Appendix I
Briefs of War Damage Incurred by U.S. Submarine During World War II

1. A survey of war patrol reports and other information available to the Bureau indicates that during World War II there were 110 separate instances in which United States fleet type submarines survived damage from attack by either enemy or friendly forces where the damage received may be considered as more than negligible or where the circumstances of the attack or the nature of the damage has been considered of sufficient interest to warrant reporting. Briefs of each of these damage cases are presented on the following pages of this Appendix. Receipt of information with substantiating documents in correction of any of the data which may be found in error will be appreciated. Address Code 424, Bureau of Ships.

2. This Appendix together with Appendix II, the latter being a tabulation of United States submarine losses, summarize presently available information on the war damage experiences of U.S. navy submarines throughout World War II. Section II contains a statistical summary of the types of weapons causing the damage in the 110 separate instances of damage, and a list of the governing damage item or items which forced termination of 49 war patrols.

3. Seven of the 110 damage cases listed in this Appendix have been described in detail in the body of this reports.

4. Appendix I and Appendix II supplements the series of four confidential publications prepared by this Bureau which summarize the war damage to U.S. battleships, carriers, cruisers and destroyers for each of the four years of the war.

5. The following briefs have been arranged in as close adherence to chronological order as could be made without continuing the "remarks" column of any brief to another page.

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Name Date Place Source Remarks
Seadragon
(SS194)
12/10/41 Navy Yard, Cavite, P.I. Bombs - 2 Seadragon was berthed inboard of Sealion (SS195) at Navy Yard, Cavite during Japanese high level bombing attack. Fragments amidships and one aft, caused considerable structural damage on Seadragon. Conning tower was holed in four places, varying in size from 3 to 6 inches in diameter. Most of the bridge and conning tower wiring was carried away or punctured. Conning tower deadlight, port side, was blown out. Radio antenna trunk was torn open. NFO No. 1 and MBT No. 3F were punctured by many small fragments. One large fragment caused dent about 6 inches deep at frame 155 and slight tear in pressure hull plating. Superstructure plating amidships and conning tower fairwater were riddled in numerous places. Engine air induction piping was punctured over after engine room. Open paint pots on deck ignited, causing fire damage topside.
Sargo
(SS188)
3/4/42
(3rd)
Off Western Australia
About 30°S. 113°E
Bombs - 2 Received two bombs from RAAF two-engined bomber. First bomb was received shortly after diving, causing no damage but forcing ship to assume large down angle. Descent was checked at 170 foot depth by stopping motors and blowing bow buoyancy and forward group of main ballast tanks. Ship then broached and received second bomb close aboard conning tower while at about 50 foot depth. Main propulsion power was temporarily lost for reasons not stated. Both periscope exit windows and prisms were shattered and both periscope tubes flooded. After bulkhead of conning tower was slightly deformed, causing after bulkhead door to leak seriously at depths above 80 feet. Electrical panels and engine order telegraphs in conning tower were grounded by flooding. Three porcelain water closet bowls fractured. High pressure air system developed two leaks. Lighting power was lost and numerous bulbs were broken. Many gauges, meters and instruments were deranged or broken and other minor damage ocurred. Ship was already en route to base but otherwise would have had to terminate her patrol due to periscope damage.

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Name Date Place Source Remarks
Permit
(SS178)
3/17/42
(4th)
Tayabas Bay, P.I.
(Lat. & Long. not reported)
Depth Charges - 14 Depth charged by three Japanese destroyers shortly after submerging and on way deep. Conning tower door gasket was cut by excessive pressure on knife edge of door seal and partially bulged out, resulting in considerable leakage into conning tower. Other damage was minor. Ship remained on patrol.
Seawolf
(SS197)
3/31/42
(4th)
Off Christmas Island, Indian Ocean
10°-26' S.
105°-41' E.
Depth Charges - 25 Depth charged by Japanese destroyers and/or cruisers over 71/2 hour period. First attack tripped overload relays on after battery negative bus. This caused main power bus contactor and main battery bus contactor to open, cutting off power to main motors. Ship dropped from 200 to 70 feet depth before power was restored. Relays and contactors were then blocked closed with wooden wedges. Engine lube oil cooler coils developed leak, allowing sea water to enter main engine sumps since circulating water sea valves were not tight. Gyrocompass repeaters and radio transmitters were disabled. Cable stuffing glands in conning tower and starboard shaft stern tube leaked heavily. Trim line ruptured in forward torpedo room, and as emergency measure, forward trim tank was blown and flooded through torpedo tube drain and vent valves. Ship remained on patrol.
Porpoise
(SS172)
5/8/42
(3rd)
Off Ceram, Moluccas
3°-50' S.
129°-57' E.
Depth Charges - 4 Depth charged by Japanese escort while at 170 foot depth. Stern planes lost power and jammed temporarily. Hull valve to NFO No. 3 backed off and relief valve in after torpedo room opened admitting fuel oil to that compartent. Elbow in blow line to NFO No. 3 was ruptured. Two battery jars cracked. Ship remained on patrol.
Grampus
(SS207)
5/17/42
(2nd)
Off Truk
8°-02' N.
151°-30' E.
Gunfire - 1
(3 or 4.7 inch)
Received one 3 or 4.7 inch shell hit in after portion of conning tower fairwater. See Section XII for detailed account. Ship remained on patrol.

--252--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Nautilus
(SS168)
6/28/42
(1st)
Off Central Honshu
34°-34'N.
140°-13'E.
Depth Charges - 11 Depth charged by Japanese cruiser. Five close charges were received while passing 200 foot depth on way down. Rudder operation became very noisy as result of depth charging and starboard ram moved in jerks, either due to air in hydraulic system or jammed packing. Three pressure hull hard patches developed leaks. Bow plane indicator housing in anchor windlass room fractured. Electrical cables were forced into hull and in several cases streams of water entered hull around packing glands. Silver-soldered joints of Nos. 4 and 10 high pressure air banks developed leaks. Silver-soldered joints in hydraulic line to No. 7 MBT parted and several other hydraulic lines leaked. Both stern tube stuffing boxes developed excessive leakage. Outboard main engine exhaust valves leaked, allowing external exhaust piping to flood. Plastic coating in variable tanks flaked loose and particles appeared in forward torpedo tubes from WRT tanks. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Thresher
(SS200)
7/9/42
(4th)
Off Kwajalein Bomb - 1 Bombed by unidentified Japanese aircraft while passing 80 foot depth. Serious air leakage developed at high pressure air bank in No. 5 MBT. Main vent valves had been left open and consequently air bubbled to the surface through vent riser, enabling enemy planes and surface escorts to track Thresher, the sea being glassy calm. Several more bomb and depth charge attacks were made but resulting damage was minor. Ships was also hooked by small grapnel for ten minutes. Ship remained on patrol.
Pickerel
(SS177)
8/12/42
(5th)
Off Marianas Islands
16°-19'N.
145°-23'E.
Depth Charges - 4 Depth charged by Japanese escort while at 230 foot depth. Tubes in Nos. 1 and 2 main engine heat exchangers were ruptured. Cooling water hose to No. 2 main engine outboard exhaust valve carried away. Hull stop valve for hose line was secured but not until spray had entered No. 2 main generator casing through flexible coupling and soaked field windings Fresh water rinse and slow drying by application of heat restored generator to service. Ship remained on patrol.

--253--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Flying Fish
(SS229)
9/2/42
(2nd)
Off Truk
7°-46'N.
151°-7'E.
Depth Charges - 8 Depth charged by Japanese PC. Received three charges while passing 160 foot depth and 5 charges while at 250 foot depth. Unstated damage caused leakage into after trim tank of 8000 lbs. hourly at 300 foot depth. Stern planes were forced out of alignment, requiring two men to operate them with difficulty by hand power. Cables on No. 1 periscope parted. This periscope was housed at limit switch and dropped 4 inches to bumper. Engine air induction piping and forward battery soft patch leaked. Boat was unable to maintain satisfactory trim or run silent. Patrol was terminated.
Sculpin
(SS191)
9/28/42
(5th)
Off New Britain
3°-47'S.
151°-36'E.
Depth Charges
(No. not reported)
Depth charged by two Japanese escorts while at about 250 foot depth. First close charges caused temporary loss of main power by jarring control cubicle overload relays open. These were reset by hand and power was regained ten seconds later. Stern planes lost power and stalled on 15° dive position with boat at 280 foot depth. By quickly shifting to hand control, the planes were operated again before serious effects on depth control resulted. Contact arm porcelain insulator in governor control for No. 1 generator engine fractured, causing full ground on generator armature circuit. Various leaks throughout boat caused increase of 20,000 lbs. weight. Maintained depth by running at 2/3 speed ahead on both shafts with 10° to 12° rise angle on boat. Gauge glass on hydraulic replenishing tank fractured, causing loss of oil in tank. Knife edge on conning tower door seat cut through door gasket but only minor leakage resulted. Refrigerating compressor motor in pump room flooded out, causing loss of all stores in cold room. Numerous valves jarred open, gauges shattered, light bulbs and fixtures broke and miscellaneous other items of minor damage occurred. Temporary repairs were made and ship remained on patrol.
Trout
(SS202)
10/3/42
(5th)
Off Truk
lat. & long. not reported)
Bomb - 2 Received bomb from Japanese aircraft while at 58 foot depth just as periscope was being lowered. Second bomb was received shortly thereafter while passing 80 foot depth on way down. Both Nos. 1 and 2 periscopes were put out of commission. The upper windows were shattered, upper prisms cracked, control wire jammed and periscope tube flooded. No other damage was reported. Patrol was terminated due to periscope casualty.

--254--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Nautilus
(SS168)
10/12/42
(3rd)
Off Northern Honshu
41°-05'N.
141°-58'E.
Depth Charges - 15 Depth charged by Amagiri Class Japanese Destroyer. Majority of damage sustained was from one pattern of 5 charges dropped close overhead while Nautilus was running at 250 foot depth. Threaded high pressure air piping connection at forward separator started to leak. Rudder post packing jammed causing rudder to groan and seize. Torpedo tubes Nos. 8 and 10 flooded through muzzle door gaskets. Impulse air system for deck tube No. 8 developed external air leak to sea. Bellows on pitometer log ruptured. Leak developed between NFO No. 5 and FBT No. 4B Water seal gaskets on 6-inch deck gun were crushed. Bow plane tilting shaft clutch disengaged three times on close charges. No. 3 main Diesel engine governor jammed and engine had to be run by hand control for four hours. Port main motor bearing oil seal packing jarred loose, allowing oil to leak. Contacts for No. 1 lighting motor generator and port main motor ventilation blower jarred closed, starting both units. Optical systems of both periscopes were deranged. Ship's supply ventilation inboard hull flapper valve was misaligned, causing difficult operation. Numerous gauges, meters, instruments, etc., were broken or deranged and other minor damage occurred. Ships remained on patrol.
Whale
(SS239)
10/30/42
(1st)
Off Southern Honshu
33°-34'N.
135°-15iE.
Depth Charges
(No. not reported)
Depth charged by Japanese Otori Class torpedo boat. First close charges were received while passing 150 foot depth. Boat then leveled off at 300 foot depth but engine air induction, ship's supply ventilation and battery outboard exhaust piping topside completely flooded, causing increase in weight overall and aft. Inboard induction flapper valve in engine room was distorted and leaked badly. Boat assumed 15° up angle and started to settle. Up angle was reduced to 5° by sending 50 men to forward torpedo room. Depth control was regained at 360 feet and maintained thereafter by occasionally increasing speed and by blowing after trim to sea. These actions enabled the enemy to retain contact and depth charging by their escorts and planes continued at various intervals for three hours. Motor room bilges flooded from excessive leakage through starboard shaft stern tube packing. Starboard shaft developed pronounced swishing and squealing above 95 rpm, indicating misalignment. Other minor damage occurred. Patrol was terminated.

--255--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Grayling
(SS209)
11/6/42
(4th)
Off Truk
6°-44'N.
151°-25'E.
Bombs - 3 Bombed by unidentified Japanese aircraft while at periscope depth. High pressure air piping developed leaks in after battery well and after torpedo room. Radio antenna trunk flooded and all antennae were knocked down. No. 2 periscope optical system was deranged. Gaskets on MBT Nos. 5A and 5B spring loaded vent valves were dislodged. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Tautog
(SS199)
11/11/42
(4th)
Makassar Strait
1°-22'N.
119°-31'E.
Depth Charges - 11 Depth charged by Japanese escort while at about 250 foot depth. Cast iron plug in auxiliary engine circulating water sea valve body blew out and bilges flooded to depth of two feet before gaining control with drain pump. Ventilation supply blower shifted out of alignment. Stern planes and rudder developed high noise level. Bow plane tilting and rigging motors grounded. Numerous external electrical cables pushed through pressure hull packing glands, some by as much as one foot. QC sound head grounded internally and JK head was rendered insensitive Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Patrol was terminated.
Seal
(SS183)
11/16/42
(5th)
Off Palau Islands
6°-18'N.
135°-20'E.
Ramming While at 61 foot depth and only twelve seconds after firing torpedoes at a Japanese freighter, Seal was run down by a second Japanese cargo ship which passed directly overhead and damaged the periscopes, radar, and their supporting shears. Boat rose from 61 feet to 55 feet due to suction effect and hung there for nearly a minute before starting down. No. 2 periscope, which was fully extended, was bent nearly horizontal at top of shears. SD radar mast was also bent over in same direction. No. 1 periscope could not be operated due to misalignment of upper bearings. No. 2 periscope housing was broken off level with top of housing for No. 1 periscope. No other damage occurred. Patrol was terminated.

--256--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Snapper
(SS185)
11/24/42
(5th)
Off Northern Solomons
7°-58'S.
156°-12'E.
Bombs - 3
Depth Charges - 18
Received one large and two small bombs from unidentified Japanese aircraft while at periscope depth. Six minutes later while running at 200 foot depth, 18 depth charges were dropped by Japanese destroyers. Bow buoyancy and MBT Nos. 2B and 2D vent valve gaskets were blown out. Low pressure blow line to FBT Nos. 5 and 6 ruptured. Light bulbs were broken throughout ship. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Stingray
(SS186)
12/10/42
(5th)
Off Northern Solomons
6°-23'S.
156°-01'E.
Bombs - 2 Japanese float plane dropped two bombs just as No. 2 periscope (high) broke water for observation. Sea was glassy smooth. Concussion or possibly fragment of bomb shattered glass over periscope object prism, allowing periscope to flood and rendering it inoperative. No other damage occurred. Patrol was terminated due to this damage.
Amberjack
(SS219)
12/20/42
(2nd)
Off Northern Solomons
7°-10'S.
155°-21'E.
Depth Charges - 6 Depth charged by Japanese destroyer while at 250 foot depth. Head window of No. 1 periscope was shattered and upper prism of No. 2 periscope was chipped. SJ radar mast was thrown out of alignment. MBT No. 1 vent line was sprung and leaked steadily at periscope depth. Other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--257--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Pike
(SS173)
1/14/43
(6th)
Off Ichie Saki, Southern Honshu Depth Charges - 69

Bombs - 2

Severely depth charged by several Japanese destroyers over 8 hours period. First 3 charges detonated beneath ship while passing 65 foot depth on way down. Over 45 charges were then received during next hour while running at about 330 foot depth. Main propulsion power was momentarily lost when first depth charge tripped main motor overload relays. Flame and smoke issued from control stand. Brush rigging shifted 5 inches on No 2 main motor. Dowel pins came loose and brushes chattered on all main motors. Pump room auxiliary power circuit breaker tripped open. Impulse air system leaked heavily both internally and eternally. Starboard stern tube developed serious leakage, filling motor room bilges and flooding starboard circulating water pump and standby lube oil pump motors. Leakage through main engine exhaust valves and at flanged and silver brazed joints in main engine circulating water lines flooding engine room bilges and grounded No. 1 main generator blower motor. Main vent valves fluttered with each close charge and developed numerous leaks. Trim pump motor controller starting coil dropped out of position and pump could only be operated by holding coil in place by hand. Over half of all light bulbs broke throughout ship Many electrical grounds occurred in auxiliary machinery motor and controller circuits, I.C. systems, bridge instruments, etc. Numerous valves opened. Gauges and meters were broken or deranged. Muzzle doors were sprung on several torpedo tubes, allowing tubes to flood, and stop bolts and gyro spindles were bent. Plastic composition in variable tanks was shaken loose and large pieces were found in both the forward and aft torpedo tubes. Six hours after initial attack, Pike went to periscope depth but was promptly bombed by Japanese plane and again went deep. large air bubbles were noted at this time rising to surface from impulse system forward and aft. Throughout the entire period the boat was heavy overall and depth control was maintained by running at standard and full speed with hard rise on bow and stern planes. Maximum depth reached was 365 feet. Upon finally evading the enemy Pike surfaced and cleared area on all four main engines. Patrol was terminated.

--258--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Silversides
(SS236)
1/18/43
(4th)
Off Central Carolines
6°l-21'N.
150°-23'E.
Depth Charges (No. not reported) Depth charged while at deep submergence by Japanese minelayer or small destroyer. First barrage dislodged gasket from safety tank vent valve and shortly afterwards, when it became necessary to put a bubble in safety tank to maintain depth control, the air escaped through the vent to the surface, disclosing ship's location to enemy. The escorts promptly delivered another attack, this time quite close. Crew's head flushing line ruptured in FBT No. 5 and studs broke on blank flange in FBT No. 3, allowing considerable fuel oil to leak to sea. Japanese ZEKE followed oil trail for 45 minutes and finally attacked with depth bomb but missed Silversides by 4000 yards. Air vent opened on hydraulic line to engine induction outboard valve, causing valve to later slam shut when running surfaced on four engines. Sea valve leaked over No. 1 main generator terminals, later caused explosion and fire. Pipe plug blew out and nipple broke on two circulating water lines. Valves backed off, instruments were deranged, lights broke, etc. Damage incurred from this depth charging was a factor in early termination of patrol.
Spearfish
(SS190)
1/19/43
(7th)
Off Gilbert Islands
4°-44'N.
175°-28'E.
Bombs - 2 Bombed by unidentified aircraft while passing 140 foot depth. Several main motor brushes and spring assemblies were dislodged from their holders. No. 2 periscope upper limit switch derangement caused 230 volt ground. Steam-tight lamps in conning tower shattered. Water closet porcelain bowl was broken. Main engine outboard exhaust vales, which had previously been leaking excessively, were effectively seated. Gaskets for safety tank and MBT No. 4 main vent valves were blown out. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship was en route Pearl Harbor from patrol.

--259--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Gudgeon
(SS211)
1/26/43
(6th)
Banda Sea
3°-59'S.
127°-54'E.
Depth Charges - 8 Depth charged by Japanese SC while running at 315 foot depth. Pressure hull was slightly dished inward between frames 118 and 119 in after torpedo room. External high pressure air leaks occurred at bank No. 2 and internal leaks occurred at bank No. 4. Starboard shaft and propeller became noisy and strut bearing developed squeal. Port stern tube leaked excessively and vibrated. QC sound gear shaft was forced out of alignment and chattered. Emergency fresh water tanks split seams and lost water. Gyro spindles were bent on several torpedo tubes. Leak occurred at brazed joint on main engine lube oil line. Hydraulic leak started in piping to stern planes. Gyro follow-up system grounded at damaged panel. No. 2 periscope optics were slightly deranged. Radio antennae insulators broke. Leak occurred between NFO No. 2 and MBT Nos. 2A and 2B. Ship remained on patrol.
Growler
(SS215)
2/7/43
(4th)
Off New Britain
3°-43'S.
151°-09'E.
Collision & Machine Gun Fire
(13mm)
Collided with large Japanese gunboat and received subsequent close quarters enemy machine gun fire. Severe damage resulted to bow structure. See Section XIII for detailed account. Ship terminated patrol.
Swordfish
(SS193)
2/7/43
(7th)
150 Mi. North of New Ireland
00°-12'N.
152°-00'E.
Aircraft Strafing
(.50 cal.)
Strafed by .50 cal. AP projectiles from U.S. Army B-17 bomber which approached Swordfish from 20° on the bow at an altitude of about 500 feet. Swordfish made a quick dive but received about 20 hits in bridge, conning tower fairwater and superstructure. Damage was as follows: (a) forward engine room access hatch skirt was struck by one projectile which did not penetrate completely but cracked the plating, causing minor leakage into boat; (b) pressure proof battery exhaust ventilation piping was punctured forward of conning tower, causing external system to flood completely; (c) one puncture occurred in low pressure blow line to MBT No. 3; (d) one puncture occurred in MBT No. 2A vent riser; (e) several projectiles ricocheted from top of conning tower pressure plating, causing nicks about 1/16 inch deep. Patrol was terminated.

--260--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Blackfish
(SS221)
2/19/43
(3rd)
Bay of Biscay
43°-30'N.
2°-54'W.
Depth Charges- 9 Depth charged by two German converted trawlers while going deep. Conning tower after bulkhead door frame was cracked, causing serious leakage into conning tower. Upper flanges of MBT Nos. 1 and 7 vent risers leaked into torpedo rooms. Engine air induction piping developed considerable leakage as drains showed full stream. Ship went to bottom in 368 feet of water until enemy departed. Patrol was terminated due to conning tower door damage.
Runner
(SS275)
2/19/43
(1st)
Off Palau Islands
7°-35'N.
134°-25'E.
Bomb - 1 Received one bomb from unidentified Japanese aircraft while firing torpedoes at periscope depth. Bomb detonated to port, close aboard conning tower. Main and emergency lighting was lost in the conning tower and adjacent compartments. Shock damage to control panel contacts put bow plane tilting motor out of commission for several hours but planes were shifted to hand control. Both periscope head windows were shattered, No. 1 periscope upper prism fractured, and the tubes of both periscopes flooded. Power to trim pump, drain pump, hydraulic pump and other auxiliaries was temporarily lost. Mercury was displaced from master gyrocompass, putting it out of commission and the magnetic compass binnacle tube flooded, preventing its use for steering. Serious leakage occurred in conning tower around binnacle tube flange and after bulkhead door. Bridge instruments were smashed and flooded. Numerous external electrical cables were flooded. Low pressure blow valve to MBT No. 1 opened, allowing low pressure manifold to flood. SJ radar bearing indicator shaft was bent. Numerous gauges, meters and instruments were broken or deranged and much other minor damage occurred. Immediately after the bombing, and in spite of the damage, Runner fired two more torpedoes and then went to 200 foot depth to evade enemy surface vessels. The patrol was terminated due to derangement of both periscopes.

--261--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Kingfish
(SS234)
3/23/43
(3rd)
Off Formosa
26°-20'N.
121°-55'E.
Depth Charges - 41 Depth charged by small Japanese destroyer or minelayer while at 300 foot depth. Severe damage resulted. See Section V for detailed account. Ship terminated patrol.
Haddock
(SS231)
4/3/43
(4th)
Off Palau Islands
9°-31'N.
133°-39'E.
Depth Charges - 24 Depth charged by Japanese corvette. Two charges detonated close aboard while passing 250 foot depth and several more close charges were received while at 350 foot depth. As attacks continued, Haddock increased depth still further. When 415 foot depth was reached, two local areas of conning tower pressure plating, port and starboard, suddenly bulged inward to a maximum extent of about four inches in way of discontinuity in connection of eternal stiffeners to conning tower plating. Conning tower was promptly abandoned and boat planed up to 300 foot depth. With exception of misalignment of SJ radar training mechanism, no other damage occurred. Ship terminated patrol.
Gato
(SS212)
4/1/43
(5th)
Off New Ireland
3°-08'S.
153°-00'E.
Depth Charges - 6 Depth charged by Japanese corvette. First charge detonated close aboard port side aft while passing 150 foot depth and caused major portion of damage sustained. Main battery positive and negative bus bars in control cubicle jarred together and arced, causing battery disconnect switches to trip. Main power was consequently disrupted for brief period but was regained in time to check descent at 380 foot depth. Auxiliary power was also lost by tripping of auxiliary power panel switches but was restored immediately. Pressure hull plating was dished inward between frs. 119-130, both port and starboard, in way of after torpedo room and after trim tank. Maximum indentation was 2 inches. Grease line nipple in after trim tank failed, allowing that tank to completely flood from sea. After WRT tank then flooded from after trim through leaking valves. All four after torpedo tubes were distorted sufficiently to require their renewal. Torpedoes within the after tubes were damaged as well as guide studs and tube operating gear. Steering ram cylinders were thrown out of alignment. MBT No. 1 riser leaked slightly at flanges. Miscellaneous other damage of minor nature occurred, principally in after portion of ship. Ship terminated patrol due to inability to maintain satisfactory depth control because of leakage into after trim tank.

--262--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Pike
(SS173)
4/23/43
(7th)
Off Central Carolines
4°-20'1N.
152°-02'E.
Depth Charges - 89 Depth charged by Japanese escort while at 250 foot depth. Insulators for generator and battery bus bars in control cubicle shattered in numerous places. Leak occurred at cone joint connecting high pressure air line to 200 lb. air manifold. Silver soldered joint ruptured on No. 4 main engine circulating water line. Overload relay for main motor cooling system pump tripped, putting pump temporarily out of commission and standby circulating water pump for main motor cooling system flooded from motor room bilges when ship took large up angle. Blower for No. 2 main motor and stern plane motor jarred out of alignment. Numerous gauges, instruments, and light bulbs were broken or deranged and other minor damage occurred. Patrol was terminated due to control cubicle casualty.
Pollack
(SS180)
5/20/43
(7th)
Off Southern Marshall
6°-47'N.
169°-42'E.
Depth Charges - 21 Depth charged by Japanese Chidori Class torpedo boat while at deep submergence (exact depth not reported). Main battery contactors in control cubicle tripped open, causing temporary loss of all propulsion power. Bow planes lost power and stalled on hard dive position. Auxiliary power contacts for several pumps in engine room closed, starting pumps. Hydraulic line to MBT No. 7 flood valve carried away, allowing considerable oil to escape from hydraulic system. Low pressure blow line to MBT No. 7 was ruptured. After bodies flooded on three torpedoes loaded in tubes. Firing circuit for No. 2 torpedo tube was shorted by loose stud which fell across terminal connections in conning tower. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--263--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Tinosa
(SS283)
6/10/43
(1st)
Off Kyushu
31°-14'N.
132°-44'E.
Depth Charges - 12 Depth charged by Japanese PC while heading deep immediately after firing torpedoes. One charge detonated close aboard while passing 200 foot depth. Bridge instruments were smashed and flooded. Mercury was displaced from both gyrocompasses. Trim pump motor controller cover jarred loose, grounding starter, and trim pump shifter line sheared off, placing pump temporarily out of commission. Radio antenna trunk flooded. Numerous gauges and instruments were deranged, light bulbs broke, and miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ships remained on patrol.
Sargo
(SS188)
6/14/43
(7th)
Off Palau Islands
6°-40'N.
136°-59'E.
Depth Charges - 4 Depth charged by Japanese SC while submerged (depth not reported). No. 1 deck torpedo tube was put out of commission for remainder of patrol due to rupture of forward roller drain. No. 1 low pressure blower reduction gear crankcase fractured, placing blower out of commission. External flanges on forward torpedo tube impulse air system developed leaks to sea and Nos. 2, 3, and 5 high pressure air bank piping also developed leaks. MBT No 1 vent valve gasket was dislodged. Key in bow plane tilting linkage in forward torpedo room was jarred out but was immediately replaced. Several gauges were deranged and numerous valves backed off. Ship remained on patrol.
Guardfish
(SS217)
6/19/43
(5th)
North of Bismarck Archipelago
2°-00'N.
148°-14'E.
Depth Charges - 7 Depth charged by Japanese SC while at 325 feet. Both JK-QC and QB sound gear were disabled due to power fuses becoming dislodged. MBT No. 1 vent riser leaked at two flanges. External high pressure air leaks occurred at banks Nos. 4 and 5, requiring after halves to be secured. TBT's on bridge flooded. Stop bolts and gyro spindles were bent on several torpedo tubes. Pitometer log was deranged. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--264--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Jack
(SS259)
6/26/43
(1st)
Off Southern Honshu
33°-22'N.
138°-56'E.
Bomb - 1 Bombed by unidentified Japanese aircraft while at periscope depth preparing to fire torpedoes. Bomb detonated close aboard port quarter. Stern broached. Bow and stern plane power control was lost. Stern planes were quickly shifted to hand operation but control was not regained until several minutes later on bow planes due to obstructing chain guard in forward torpedo room. Boat took 25° down angle and went deep. Descent was checked at 380 feet by blowing bow buoyancy tank and backing with full power. SJ radar was put out of commission probably due to dipole trouble in mast. No. 2 periscope was deranged. External air leak developed at high pressure air bank in MBT No. 2D. Many torpedo tube gyro spindles, stop bolts and torpedo guide studs were damaged. Main engine air induction piping developed leakage through bolted inspection plates. Gaskets were blown out of safety tank and MBT No .2A master vent valves. Miscellaneous other minor derangements occurred throughout boat. Ship remained on patrol.
Gurnard
(SS254)
7/6/43
(2nd)
Off Palau Islands
7°-3'N.
Bombs - 2

Depth Charges - 4

Received two bombs from unidentified Japanese aircraft while passing 90 foot depth shortly after taking periscope observation. Power on bow planes was lost temporarily due to tripping of contacts in rigging interlock switch. Ship took large up angle and started to lose depth. Rise was checked at 55 feet by backing with full power, sending 50 men to forward torpedo room, and flooding negative and variable tanks. Ship then dropped rapidly and passed 450 feet before depth control was regained. Meanwhile 4 depth charges were dropped by Japanese destroyer but these were not close. Stern plane operation became very noisy. Conning tower door frame was cracked (2 in. long) at recess in door frame for lower dog. Engine air induction piping and negative tank developed steady leakage. Ship remained on patrol.

--265--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Seal
(SS183)
7/8/43
(7th)
Off Northern Honshu
39°-53'N.
142°-10'E.
Bombs & Depth Charges - 72 Depth charged by Asashio Class Japanese destroyer and later bombed by Japanese float plane which followed oil trail caused by first attack. 72 bombs and depth charges were dropped on Seal over 10 hour period. Except for external fuel oil leakage, the source of which could not be determined, all other damage was of minor nature. Small internal leak developed in fuel oil transfer line in pump room and No. 2 auxiliary tank leaked from sea, causing the boat to become heavy overall. Patrol was terminated due to serious oil leakage.
Tuna
(SS203)
7/29/43
(8th)
Off Woodlark Is.
8°-02'S.
152°-07'E.
Bombs - 4 Detected while running surfaced at night by RAAF CATALINA. Submerged immediately and received four bombs close aboard while passing from 70 to 110 feet. Second bomb detonation caused loss of both main and auxiliary power. Bow and stern planes were shifted to hand power. Propulsion power was restored between 200 and 250 foot depth and by backing emergency and blowing tanks descent was checked at 365 foot depth. Hydraulic power was lost and tank vents were not opened in time to prevent broaching so Tuna surfaced. Ship took 18° list. Conning tower door leaked badly. Both batteries showed full voltage ground. Both periscopes were disabled. No. 2 low pressure blower was deranged. All main vent valve gaskets leaked. Miscellaneous other damage of minor nature occurred. Patrol was terminated.
Saury
(SS189)
7/31/43
(7th)
Philippine Sea
27°-03'N.
135°-27'E.
Ramming Run down by Japanese destroyer while at periscope depth. Destroyer passed directly overhead from abaft the port beam. No depth charges were dropped. Nos. 1 and 2 periscopes, SD and SJ radar masts and supporting shear structures were bent about 30° to starboard. Holding down bolts on shears parted at "A" frame level and foundations of shears were bent. No. 1 periscope window fractured and tube flooded. Slight leakage into conning tower occurred around hull flange of No. 2 periscope stuffing box at depths below 200 feet. Patrol was terminated.
Tunny
(SS282)
8/26/43
(4th)
Off Palau Is.
7°-30'N.
134°-20'E.
Depth Charges - 8 Depth charged by Japanese PC while at 300 foot depth. Severe damage resulted. See Section VI for detailed account. Ship terminated patrol.

--266--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Seahorse
(SS304)
9/6/43
(1st)
Off Palau Islands
7°-31'N.
134°-21'E.
Depth Charges - 35 Depth charged by Japanese PC and/or gunboat shortly after attacking convoy. Ship's supply ventilation and engine air induction piping developed leakage at rate of about 2000 lbs. per hour No. 4 torpedo tube flooded through muzzle door. Vent riser flanges for MBT Nos. 1 and 7 leaked into both torpedo rooms. Packing around bow plane tilting shaft loosened, causing serious leakage. Bridge gyro repeater flooded and water traveled through cable to gyro repeater panel inside ship, salting one switch and grounding several connections. Ship remained on patrol.
Scamp
(SS277)
9/18/43
(4th)
North of New Guinea
0°-41'N.
146°-28'E.
Depth Charges - 15 Depth charged by Japanese destroyer escort while at 320 foot depth. Forward torpedo room took in 7000 lbs. water through ruptured pitometer log gland before gate valve could be secured. Small electrical fire started in trim pump motor controller, which was dislodged from its foundation, and small fire also started in pump room control panel. Bow plane rigging motor shifted on its foundation, preventing power rigging of planes. Engine air induction piping commenced to leak slowly and after engine room induction hull flapper valve was distorted so that it would not properly seat. JK-QC sound gear jammed. Bridge TBT flooded. Many grounds developed in electrical circuits. Stern plane noise level greatly increased. Numerous gauges and meters were deranged or broken and much other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Skate
(SS305)
10/6/43
(1st)
Off Wake Island Strafing
(.25 cal.)
Strafed by Japanese ZEKE while surfaced. Plane came in low from the starboard beam. STS ballistic plating (30 lb.) shielding conning tower was penetrated by one .25 cal. projectile which struck nearly normal to the surface. A second .25 cal. projectile, which also struck almost normal to the plating surface, was stopped just short of passing completely through. Fragment of another projectile severed bourdon tubing of bathythermograph, putting it out of commission. No other damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--267--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Puffer
(SS268)
10/9/43
(1st)
Makassar Strait
1°-08'N.
119°-31'E.
Depth Charges - 46 Depth charged by Chidori Class torpedo boat while at deep submergence. Second escort later joined attack. Depth charging extended over 14 hour period and Puffer was then tracked for an additional 12 hours by the enemy vessel. Engine air induction and ship's supply ventilation outboard valve gaskets were blown out, allowing both systems to completely flood. All deck hatches, conning tower door and forward escape trunk door fluttered on each close depth charge and leaked continuously thereafter. Boat became heavy overall, principally due to flooding mentioned above. Depth control was maintained by running at slow speed with a 12° up angle and by gradually blowing negative safety, auxiliary and after trim tanks.Boat reached 500 foot maximum depth. All bilges flooded. Trim pump (reciprocating type) was too noisy to permit its use. Rudder and stern planes developed high noise level, apparently due to misalignment. Leakage developed at external piping silver soldered joints of No. 4 air bank,. Radio antenna trunk flooded. Plug for previously removed sea pressure gauge line in maneuvering room water closet sea valve backed out, allowing considerable water to enter after torpedo room. Flanged joint of trim line ruptured in after torpedo room. Both JK-QC and QB sound training motors were grounded by flooding and both sound head shafts were slightly misaligned. No. 1 air conditioning circulating water pump motor grounded due to flooding. Brushes were jarred loose on Nos. 1 and 2 lighting motor generators. Gyro spindles were bent on torpedo tubes Nos. 5, 6, 9 and 10. Air Pressure inside boat increased to six pounds above atmospheric, air temperature reached 125° F. and CO2 content increased considerably, causing much discomfort to all hands. Numerous light bulbs, gauges and instruments were broken or deranged and much other minor damage occurred. Dive lasted 38 hours, Ship terminated patrol.

--268--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Albacore
(SS218)
11/10/43
(7th)
Off New Ireland
3°-08'S.
150°-1'E.
Bomb
(No. not reported)
Bombed by four-engine U.S. bomber while submerging. Main lighting and auxiliary power were temporarily lost. Stern planes were stalled on 15° dive position. Engine induction outboard valve went under surface before being closed and induction piping system partially flooded. Ship reached 450 feet before descent could be checked and for next 21/2 hours oscillated between 30 feet (broach) and 400 feet, at various angles, the worst of which was a 25 degree up angle at 400 feet. 220 volt ground on forward battery and 90 volt ground on after battery occurred due to acid jarring from battery cells and shorts in emergency lighting circuits. Miscellaneous other minor damage ocurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Trigger
(SS237)
11/13/43
(7th)
East China Sea
32°-57'N.
125°-06'E.
Depth Charges - 5 Depth charged by Japanese Momi Class destroyer while at 200 foot depth. No. 2 main motor developed noise and vibration due to a commutator segment becoming dislodged and causing brushes to chatter. Steady thump developed in port reduction gear at depths greater than 150 feet at all speeds. No other damage was reported. Ship remained on patrol.
Thresher
(SS200)
11/13/43
(10th)
Off Truk
8°-57'N.
152°-36'E.
Depth Charges - 20 Depth charged by two or three Japanese escorts while at about 300 foot depth. Sea water entered main hydraulic system through leak in external replenishing tank or piping located forward of conning tower. Engine air induction piping and radio antenna trunk flooded. Patrol was terminated due to hydraulic system casualty.

--269--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Nautilus
(SS168)
11/19/43
(7th)
Off Tarawa
1°-05'N.
173°-03'E.
Gunfire - 2
(5-inch)
Nautilus made a quick dive upon being shelled by U.S. destroyer but received one hit and one near-miss before going under. The hit, a 5-inch common projectile (dud), struck superstructure plating abreast after end of conning tower; demolished low pressure blow lines for after and middle groups of main ballast tanks, preventing blowing of those tanks except by closing emergency vents and using high pressure air; tore jagged hole (1' x 2') in auxiliary engine air induction piping allowing that system to flood and requiring 6° up angle on the boat with full speed to maintain depth control due to the added weight; ricocheted off conning tower plating leaving a deep gouge one foot long; struck a main strength frame, tearing it from the pressure hull; ricocheted off periscope trunk, bending it and loosening a few rivets; and finally came to rest on tank top in superstructure where it was later retrieved. Pressure hull proper was not penetrated. Voice tube valve at hull in conning tower was damaged so that it could not be closed and considerable inboard flooding resulted, grounding one high pressure air compressor motor, both periscope motors, one low pressure air compressor motor, two lube oil purifier motors, the 1MC, IC frequency control, gyro follow-up system and the IC distribution board. The near-miss, also 5-inch, detonated close aboard aft and ruptured a salt water line to the port main motor cooler, causing motor room bilges to flood. Ship remained on patrol until mission of supporting landing was accomplished.
Drum
(SS228)
11/22/43
(8th)
North of New Guinea
2°-53'N.
141°-36'E.
Depth Charges - 11 Depth charged by two Japanese PC's while at about 300 foot depth. Conning tower after bulkhead plating and door frame cracked in way of door upper hinge. Leakage through crack was minor, however, being only 2 or 3 gpm at deep submergence. MBT No. 7 vent riser leaked at flange. Maneuvering room hard patch leaked over control cubicle. Torpedo impulse air system forward leaked slightly. No. 2 periscope optics were deranged. Ship terminated patrol.

--270--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Tinosa
(SS283)
11/22/43
(4th)
Off Palau Islands
7°-09'N.
134°-34'E.
Depth Charges - 40 Depth charged by Japanese AM and/or PC while at about 300 foot depth. First close detonations caused loss of power on bow and stern planes. Boat took 15° up angle and rose to 250 foot depth, then took 20° down angle and descended to 380 foot depth where ship control was finally regained by shifting to hand operation on planes. I.C. motor generator was disabled, putting rudder angle indicator, diving plane indicator and gyro compass out of commission. Valve closed on steering hydraulic piping system rendering it temporarily impossible to move rudder to left. Other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Bowfin
(SS287)
11/28/43
(2nd)
Off Central Philippines
12°-45'N.
109°-42'E.
Gunfire - 1
(3 or 4.7 in.)
While conducting surface torpedo attack on Japanese convoy, an enemy AP or AK opened fire on Bowfin with a 3-inch or 4.7-inch gun and secured one hit which detonated in superstructure at frame 70 near starboard engine air induction piping. Fragments punctured induction and hull ventilation piping, low pressure blow lines to middle and after groups of ballast tanks and fuel oil compensating line to stand pipe. Tank top of MBT No. 4A was dished in. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred to superstructure. Pressure hull proper was not penetrated. Ship's force patched holes sufficiently to permit submerged operations. Patrol was terminated.
Sailfish
(SS192)
12/7/43
(10th)
Off Kyushu
31°-21'N.
134°-10'E.
Bombs - 2 Dived upon hearing strafing approach of Japanese ZEKE aircraft and received two bombs while passing about 40 foot depth. First bomb caused no damage. Second bomb detonated close aboard on starboard side abreast maneuvering room. Main propulsion power was lost temporarily due to the jarring open of main motor field excitation circuits in control cubicle and tripping of starboard main motor reverser contactor which arced and welded itself in open position. No. 1 main motor flashed to ground, its brush rigging insulators cracked and a bare spot was burned on a pole face winding. Repairs to this motor were made but it again flashed over on 9 December and was cut out of service for remainder of patrol. Reduction gear noise level increased markedly as result of bombing. Serious leak developed at hull flange of main motor cooler circulating water discharge line. Other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--271--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Pogy
(SS266)
12/13/43
(4th)
Off Palau Islands
7°-06'N.
134°-31'E.
Depth Charges - 3 Depth charged by Japanese PC while heading for deep submergence from periscope depth. Pattern of three close charges detonated close aboard while passing 150 feet. All torpedo tube gyro spindles and depth setting spindles were bent. Leakage into MB No. 4A (source not reported) caused that tank to remain flooded on surfacing and MBT 4B had to be kept flooded during remained of patrol to compensate for list. Six engine thermometers and after battery air flow meter were broken. No other damage was reported. Ship terminated patrol due to torpedo tube damage, spindle spares being available for only two tubes.
Swordfish
(SS193)
1/13/44
(10th)
Off Central Honshu
33°-16'N.
139°-30'E.
Depth Charges - 24 Depth charged by three Japanese escorts while at 320 foot depth. No. 1 periscope lost nitrogen pressure and lenses of No. 2 periscope were jarred out of alignment. JP and JK-QC sound heads were disabled. Cast iron plug was blown out of main motor cooling piping. Conning tower hatch opened momentarily, allowing water to flood conning tower bilges. Clamping shoe on port main motor parallel contactor in control cubicle jarred loose and a securing wing nut on emergency power cable in pump room backed off but these derangements were not discovered until the next dive. At that time the cable in the pumproom fell against its cabinet due to the down angle on the boat, starting a fire, and the control cubicle clamping shoe grounded, causing its contactor to weld itself closed. Both main an auxiliary power were lost. Attempts to put the main motors on battery power caused circuit breakers to operate each time due to short circuit in cubicle. Ship finally submerged with power on the starboard shaft only after pulling port main motor disconnect switches. Temporary repairs were made and the ship remained on patrol.

--272--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Gato
(SS212)
12/20/43
(7th)
North of Bismarck Archipelago
1°-30'N.
148°-36'E.
Depth Charges - 19 Depth charged by two Japanese SC's while at 370 foot depth. One depth charge did not detonate and landed on deck where it as recovered upon surfacing. Bulkhead at frame 77 was slightly distorted so that W.T. door would not completely seat. Outer hull plating aft was slightly dished between frames. Engine air induction and shops supply ventilation piping flooded. Riser to MBT No. 1 leaked at hull flange. Many gauges, instruments and light bulbs were broken or deranged and much other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Tambor
(SS198)
2/3/44
(9th)
East China Sea
29°-11'N.
124°-45'E.
Depth Charges - 32 Depth charged by Japanese destroyer shortly after submerging. First six charges forced ship to bottom in 268 feet of water where she received 26 more charges. Bed plates of both high pressure air compressors fractured around complete periphery. Both low pressure air compressors were dislodged from their foundations. Conning tower after bulkhead door frame cracked. Forward and after fuel oil filling line hull valves jarred partially open and plugs on topside standpipes backed off, allowing oil to leak to sea and thereby disclosing ships' presence to enemy destroyer. Oil also leaked from NFO No. 5 and FBT No. 5 (source not reported). Operating mechanism for ship's supply ventilation hull valve was damaged and valve could not be closed again after it was opened on surfacing. Low power field of No. 1 periscope was deranged. All gyro spindles were bent and torpedo guide studs and tube stop bolts were damaged. High pressure air leaks developed at No. 1 air bank in forward battery well. Stern plane drive shaft pinion bearing was damaged, causing high noise level. Radio antenna trunk partially flooded. QC sound gear training motor housing broke and motor was torn loose from bulkhead. Temporary repairs were made and ship remained on patrol.

--273--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Permit
(SS178)
2/13/44
(11th)
Off Western Carolines
7°-42'N.
148°-18'E.
Depth Charges - 33 Depth charged by Japanese destroyers while at 290 foot depth. Engine air induction system flooded and considerable water was taken into engine room bilges through inboard drains and inboard hull valves. All four main engines and both auiliary engines flooded through leaking inboard and oiutboard exhaust valves. Ship became heavy aft and overall. Depth control was maintained by incresing speed to 90 rpm with occasional spurts to 180 rpm and by putting 15° to 18° up angle on boat. Maximum depth reached was 320 feet. Ship surfaced three hours laster with battery almost depleted. Ship remained on patrol.
Tang
(SS306)
2/23/44
(1st)
Off Marianas Islands
14°-45'N.
144°-32'E.
Detonation of Ammunition Ship A Japanese ammunition ship apparently mass detonated following torpedo attack by Tang. Shock of detonation at range of 1400 yards dislodged muzzle door gasket (not T-shaped) from No. 5 torpedo tube while door was open. During later dive, at 400 foot depth the breech door gasket of same tube bulged out under pressure and admitted water to forward torpedo room faster than pumps could handle. Ship remained no patrol.
Rock
(SS274)
2/29/44
(1st)
Off Nansei Shoto Islands
25°-33'N.
130°-42'E.
Gunfire - 1
(5.5. inch)
While conducting night surface radar attack on a Japanese convoy, Rock was detected by enemy destroyer ad shelled at close range. Five seconds after diving, and with both periscopes down, on 5.5 inch projectile struck port side of No. 2 periscope shear about seven feet below top. Numerous fragment holes were torn in periscope and radar shears, conning tower fairwater and bridge decks. Bearings of both periscopes were misaligned so that neither could be raised or trained. The upper prisms of both periscopes were shattered. The SD radar mast flooded. Searchlight and running light cables were severed and water passed through sheathing to terminal boxes in the conning tower. Conning tower and pressure hull were not penetrated at any place by fragments. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship terminated patrol.

--274--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Tunny
(SS282)
3/30/44
(5th)
Off Palau Islands
7°-40'N.
134°-00'E.
Bomb - 1 Bombed by U.S. TBF while surfaced on lifeguard duty. War Patrol Report states bomb was 2000 lb. and struck sea 10 yards to starboard of forward engine room, detonating abreast maneuvering room. Yorktown (CV10) Air Combat Action Report states bomb was 2000 lb. and struck water about 40 yards off starboard quarter. Boat made quick dive to 150 feet. Shock caused movement of bus bars in control cubicle (shock mounted) and generator bus bar and bus tie close contactor were burned by arcing to control cell frame. Main propulsion power was taken from battery until electrical repairs were completed next day. Main motor commutators were slightly burned by brushes lifting clear and drawing arc. Numerous hydraulic system leaks occurred from control room to after torpedo room. SJ radar training gear was misaligned and SJ lobe switching motor was disabled. All after torpedo tube muzzle door gaskets were cut and all four remaining torpedoes were damaged. Both torpedo tube blow and vent manifolds were torn loose from their supports. Excessive leakage developed around starboard stern tube gland. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Patrol was terminated due to damage to torpedoes.
Ray
(SS271)
3/18/44
(3rd)
Off North Borneo
7°-25'N.
115°-20'E.
Depth Charges - 44 Depth charged by two Japanese escorts while at 365 foot depth. Stern planes temporarily jammed twice in hand power and were noisy in operation. Bridge pelorus glass was shattered. Four-inch deck gun telescope flooded. Auxiliary engine outboard exhaust valve jammed closed and could not be opened in either hydraulic or hand power. Steering system hydraulic by-pass valve nipple broke. Numerous gauges, instruments, and light bulbs were broken or deranged and other minor damage occurred. Ship remained no patrol.
Scamp
(SS277)
4/7/44
(7th)
Off Mindanao, P.I.
5°-02'N.
126°-07'E.
Bomb - 1 Received one bomb from Japanese float plane while passing 40 foot depth. Severe damage resulted. See Section IX for detailed account. Ship terminated patrol.

--275--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Trigger
(SS237)
4/8/44
(9th)
Off Marianas Islands
19°-06'N.
142°-31'E.
Depth Charges - 33 Depth charged by several Japanese escorts while at about 300 foot depth. One pattern of six close charges caused majority of damage sustained. Ship's supply ventilation piping topside flooded. Forward torpedo room flooded to level of floor plates through jammed torpedo tube poppet valve. Both sound gear training motors were grounded by flooding. QB sound head was rendered insensitive. Engine room, motor room and pump room bilges flooded to kevel of lower flats. SD antenna mast head was fractured and mast partially flooded. Both SD and SJ radar transmitters were disabled due to broken tubes. High pressure air leak occurred at No. 2 air tank in MBT No. 2. Electrical fire started in bow plane tilting motor connection box and magnetic brake coils. No. 2 I.C. motor generator was deranged. Steering and stern plane motors jarred out of alignment, running hot and with high noise level. Trim pump lube oil cooler ruptured, allowing sea water to enter pump oil casing. Bridge TBT's flooded. Radio antenna trunk flooded. No. 7 stern torpedo tube shutter jumped track, apparently due to depth charging. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Trigger was boxed in by enemy escorts for 17 more hours although running silent at 300 feet. Air temperature inside boat during this period reached 130°F. Ship remained on patrol.
Pampanito
(SS383)
4/7/44
(1st)
Off Marianas Islands
12°-46'N.
143°-49'E.
Depth Charges - 7 Depth charged by Japanese escort while at deep submergence (depth not reported). Engine air induction piping topside flooded slowly through leaks at flanged joints. Several rivets on Nos. 1 and 3 main motor brush rigging sheared. Mercury was splashed from auxiliary gyrocompass. Nos. 1 and 2 periscope objective lenses were shipped. Battery cells of torpedo in tube No. 8 cracked; exploder on torpedo in tube No. 2 flooded; afterbodies of torpedoes in tubes Nos. 5 and 6 flooded; muzzle door gaskets on tubes 5, 9 and 10 were cut. Both bridge pressure-proof speakers were damaged and cables to pressure hull valves opened, including safety tank inboard vent and outboard vent to No. 1 sanitary tank, allowing the latter tank to flood, Other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--276--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Robalo
(SS273)
4/24/44
(2nd)
Off French Indo-China
10°-29'N.
109°-26'E.
Bomb - 1 Submerged upon sighting Japanese BETTY and received one bomb close aboard port side forward while passing 55 foot depth. Engine air induction system was inadvertently flooded on dive by personnel error which prevented induction trunk valve from closing in power. This valve was closed by hand before the bomb detonated but depth control was lost temporarily due to boat becoming heavy overall. Descent was checked at 350 feet by putting air bubble in bow buoyancy and safety tanks. SJ radar was disabled both electrically and mechanically. No. 1 periscope upper window shattered and periscope flooded. No. 2 periscope low power field was rendered inoperative. Upper conning tower hatch leaked above 45 foot depth and lower conning tower hatch was distorted so that it would not seat properly. MBT Nos. 1 and 4B main vent valve gaskets were partially blown out and MBT No. 1 riser leaked badly at flange. Antenna trunk flooded. Steering system change valve in control room was damaged and caused considerable loss of hydraulic oil. Bridge instruments were smashed and flooded. High pressure air leak ocurred at bank in MBT No. 2. Torpedo impulse air system forward also developed eternal leakage. About 50 light bulbs were broken, including all emergency lights forward of after battery room. Pitometer log sword arm was ruptured and log flooded. Numerous gauges, meters, and instruments were deranged or broken and much other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--277--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Crevalle
(SS291)
5/14/44
(3rd)
Off Northern Celebes
0°-57'N.
125°-51'E.
Depth Charges - 16 Depth charged by Chidori Class Japanese torpedo boat. First pattern of eight charges detonated close aboard while at 190 foot depth and second pattern of eight detonated shortly afterward while at 400 foot depth. Pressure hull plating was slightly dished inward at frame 21, starboard. Starboard vent riser from MBT No. 1 leaked at flange. Both dogs on forward escape trunk lower hatch sheared off. Locking rings on torpedo tube breech doors rotated towards open position. Flange in officer's head flushing line leaked seriously, causing torpedo room bilges to flood. Sound training motors were thrown out of alignment and flooded. Short circuit in emergency lighting system caused full voltage ground on forward battery. Hydraulic piping leaks forward caused loss of pressure in system. Both periscopes were damaged and SD and SJ radars were disabled. Leakage occurred around steering wheel shaft in conning tower. All sanitary tanks flooded when discharge valves opened. Numerous valves opened, small leaks developed in various piping systems, gauges were deranged, and other minor damage occurred throughout boat. Ship was returning to base when attacked.
Picuda
(SS382)
5/20/44
(2nd)
Luzon Strait
19°-00'N.
120°-45'E.
Depth Charges - 14 Depth charged by Japanese escort. Received three close charges while at 70 foot depth. Second charge detonated close abreast conning tower and heeled ship to port. Third charge detonated under stern, forcing stern up and giving ship large down angle. This third detonation also tripped starboard main motor contactor but it was immediately closed and power restored. Picuda went deep, receiving 4 more close charges at 150 foot depth, 4 at 250 foot depth and 3 at 450 foot depth. Several broken brushes were later found in the Nos. 3 and 4 main motors. Engine air induction line flooded. Contacts in No. 2 I.C. motor generator control panel jarred loose. Trim line sea suction piping seam split at trim manifold. Brazed joint on No. 2 sanitary flushing line cracked. Lube oil line in after engine room carried away. After torpedo tube gyro spindles were bent and tube No. 9 flooded. Magazine flooding line manifold casting was cracked. Numerous valves jarred open on hydraulic system, fuel oil filling and transfer system and lube oil filling line hull connections. Several pressure gauges and thermometers broke. Heavy rumble developed on port shaft st 50 rpm and higher. Ship remained on patrol.

--278--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Bluegill
(SS242)
5/22/44
(1st)
Off Halmahera
4°-00'N.
128°-06'E.
Bombs - 2 Received two bombs close aboard from Japanese BETTY, the first at 40 foot depth just after submerging and the second while passing 200 foot depth. Bow planes lost power while in hard dive position. Depth control was lost and boat took 25° to 30° down angle. Regained depth control at 250 feet by backing emergency and blowing bow buoyancy tank. Bow plane operation was restored by shifting to hand control. SJ radar was disabled and SJ radar mast was thrown out of alignment. No. 1 main motor became noisy due to chattering of displaced brush rigging. Forward battery soft patch leaked. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Flying Fish
(SS229)
5/24/44
(10th)
Philippine Sea
12°-54'N.
134°-52'E.
Own Torpedo While retiring after delivering an attack, a probable premature detonation of one of Flying Fish's own torpedos (Mk. 18) occurred close aboard aft. Ship was surfaced and proceeding at standard speed on all four main engines. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 main generator contactors in control cubicle tripped under shock and Nos. 1, 2 and 3 main Diesels surged as result of loss of load. Voltmeter fuses for Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 main motors and main generators burned out. Severe arcing occurred. No. 4 main generator remained in operation. No. 3 main generator was put on line by estimating voltage and paralleling it with No. 4 generator. Propulsion was then shifted to main batteries. Shock also tripped bow plane rigging motor panel contactors, causing pilot circuit fuses to blow. Planes were rigged out by hand on subsequent dive. Ship remained on patrol.
Permit
(SS178)
5/28/44
(12th)
Off Truk
6°-45'N.
151°'-52'E.
Bomb - 1 Detected by U.S. VENTURA bomber while running surfaced. Submerged immediately and received one bomb close aboard while passing 15 foot depth. Drain line to compensating system in forward torpedo room carried away, spraying sound gear, pitometer log and other equipment with oil and salt water. Power was lost on bow planes. After battery developed full voltage ground. High pressure air manifold developed leaks. Various bridge instruments flooded out. Numerous gauges and instruments were broken or deranged. Ship remained on patrol.

--279--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Raton
(SS270)
6/6/44
(4th)
Off French Indo-China
8°-58'N.
109°-30'E.
Depth Charges - 57 Depth charged by several Japanese escorts. First five charges detonated close aboard while running at periscope depth. Vent riser on MBT No. 1 developed leak at flange. QB sound training gear jarred out of alignment and became noisy. JF receiver crystal earphones were deranged and power fuse blew. Pump drive on pitometer log jarred out of alignment. 1MC bridge microphone coupling boxes and cables flooded. Four-inch deck gun flooded. Numerous light bulbs were broken and gauges were put out of calibration. Gyro pots and after bodies flooded on three remaining torpedoes loaded in tubes. No other damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Whale
(SS239)
6/8/44
(8th)
North of Bonin Islands
31°-00'N.
143°-55'E.
Depth Charges - 29 Depth charged by three or four Japanese escorts while at about 350 foot depth. Both propulsion shafts developed vibrations at 70-80 rpm after depth charging and noise level increased indicating shaft misalignment. Four holding down bolts sheared on reduction gear casings. No 3 main motor developed squeal at 50 to 70 rpm. No. 2 periscope stuffing gland leaked heavily. Compensating line ruptured in superstructure, causing loss in pressure on fuel oil tank system when surfaced. Vision of both periscopes was impaired by dirt being jarred loose and settling on lenses. SJ and SD radars were disabled. High pressure air line at No. 4 air bank developed small leak. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Apogon
(SS308)
7/12/44
(4th)
Luzon Strait
19°-51'N.
123°-04'E.
Ramming While conducting night periscope attack on Japanese convoy, Apogon was rammed from starboard by an enemy AK which passed directly overhead. Depth at time of collision was about 70 feet to keel. Boat was heeled 15° to port. Top of shears, both periscopes and SD and SJ radar masts were bent about 45° to port. No. 1 periscope was sheared off about 8 feet from its head. Water entered conning tower at rate of about 30 gpm, most of it through leaking SJ mast stuffing box. Several depth charges were dropped as Apogon went deep but did no damage. Boat was then caught at 430 foot depth by putting air bubble in safety tank and using trim and drain pump on bilges. Patrol was terminated.

--280--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Sand Lance
(SS381)
8/7/44
(3rd)
Off Northern Celebes
1°-18'N.
121°-30'E.
Bombs - 2

Depth Charges (No. not reported)

Received two bombs from Japanese DAVE float plane while passing 70 feet on way up to periscope depth. Bombs detonated close under stern, causing ship to broach. Sand Lance then went to 430 foot depth to evade surface ship depth charging which followed. Port reduction gear was damaged and developed such a loud knocking noise that port shaft was secured. Starboard propulsion plant control cubicle controllers were jammed by a broken washer, limiting maximum speed on that shaft to two-thirds. At 430 feet it was discovered that Mk. 18 torpedo in No. 8 tube was running hot so ship was planed up to 100 foot depth to fire torpedo. Warhead detonated prematurely about twenty seconds after torpedo left tube Other damage was minor, Ship terminated patrol as result of reduction gear damage. Return trip was made using starboard shaft only.
Tunny
(SS282)
9/1/44
(7th)
Luzon Strait
21°-50'N.
119°-18'E.
Bombs - 2 Dived to escape Japanese KATE aircraft. While passing 110 feet, two depth bombs detonated close aboard aft on port side. Second bomb forced boat from 4° down angle to 8° up angle. Both bombs probably were 60 Kg. size, set for detonation at 50 meters depth. Pressure hull plating was dished in between several frames on port side in way of after torpedo room and after end of maneuvering room. Maximum indentation of plating was about 1 inch. Entire propulsion plant was undamaged. Serious leakage occurred at two flanges of port vent riser for MBT No. 7 in after torpedo room, distorted by inward movement of pressure hull aft. This leakage was determining factor in decision to terminate patrol. Gyro setting spindles were bent on all torpedo tubes except No. 1. Full voltage ground developed due to short circuits in emergency lighting system. Numerous valves jarred open. Rudder was canted to starboard about 3° at bottom. Small leak occurred at union on high pressure air line to separator in after torpedo room. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship terminated patrol and returned to base with no difficulty.

--281--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Icefish
(SS367)
10/26/44
(1st)
Luzon Strait
19°-04'N.
120°-36'E.
Depth Charges - 16 Depth charged by Japanese escorts while at 420 foot depth. Severe hull flexural vibrations occurred. 225-pound air supply valve to hydraulic oil vent and replenishing tank jarred open and valve wheel was knocked off. Resulting air pressure forced air volume tank safety valve open, blew down vent and replenishing tank and opened 45 lb. relief valves with consequent loss of most of oil in hydraulic system. Hydraulic system throughout boat developed many piping leaks and line to bow buoyancy vent valve completely carried away. Steering and bow and stern planes went out of commission until oil could be put back in telemotors and then could only be operated in hand control since main hydyraulic plant was air bound. Even in hand operation, air in piping to bow and stern planes and steering caused loud knocking noises which disclosed ship's location to enemy escorts. Valves jarred open throughout ship, causing full sea pressure on salt water systems. Numerous air, fuel oil and salt water leaks developed. No. 1 sanitary tank flooded and blew through water closet and inboard vent into forward torpedo room. Fuel oil leaked to depth of 2 inches on deck in after battery room through opened fuel tank inboard vent. Serious periscope packing gland leaks caused water to flood into conning tower bilges and thence into control room and periscope wells. Vent riser piping topside for FBT Nos. 3B and 4B was dished in to depth of 4 inches over 4 to 5 foot length. Low power field in No. 1 periscope was deranged. All bow torpedo tube gyro spindles were bent and could not be withdrawn. Torpedo in No. 4 tube had "hot" run, hydrogen explosion or both. Guide studs on all torpedoes were sheared back about 1 inch. All bow tube inner door locking rings rotated open 1/3 of circumference. Numerous small electrical fires and grounds occurred. Most light bulbs throughout ship were broken. Coil in tube nest of No. 2 generator cooler ruptured. JF and QB sound gear were disabled. Numerous other items of minor damage occurred. Main propulsion and vital auxiliaries were undamaged except for hydraulically operated equipment. Ship terminated patrol.
Salmon
(SS182)
10/30/44
(11th)
Off Kyushu
30°-08'N.
132°-33'E.
Depth Charges - 30 Depth charged by two or more Japanese escorts while at 310 foot depth. Severe damage resulted. See Section VII for detailed account. Ship terminated patrol.

--282--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Guitarro
(SS363)
10/31/44
(3rd)
Off Central Luzon
15°-17'N.
119°-49'E.
Detonation of Ammunition Ship A few seconds after heading for deep submergence from periscope depth, two of Guitarro's torpedoes scored hits on a Japanese ammunition ship of about 7500 gross tonnage. The resulting mass detonation, 1900 yards distant, forced Guitarro down rapidly 50 feet in depth. Blue flame is reported to have appeared around both periscope stuffing boxes and after engine room hatch. Inboard vents on NFO No. 1 and FBT No. 3 jarred open under shock and showered forward torpedo room and crew's mess with fuel oil. Pitometer log sword connection was blown off, spraying sound training motor generator and JF-1 sound gear with sea water. Brushes were dislodged from steering motor. Several valve wheels were knocked off and numerous light bulbs were broken. Knock developed in port reduction gear. Ship remained on patrol.
Sailfish
(SS192)
11/4/44
(12th)
Luzon Strait
20°-09'N.
121°-43'E.
Bombs - 10 Received about ten bombs from unidentified Japanese aircraft while at periscope depth during attack on destroyer "killer" group. No bombs landed very close but one detonation caused No. 7 torpedo tube inboard vent valve to jam open. Sailfish then headed for deep submergence. Large volume of water entered after torpedo room through this vent before it could be secured and flooded forward end of compartment to depth of 6 inches above deck due to 5° dive angle on boat. Torpedo charging panel grounded from water spray and small electrical fire started. Fire was immediately extinguished by de-energizing the panel but boat then took 25° up angle due to added weight aft and started for surface. Depth control was regained at 170 feet by backing with both shafts and sending men forward. Ship remained on patrol.
Guitarro
(SS363)
11/6/44
(3rd)
Off Central Luzon
15°-54'N.
119°-44'E.
Depth Charges - 6 Depth charged by Japanese escort while at deep submergence (depth not reported). Boat was forced down an additional 50 feet. SD and SJ radars were disabled. Stern planes and steering gear were thrown out of alignment and became noisy All bridge electrical circuits shorted and 11/4 inch pressure proof quartz in bridge gyro repeater was shattered. Radio transmitter was disabled and antennae insulators topside fractured. Both periscope stadimeters jarred out of adjustment Many emergency light bulbs were broken. Ship remained on patrol.

--283--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Halibut
(SS232)
11/14/44
(10th)
Luzon Strait
20°-56'N.
121°-33'E.
Bombs - 4

Depth Charges - 8 or 10

Detected by Japanese plane or planes, apparently equipped with MAD, while attacking convoy at periscope depth. Four heavy explosions, believed to be depth bombs, occurred within next four minutes but little damage resulted. Twenty minutes later, while at 325 foot depth, severe structural damage was received forward and a great amount of other damage occurred elsewhere throughout ship as a result of close pattern of 8 or 10 depth charges dropped by surface escort. Ship was forced down to 420 feet. Pressure hull plating forward of frame 54 was depressed inward between frames, port and starboard, to maximum depth of about 2 inches (damage in way of forward torpedo room was similar to Tunny, PLATE VI). Top and sides of MBT No. 1 buckled in forward torpedo room. Bulkhead between forward torpedo room and forward battery compartment buckled. Pressure hull dished inward to depth of 2 inches between forward escape trunk and torpedo loading hatch. Pressure hull plating and framing distortion also occurred in local areas as far aft as forward engine room, including conning tower, safety and auxiliary tanks, and after lube oil tanks (fr. 103-108). No. 2 h.p. air bank "tee" carried away, allowing bank to bleed down and caused pressure in forward battery compartment to build up to about 50 psi. This pressure was gradually distributed throughout ship, venting into forward torpedo room by cracking bulkhead door and into control room through trim line hose connection. Final overall increase in internal air pressure was 10 psi. Forward escape trunk flooded. Eleven forward battery jars cracked, loosing electrolyte. Bases cracked on ice machine and air conditioning compressors. Both gyrocompasses were deranged. Both main propulsion shafts became noisy. JP sound gear was disabled. Minor damage was sustained by JK-QC and QB sound heads. SD radar mast flooded. VHF and APR were disabled. Batteries in four Mk. 18-1 torpedoes forward were damaged beyond repair. Sea valves jarred open throughout ship. No damage occurred to main engines, generators, reduction gears, control cubicle, bow and stern planes, trim pump, hydraulic plant, or any other vital systems or auxiliary machinery with exception of high pressure air system casualty described above. Ship surfaced after attack and returned to base with no difficulty.

--284--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Bluegill
(SS242)
11/17/44
(3rd)
Makassar Strait
00°-48'N.
118°-52'E.
Depth Charges - 47 Depth charged by two or more Chidori Class Japanese torpedo boats. First charges were received while running at 312 foot depth. Later close charges forced boat down to 384 feet. Forward torpedo loading hatch lifted momentarily. No. 1 MBT vent riser leaked heavily at flange to master vent valve. JF sound gear was disabled. Gyro spindles were bent on all forward torpedo tubes. Many hydraulic system leaks occurred forward. No. 3 sanitary tank flooded through overboard discharge. Auxiliary engine outboard exhaust valve jammed in closed position due to bent stem. Stern plane motor was repeatedly energized due to panel contacts closing with each near detonation. Many light bulbs were broken in main and emergency lighting system, numerous valves jarred open throughout boat, gauges and instruments were broken or deranged, minor piping leaks developed, many electrical grounds occurred and miscellaneous other minor damage was sustained. Ship remained on patrol.
Ronquil
(SS396)
11/17/44
(2nd)
Off Central Honshu
32°-15'N.
140°-00'E.
Gunfire -1 (40mm) While firing directly astern during gun action with Japanese armed trawler, one of Ronquil's own 40mm shells apparently detonated either prematurely or on contact with lifeline stanchion aft. Detonation occurred over after torpedo room loading hatch and damage was confined between frames 107 and 115. Pressure hull was penetrated by fragments in two places: (a) 11/2: hole, between frames 107 and 108 forward of torpedo loading hatch, (b) 1/2" hole in torpedo loading hatch. Pressure hull plating and loading hatch were gouged by fragments in numerous areas. Lube oil filling line, low pressure blow line to MBT No. 7 and high salvage air line to after torpedo room were punctured by fragments. Superstructure deck was riddled between frames 107 and 115. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Pressure hull holes were patched sufficiently well to permit shallow dives and held tight during close bombing which followed one hour after patches were installed. Ship terminated patrol.

--285--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Pargo
(SS264)
11/26/44
(6th)
Off Sarawak
4°-55'N.
114°-06'E.
Depth Charges - 34 Depth charged by two Japanese AM's while running at 160 feet depth in 180 feet of water. Auxiliary engine outboard exhaust valve operating gear jammed and could not be opened by power or hand. Circuit breakers tripped on both I.C. motor generators. No. 2 electric still developed small leak in coils, causing salted distillate. SJ radar lobing mechanism was disabled. Numerous gauges, instruments and light bulbs were broken or deranged and other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Pipefish
(SS388)
11/30/44
(3rd)
Off Hainan, South China Sea
18°-07'N.
111°-35'E.
Bombs - 3 Submerged upon sighting Japanese VAL aircraft and received 3 bombs close aboard shortly thereafter. Power was lost on stern planes due to electrical damage to tilting motor control panel. Controllers for Nos. 1 and 2 hydraulic pump motors tripped. Torpedo in No. 6 tube ran "hot". Three torpedo tube gyro spindles and one depth setting spindle were bent. Guide studs on all loaded torpedoes were partially sheared. Forward escape trunk 225-pound blow valve opened. 225-pound air volume tank in after torpedo room tore loose from its supporting brackets. Leaks developed in main motor circulating water line and at hydraulic steering control valve. Radio antenna insulators fractured. Numerous light bulbs broke. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Bergall
(SS320)
12/13/44
(2nd)
Off French Indo-China
8°-10'N.
105°-31'E.
Gunfire - 1
(8-inch dud)
After completing night surface radar attack on two Japanese heavy cruisers, sinking the first and probably damaging the second, Bergall was fired on by the latter cruiser with 3 salvos of 2 rounds each from 9000 yards range, receiving one 8-inch/50 cal. dud hit. This projectile passed through forward torpedo room loading hatch structure from port to starboard, tearing a large hole in pressure hull. Shell did not detonate. Fragments torn from hull caused additional damage. Starboard vent riser from MBT No. 1 was punctured, allowing that tank to vent and flood; ventilation system flapper valve in after bulkhead of forward torpedo room was damaged; 225-pound service air line forward was punctured; overhead cables in torpedo room were cut, causing failure of many electrical circuits and several small fires. Bergall returned to base running entire distance on the surface. Improvised patches were installed over loading hatch damage and MBT No. 1 riser by ship's force.

--286--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Redfish
(SS395)
12/19/44
(2nd)
East China Sea
28°-59'N.
124°-03'E.
Depth Charges - 13 Depth charged by Japanese destroyer shortly after attacking and sinking large CV (Unryu). Received seven very close charges while passing 150 foot depth. Ship then bottomed in 232 feet of water for next 11/2 hours, receiving only six more close charges in spite of intense enemy A/S activity. Severe damage was sustained. Pressure hull plating was slightly dished inward between frames in several areas in way of forward torpedo room and forward trim tank. Tank top plating of MBT No. 1 in forward torpedo room was rippled between frames. MBT No. 1 starboard vent riser leaked profusely at flanged joint. No. 1 sanitary tank overboard discharge sea valve leaked heavily at hull flange and through valve itself. Considerable hydraulic oil was lost due to leaks at flanges on lines to pump room accumulator, steering manifold aft and sonar and bow plane tilting piping forward. This loss of oil disabled entire hydraulic system temporarily, stalling rudder in hard left position and bow planes on 20° rise angle. Failure of hydraulic power also prevented raising of JK-QC sound gear so that it was damaged when ship hit bottom. Torpedo in tube No. 8 ran "hot". Controller for trim pump and starter for low pressure blower were damaged. Metal fuse retained in emergency lighting fuse box jarred loose, causing zero ground. JP sonar shaft was bent and JP head flooded. Both gyrocompasses were deranged. At least 12 battery jars forward were cracked, losing electrolyte and causing full voltage ground. 3100 gallons fuel oil shifted from NFO Nos. 1 and 2 to FBT No. 3 due to fuel oil filling and transfer valves jarring open. Numerous electrical grounds developed in many systems and equipment, and much other minor damage occurred. Ship terminated patrol and returned to base using all main engines and occasionally diving without difficulty.
Barbero
(SS317)
12/27/44
(2nd)
Lombok Strait
8°-20'S.
115°-55'E.
Bomb - 1 Received one bomb close aboard aft from unidentified aircraft while at periscope depth. Port reduction gear developed loud knock and grinding sound and was placed out of commission to prevent further damage. Several brushes jarred out of position on No. 2 main motor. No other damage was sustained. Ship returned to base using starboard shaft only. Port reduction gear was subsequently replaced.

--287--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Greenling
(SS213)
1/25/45
(12th)
Off Nansei Shoto Islands
29°-27'N.
130°-09'E.
Depth Charges - 95 Four Japanese destroyers or large PC's dropped 95 depth charges on Greenling over a 21/2 hour period. Several close charges were received while running at 300 foot depth, forcing ship down to 360 foot depth. Pressure hull plating was dished slightly between frames in several areas aft of frame 105. Frames 127 and 138 were buckled in after trim tank. Main engine mufflers Nos. 1 and 2 were damaged. No. 2 high pressure air compressor bed plate in pump room cracked. High pressure air leaks developed at control room manifold and in forward engine room at No. 5 bank "tee". Five torpedoes ran "hot" in tubes as result of damage to stop bolts and guide studs. Both gyro compasses displaced mercury. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred, principally in after portion of ship. Patrol was terminated.
Threadfin
(SS410)
1/30/45
(1st)
Off Southern Honshu
33°-20'N.
135°-30'E.
Depth Charges (No. not reported) Depth charged by several Japanese PC's. First close charges were received while running at 300 foot depth and caused serious leak in cross-connection piping between compensating line and motor cooling system in motor room. Salt water spray barely missed energized control cubicle bus bars. Bucket brigade kept water level in bilges below main motors. Boat went to bottom in 450 feet of water for remainder of attack and the ruptured line was blanked. No other damage was sustained. Ship remained on patrol.
Burrfish
(SS312)
2/11/45
(5th)
Off Bonin Islands
27°-51'N.
141°-55'E.
Depth Charge - 39

Bombs - 20

Depth charged by Japanese PC and depth bombed by several Japanese planes while operating at various depths up to 450 feet. No. 5 torpedo impulse air piping developed leak outside hull. All torpedoes loaded in tubes sustained guide stud damage. Negative tank developed leak through flood valve. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--288--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Pintado
(SS387)
2/20/45
(4th)
Gulf of Siam
7°-25'N.
104°-41'E.
Bombs - 2 Submerged upon sighting Japanese DINAH aircraft and received two bombs close aboard while passing 130 foot depth. Loud squeal developed at low speeds (below 50 rpm) on port shaft, apparently due to misalignment of port strut bearing. 5 torpedo gyro spindles were bent. Port revolution counter synchro motor was disengaged from its gear train. Stern plane angle indicator system was put out of commission. Several fuses and light bulbs were blown out and a few valves jarred open. No other damage was reported. Ship remained on patrol.
Peto
(SS265)
3/5/45
(8th)
Off Hainan, South China Sea
20°-57'N.
111°-56'E.
Bombs - 3 Submerged upon night approach of unidentified radar-equipped aircraft and received three bombs while passing 80 foot depth. Hydraulic system was put out of commission temporarily due to derangement of hydraulic accumulator charging mechanism which prevented movement of pilot valve to open automatic by-pass valve. Oil pressure increased, causing relief valve to open. Deck gun deflection shaft was bent. No other damage was reported. Ship remained on patrol.
Bream
(SS243)
3/15/45
(5th)
Off North Borneo
5°-36'S.
114°-33'E.
Depth Charges - 18 Depth charged by Chidori Class Japanese torpedo boat. First two charges forced ship to bottom in 100 feet of water where 16 more charges were delivered close aboard. Auxiliary engine flooded through leaking inboard and outboard exhaust valves. Numerous sea valves opened by as much as two full turns. Forward escape trunk flooded through W.T. door and upper hatch. After battery compartment hatch trunk flooded through upper hatch when its dogs loosened. Both gyrocompasses were disabled. Conning tower hatch lifted slightly and admitted small quantity of water. Bow planes could not be rigged in due to electrical interlock derangement. Air leaks developed in forward torpedo impulse air piping outside hull and from No. 1 high pressure air bank in forward battery compartment. Numerous other items of minor damage occurred throughout boat. Patrol was terminated although Bream was in sufficiently good material condition to make an attack while proceeding to base.

--289--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Devilfish
(SS292)
3/20/45
(2nd)
West of Bonin Islands
28°-55'N.
137°-35'E.
Suicide Plan Crash While submerging and passing 50 foot depth, a suicide crash was made on Devilfish by Japanese ZEKE fighter plane. Parts of plane struck uppermost portion of periscope shears. Nos. 1 and 2 periscopes were damaged both mechanically and optically. Periscope shears proper were forced slightly out of alignment. SJ radar mast was ruptured at top and water entered conning tower in large volume through damaged antenna assembly at lower end of mast. Conning tower bilges filled and water poured down lower hatch to control room. SD, ST, APR and VHF antennae were destroyed. SD, SJ, SPA and sonar equipment in conning tower were grounded out by flooding and spray. Ship terminated patrol.
Baya
(SS318)
3/21/45
(3rd)
Off French Indo-China
11°-55'N.
109°-18'E.
Depth Charges - 21 Depth charged by Japanese SC while at 220 foot depth. First charges forced ship to bottom in 270 feet of water. Main lighting power was lost. Conning tower hatch fluttered. Numerous sea valves backed off from 1 to 5 turns. 5 torpedo gyro spindles were bent. Pronounced knock developed in port reduction gear. Both periscopes and the master and auxiliary gyrocompasses were deranged. Ship remained on patrol.
Pogy
(SS266)
4/19/45
(9th)
Southeast of Honshu
32°-17'N.
140°-14'E.
Strafing and Bomb - 1 Submerged upon strafing attack by approaching U.S. B-24 bomber and received one bomb while passing 30 foot depth. Following damage was caused by .30 cal. and .50 cal. projectiles: (a) VHF and APR antennae coaxial feeder pipes were punctured and water entered these pipes, passed through open hull shear valves and sprayed on radio equipment in radio room before shear valve could be closed; (b) radio antenna trunk was punctured and flooded; (c) safety latch operating rod on 5"/25 cal. deck gun was broken in two by projectile; (d) two .50 cal. projectiles penetrated STS plating below cigarette deck and entered 40 lb. STS ready service stowage for 5"/25 cal. ammunition -- no damage occurred to six rounds of high capacity ammunition within; (e) after TBT on bridge was grounded by projectile damage to cable; (f) port radio antenna was shot away; (g) numerous projectiles punctured bridge and periscope shears. No damage was caused by bomb detonation. Ship remained on patrol.

--290--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Blackfin
(SS322)
3/28/44
(3rd)
Off Hon Traunam
South China Sea
Depth Charges - 7 Depth charged by Japanese destroyer escort while at about 100 foot depth. Seven charges detonated above and to starboard, forcing ship to bottom in 156 feet of water. Bow planes jammed on 8 degrees dive position. Hydraulic power for stern planes was lost when high vent on telemotor line jarred open. Three Mk. 18-1 torpedoes forward and one Mk. 23 torpedo aft, loaded in tubes, had "hot" runs. Gyro spindles and stop bolts on tubes both forward and aft were damaged. Hydrogen burner rubber sockets were dislodged from torpedo tubes Nos. 2 and 5 and, since outer doors were open, water poured into forward torpedo room until wooden depth charge plugs were inserted. Both sound heads were damaged when boat hit bottom. 225-pound air to forward escape trunk jarred open, causing pressure to build up and forcing trunk W.T. door partially open. After battery compartment access trunk upper hatch opened momentarily and trunk lower hatch was knocked off its seat, allowing small quantity of water to enter ship. Six-inch cracks extending from after lower corner of No. 8 unit crank case doors to idler and drive gear housings by after holding down studs were later discovered on all four main engines (General Motors, 16-278A). These cracks were not caused by depth charging but were due to construction welding stresses combined with normal service stresses. All radio antennae were knocked down. All compasses were disabled. Numerous valves opened throughout ship and minor air leaks developed. Gauges, meters, and light bulbs were broken or deranged. Patrol was terminated.
Chub
(SS329)
4/12/45
(1st)
Java Sea
6°-03'S.
113°-56'E.
Bombs - 4 Submerged upon sighting Japanese RUFE aircraft and received 4 small bombs while passing 80 foot depth with hard rise on both bow and stern planes (due to proximity of 19 fathom sounding on chart). Detonation caused hydraulic system automatic by-pass valve to lift and remain open long enough to allow oil in replenishing tank to run back to supply tank. This caused loss of power on both bow and stern planes. Ship broached before power was restored. Optics of No. 2 periscope were deranged. Bow buoyancy vent valve was unseated. Battery of torpedo loaded in No. 1 tube jarred loose, causing damage to hydrogen burner assembly. Other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--291--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Seahorse
(SS304)
4/18/45
(7th)
Tsushima Strait
33°-45'N.
128°-26'E.
Depth Charges - 50 Depth charged by two Japanese frigates. First pattern of 8 or 9 charges was received close aboard and forced boat from 300 foot to 400 foot depth. Propulsion was then secured and Seahorse settled on bottom in 470 feet of water. About 40 more charges were dropped but were not close. Damage was extensive. Both reduction gears developed pounding noise at all speeds and starboard shaft groaned loudly, apparently due to strut bearing damage. Sea water entered reduction gear lube oil sumps through rupture in lube oil coolers. Inboard exhaust valve for No. 4 main engine could not be closed. Fresh water expansion tanks for Nos. 2 and 4 engines were cracked. Nos. 1 and 2 air conditioning compressors shifted out of alignment and numerous leaks developed in freon piping. Acid was jarred from many after main battery cells causing full ground. Conning tower bulkhead cracked slightly around weld for steering wheel packing gland, causing small leak. Hard patches in pressure hull of three compartments developed leaks. Leakage aroudn SD radar mast hydraulic cylinder hull flanges flooded storeroom below. Engine induction outboard valve could not be opened in power due to binding of valve on guide rods. Engine air induction piping flooded and sea water entered boat through distorted engine room induction hull valve. Radio antenna trunk flooded and all radio antennae insulators fractured. Auxiliary tank flooded through sea valve which jarred open. Inboard vent piping for FBT No. 5 riser carried away, allowing fuel oil to enter boat. Hydraulic system oil poured out through ruptured line to SD radar mast. Bridge instruments, both periscopes and all radio and radar gear were permanently damaged or temporarily disabled. All torpedo gyro spindles and torpedo tube stop bolts were bent. Torpedo data computer jarred out of alignment. Training and elevating mechanism on 40 mm gun was inoperable. Training mechanism on 5-inch deck gun was misaligned and 5-inch ammunition hoist breech door was sprung, allowing hoist to flood. Emergency lighting power failed in after half of ship. Gauges, meters and instruments were broken or deranged, cork insulation was jarred loose in large quantity, and much other minor damage occurred. Ship terminated patrol.

--292--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Perch (II)
(SS313)
4/26/45
(6th)
Off North Borneo
5°-32'S.
116°-07'E.
Depth Charges - 30 Depth charged by Japanese minelayer while running at 160 foot depth in 1980 feet of water. Flushing line from crew's head developed leak in FBT No. 4B and small amount of fuel oil entered after battery compartment through leak at hull flange of this line. No. 2 periscope was disabled in low power and fogged in high power. Brushes in steering motor were jarred out of alignment. Numerous minor leaks started in freon lines, internal salvage air piping, hydraulic lines and high pressure air lines. Mercury was displaced from auxiliary gyrocompass. Tube in SD radar transmitter broke. JK-QC and QB sonar shafts were misaligned. JP-1 sonar was disabled due to blown fuses, broken tube and short in electrical system. Numerous gauges, light bulbs, brackets, meters and fuses were broken or deranged, and other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Cobia
(SS245)
5/14/45
(5th)
Gulf of Siam
9°-35'N.
101°-44'E.
Depth Charges - 16 Depth charged by Japanese minelayer while at 120 foot depth. First charges forced boat to bottom in 180 feet of water Water closet valves spun to full open on each of several close detonations. Gyro spindles were bent on six torpedo tubes. Battery and generator busses in control cubicle arced, causing flame and smoke, and contactors were welded together by heat. Main power was secured. High pressure air line from No. 5 air bank carried away between hull and hull stop valve, allowing bank to bleed down. JK-QC sound projector was damaged on grounding. Access hatch trunks flooded in engine room and after battery compartment. Other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.

--293--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Bergall
(SS320)
6/13/45
(5th)
Gulf of Siam
11°-45'N.
99°-50'E.
Mine - 1 Swept U.S. or British proximity-fuzed mine while surfaced. See Section XI for detailed account. Ship terminated patrol as a result of damage.
Parche
(SS384)
6/26/45
(6th)
Off Northern Honshu
39°-25'N.
142°-04'E.
Depth Charges - 67 Depth charged by six Japanese Chidori and SC escorts. 16 close charges detonated below ship while running at about 300 foot depth. No. 2 sanitary tank flooded completely through outboard vent valve which jarred open. Inboard vent had not been closed and considerable flooding occurred in crews' mess and washroom through this line. Boat went to 550 foot depth with 8° up angle. Noise level from shafts and reduction gears increased. Bendix log, dead reckoning analyzer indicator, and Mk. VII gyro compass follow-up alarm system were deranged. Both sonar training motors flooded with bilge water due to up angle on boat. Inboard flapper valve of 5-inch ammunition scuttle jarred open as much as 3 inches with each close charge. Other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Hawkbill
(SS366)
7/18/45
(5th)
Off Malay States, South China Sea
4°-41'N.
103°-30'E.
Depth Charges (No. not reported) While at periscope depth, Kamikaze Class destroyer passed directly overhead and dropped close depth charge pattern which detonated under ship. Auxiliary power was lost at once. Ship broached with 20° up angle, exposing 60 feet of the hull forward with bow 20 feet above surface. Hawkbill immediately resubmerged by backing with full power and flooding negative tank. Main motors were then secured and boat was put on the bottom in 110 feet of water. No additional close attacks were received. Knock developed in starboard reduction gear. Low power optics of No. 2 periscope were deranged. Lobe switching failed on SJ radar. SD transmitter and SD antenna mast limit switches were damaged. Controller and starting resistance or JC-QC sound gear training motor were put out of commission. Bathythermograph was damaged beyond repair. Mercury was displaced from both master and auxiliary gyrocompasses and electrical leads to master compass were severed. Both radio receivers and TBL transmitter were deranged. One main storage battery cell cracked, resulting in loss of electrolyte. Many light bulbs broke and various meters and gauges were deranged. Other minor damage occurred. Patrol was terminated.

--294--

Name Date Place Source Remarks
Cero
(SS225)
7/18/45
(8th)
Off Kurile Islands
45°-14'N.
146°-41'E.
Bomb - 1 Received one light bomb from Japanese GRACE aircraft while submerging and passing 43 feet. No. 1 periscope was put out of commission. Bridge "covered wagon" structure was distorted slightly and bridge deck buckled. Bridge instruments were disabled. Mercury was displaced from auxiliary gyro compass. Miscellaneous other minor damage occurred. Patrol was terminated.
Pargo
(SS264)
7/27/45
(4th)
Off Northern Celebes
1°-35'N.
125°-20'E.
Bombs - 2

Depth Charges - 48

Received one bomb from Japanese PETE aircraft while at periscope depth, and a second bomb while going deep. During next 11/2 hours two Japanese CM's dropped about 48 depth charges on Pargo while running at deep submergence. No. 2 sanitary tank flooded. Radio antenna trunk flooded through broken insulator. Electrical interlock on bow plane tilting circuit was deranged so that planes could not be rigged. Overspeed trips on Nos. 1 and 2 turbo-blowers opened. Outboard exhaust valve on No. 4 main engine jammed. Auxiliary gyrocompass displaced mercury. Numerous gauges, instruments and light bulbs were broken or deranged and other minor damage occurred. Ship remained on patrol.
Muskallunge
(SS262)
8/8/45
(7th)
Off Kurile Islands
46°-41'N.
151°-43'E.
Gunfire
(.30 cal.)
Received several .30 caliber projectile hits during gun action with a group of seven Japanese sea trucks. Average range during engagement was about 350 yards. Only matériel damage caused, other than numerous penetrations of superstructure plating, was the holing of a periscope hydraulic cylinder by two projectiles. Ship remained on patrol.

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