of OMAI SAKI for bomber strike at midnight.
1200 Lat. 34 - 06 N., Long. 137 - 04 E.
1250 Dived for training.
1900 Surfaced.
2300 On station, commenced circling.

20 July 1945.

0030 Contacted air cover on VHF.
0034 While watching red running light of plane headed south, the light was
     extinguished suddenly, and immediately thereafter a large dimly lighted
     blob commenced dropping slowly toward the sea from the same altitude
     that red light had been observed. Headed for light on course 159°(T)
     at flank speed. Notified air cover, and was informed that he had
     observed falling light, and was going to investigate. The Commanding
     Officer thought he was seeing several parachutes dropping close to-
     gether and all of them illuminated by a dim light.
     The night was very clear as "ack-ack" could be seen clearly over
     bomber target 80 - 90 miles distant, making an estimate of range to
     parachutes very uncertain. Air cover reported he could find nothing,
     and shortly thereafter requested permission to leave station for a
     new base. Released air cover and continued search along true bearing line for a
     distance of 30 miles. Reported incident to Lifeguard Liaison, two.
0716 Reversed to course 340°(T) to search back along line during daylight.
0900 Abandoned search, results negative. Set course for station for fighter
     strike at 1300.
1200 Lat. 34 - 06 N., Long. 137 - 37 E.
1300 On station with air cover circling overhead.

ENCLOSURE (A)
-7-

— page 197 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABBARDFISH (SS397)

(B) NARRATIVE Cont'd.

20 July 1945 (Cont'd).

1332        O.O.D. sighted large splash in water and smoke on bearing 300° (T).
            Headed toward at flank speed. Cover reported large oil slick and bits
            of wreckage, but no survivors.

1414        Commenced searching in vicinity of oil slick (Lat. 34° 31' N. Long. 137°
            28' E). Results of search negative except for bits of cork and what look
            ed like wooden wedges. Pilot must have gone down with plane. Nothing
            was ever heard over radio and plane was never sighted by SCABBARDFISH
            or air cover. The only evidence of a crash was a large splash, smoke
            subsequent oil slick, and bits of cork.

1448        Granted air cover permission to return to base. Abandoned search,
            and set course to open out from beach.

1603        SD radar contact, 6 miles closing, no I.F.F.

1704        Dived.

1805        Surfaced.

2000        T.B.L. transmitter casualty (See MAJOR DEFECTS) prevented us from inform-
            ing Lifeguard Liaison Iwo and ComSubPac of search and results. Our
            air cover evidently failed to report that search had been abandoned.
            Later received message from Iwo stating that search plane would help
            in search for survivor from 0600 King 21 July.

21 July 1945:

0035        In communication by VHF with search plane. Informed plane that in
            view of our daylight search with air cover yesterday afternoon, we
            believed further search would be futile. Gave search plane message
            concerning T.B.L. transmitter failure for relay to Lifeguard Liaison
            Iwo.

0635        Granted search plane permission to return to base.

0644        Dived for training and submerged patrol while making repairs to trans-
            mitter and SJ radar.

1200        Lat. 34 - 06 N., Long. 137 - 30 E.

2032        Surfaced. No strikes for us today.

22 July 1945:

0515        Dived for training and submerged patrol.

1200        Lat. 33 - 47 N., Long. 137 - 03 E.

ENCLOSURE (A)

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— page 198 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABDARDFISH (SS397)

(B) NARRATIVE Cont'd.
22 July 1945 (Cont'd).
2028 Surfaced. No strikes for us today.
23 July 1945:
0555 Dived for training and submerged patrol.
1200 Lat. 33 - 58 N., Long. 136 - 59 E.
2025 Surfaced. No strikes for us today. Set course for station for combined
Army Bomber, Army fighter, and Carrier fighter strike tomorrow.
24 July 1945:
0500 On station, awaiting arrival of Navy Fighter CAP.
0706 Sighted four F-6-F planes, our CAP for strike.
0950 Original C.A.P. relieved by four more F-6-F planes.
1100 Two B-29 planes arrived for cover and search during B-29 strike.
1200 Lat. 34 - 04 N., Long. 136 - 40 E.
1233 Fighter C....P. relieved again.
1312 Released both B-29 planes for return to base.
1431 Fighter C.A.P. relieved again.
1508 No business in our vicinity, released two of the fighter CAP for strafing
of installations on nearby beach. (They had been begging to do this
for over an hour).
1850 Released last two planes (Fighter CAP) ten minutes early so they would
have time to "shoot up" beach installations before return to carrier.
Carrier Strike completed, having lasted 12 hours.
25 July 1945:
0725 Circling on station for carrier strike, and in communication over VHF
with our fighter CAP.
0956 "Hellcat" pilot ditched alongside, making a perfect water landing.
0953 Brought pilot aboard in good condition.
Ensign Warrell R. DOGGETT, U.S.N.R. File No. 363568 attached to U.S.S.
SAN JACINTO.
ENCLOSURE (A)
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— page 199 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABBARDTISH (SS397)

(B) NARRATIVE Cont'd.
25 July 1945 (Cont'd).

Pilot stated he had tried to return to carrier, but finally decided
that a submarine in sight was better than a carrier over the horizon,
so he came back and ditched alongside.

1100 Sighted ditched "belly-tank". Sank it with 20 mm.

1200 Lat. 34 - 05 N., Long. 137 - 00 E.

1644 Carrier strike secured, gave air cover permission to return to carrier.
Our CAP has been pestering us all day wanting to ease over to the beach
to drop their rockets on anything Japanese. Have granted permission
in all cases after sighting relief CAP.

2045 Radar interference on SJ bearing 100° (T).

2105 Exchanged recognition signals with U.S. Submarine, but could not
distinguish her call. We believe this to be the U.S.S. PETO.

2330 Plane contact on SD radar, no I.F.F., no answer on V.H.F. Dived when
contact closed to 3 miles.

26 July 1945:

0050 Surfaced. On station for Bomber strike.

0300 Finally communicated with our air cover "PLAYMATE 12" over 4475 Kcs.
Discovered he was circling station assigned him 80 miles bearing
260° (T) from correct position.
Gave him course and distance to our position.

0305 Air cover circling overhead in communication with us by V.H.F. Strike is
on, and we have had no air cover during entire strike due to
"PLAYMATE 12" being assigned to wrong station.

0354 Granted permission for air cover to return to base.

1003 Dived from plane contact on SD radar 6 miles, no I.F.F., no sight
contact.

1400 Lat. 33 - 30 N., Long. 137 - 56 E.

1457 Surfaced.

27 July 1945:

1025 Enroute station for carrier strike. Sighted U.S. Submarine by high
periscope bearing 057° (T).

ENCLOSURE (A)
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— page 200 —
REPORT OF WAR PATROL NUMBER FIVE
U.S.S. SCABBARD FISH (SS397)

(B) NARRATIVE Cont'd.

27 July 1945 (Cont'd).

1050 Exchanged recognition signals and calls with U.S.S. PETO (SS265).
1200 Lat. 33 - 58 N., Long. 137 - 32 E.

28 July 1945:

0608 Dived for trim and training.
0628 Surfaced. On station for carrier strike.
0659 In communication by V.H.F. with fighter C.A.P.
0743 Received report of two pilots down in OWASE WAN. Started for position
at flank speed.
0814 Can see planes zooming one raft inside mouth of bay. Sighted puffs
of "ACK-ACK", but all on far side of first range of hills.
Air cover said they would strafe the beach to cover us.
0848 Picked up first pilot, Sub. Lieut.(A), H. K. QUILTER, R.N.V.R. of the
H.M.S. FORMIDABLE.
Air cover informed us that second pilot was only slightly farther
inside of bay bearing 305° (T) from us, so started after him.
0915 Picked up second pilot, Sub. Lieut. (A), I.F. STIRLING, R.N.Z.N.V.R.,
of the H.M.S. FORMIDABLE.
From this spot we could see waterfront of OWASE Town, with several small
boats and a ship, which pilots reported as a Destroyer Escort or Gun-
boat, lying to in the harbor.
0916 Headed for open sea at flank speed. Have had no opposition from shore
batteries, although TOGASHIRA SHIMA seems like an ideal location for
a coastal battery.
Photographer took colored films during rescue operations.
1045 Arrived back on lifeguard station. After fighter CAP had been relieved
by new CAP, granted them permission to have a try at the D.E. in OWASE
WAN. They soon reported that they had scored two direct rocket hits
on the D.E., and were now returning to carrier.
1200 Lat. 34 - 01 N., Long. 136 - 39 E.
1236 Fighter CAP relieved on station. We tried to coach them to OWASE WAN,
but they entered another bay by mistake and found what they termed a
transport. Believe they were actually in GOKASHO KO, as we saw "ACK-
ACK" from that direction. They reported one rocket hit on transport
shortly after we heard two distant heavy explosions.

ENCLOSURE (A)
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