March 3, 1944

From:     The Commanding Officer
To  :     The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet
Via :     The Commander Submarine Division 141
          The Commander Submarine Squadron 14
          The Commander Submarine Force Pacific Fleet
          The Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet

Subject:  U.S.S. TANG (SS 306), Report of War Patrol #1.

Enclosure:     (A) Subject Report.
               (B) Track charts. (ComSubPac only)

     1.  Enclosure (A), covering the first war patrol of this vessel conducted
in areas north and west of TRUK, and north and west of SAIPAN, during the period
22 January, 1944 to 3 March, 1944, is forwarded herewith.

                                   R. H. O'KANE
 

CONFIDENTIAL             U.S.S. TANG

(A) PROLOGUE

     After completion December 1, 1943, trained eighteen days in San Diego area,
Arrived Pearl January 8, 1944, and continued training through the 19th, having
fired forty-three exercise torpedoes and conducted night approaches on
approximately half the days underway.

                                  (B) NARRATIVE
                                    Jan 22-25
     Left Pearl at noon on the 22nd and proceeded to WAKE ISLAND at one engine
speed.

                             Jan 29-Feb 5, (Plus 12)

     Patrolled submerged in vicinity of WAKE except during false start for
assigned area on the thirty-first.  Departed from assigned station southwest of
the island whenever the circumstances of special mission permitted, and closed
the island daily to insure that no shipping had passed our seventeen foot
periscope or radar searches.
     The air strikes on the thirtieth and fifth were carried out without
incident.  Except for dawn searchlight displays, the only activity observed
during the week was ineffectual searching after the first air attack by one or
two planes dropping flares sporadically.  Observation from within three miles
did not disclose any damage to shore installation by the first air attack.

                                   Feb. 6-7 (-12)

     Upon release from lifeguard duty shortly after midnight, proceeded at
fifteen knots to newly assigned station north of TRUK.
     At 1345 on the seventh dived for twenty minutes and avoided an unidentified
plane.  Slowed to eleven knots at midnight.

                                    Feb. 8 (-11)

     Sighted U.S.S. GUARDFISH at 1315 and avoided on the surface.  Entered
assigned area at 1500 and proceeded toward the western boundary to patrol the
TRUK-EMPIRE routes.

                                  Feb. 9-14 (-10)

     Patrolling on surface in recommended northwestern part of area, searching
with periscope, sound to detect echo ranging, and enjoying unlimited visibility.
Converted #3A & #3B to normal ballast tanks.

                                  Feb. 14-15 (-10)

     Patrolled on surface in southwestern part of the area covering the route
from TRUK to SAIPAN which passes north of NAMONUITO.  Proceeded south the night
of the fifteenth to patrol east of MOGAMI and GRAY FEATHER banks prior to
assuming new patrol station south of ULUL Island.  At 1204 on the fourteenth and
at 0925 and 1123 on the fifteenth had plane contacts on the SD at 20, 24, and 28
miles.  These were tracked out almost 35 miles.
 

                                  Feb. 16-17 (-10)

     Conducting submerged patrol east of MOGAMI and GRAY FEATHER banks with
continuous periscope observation, and 17 foot searches.  Proceeded toward
assigned position twelve miles south of ULUL after sunset.

                                    ATTACK # 1

     At 0025 on the morning of seventeenth, sighted a convoy on the SJ bearing
305T distance 31000 yards.  It was tracked at eight and one-half knots on base
course 100d, directly into the rising half moon, and zigging forty degrees every
ten to fourteen minutes.  As viewed on the radar, excluding side lobes, the
convoy was composed of two large ships, a somewhat smaller one, later believed
to be a destroyer, a small escort close ahead, two more escorts on either beam,
and two more wide flanking patrols.
     At 0219, when nearly ahead, with range to convoy 15000 yards, the starboard
flanking escort suddenly appeared at 7000 yards closing at four knots.  We were
forced down, deep, and given five depth charges, but his attack was half hearted
and we were able to return to radar depth fifteen minutes after he passed by.
The convoy was still 9000 yards away and coming on nicely.  Our approach from
here in was quite routine, except for additional depth charges and patrolling
escorts.  Went back to periscope depth at 4000 yards, watched the leading escort
cross conveniently to the opposite bow, the port escort crossing our bow, and at
0335 fired a spread of four straight stern shots at the near AK, range 1500, 80
port track, speed 8. The first three hit their points of aim in the screws, and
the after and forward ends of the midships superstructure.  Watched the
freighter sinking by the stern amidst milling escorts.  She was a split
superstructure freighter, with details similar to the MANSEI MARU, low in the
water, with a bulky deck load.
     When she had sunk we went to our favorite depth below the 375 foot gradient
and cleared the area.  Some additional depth charging followed, but none close,
and we were able to search with radar and surface at 0500.
(end of part one)
                                  Feb. 16-17 (-10)

     There were still ships in sight on the radar with one large escorted one at
14000 yards, which we tracked on course 300, speed seven knots.  During the next
forty minutes we pushed our TVG's and MEP's in charging and getting ahead of the
freighter, but he evidently had been on a northerly leg of a wandering zig, for
during the submerged approach in the next six hours he presented angles of 50
starboard to 150 port.  Our best sustained speed closed the range to 6000 yards
at one time, but he then drew slowly away and disappeared toward the BURRFISH
who evidently made contact with him.  The ASASHIO destroyer, a CHIDORI, a PC
type escort, and a plane which were escorting him precluded an end-around, so
proceeded submerged to our assigned position for the attack on TRUK.  The
freighter, in ballast, was a typical goalpost, funnel, goalposter with composite
superstructure.

                                  Feb. 18-19 (-10)

     Patrolling on the surface in the vicinity of assigned position 12 miles
bearing 194d from ULUL.  As our SJ gave fair contact on this 85 foot island at
33000 yards, remained about four miles south of assigned position out of sight
of the island.  Numerous SD contacts, one of which was closer than the range to
the island, indicated considerable patrol or plane escort activity from ULUL.
We dove for a half hour and apparently avoided detection by the one plane that
did close our station inside fifteen miles.

                                  Feb. 20-21 (-10)

     Shortly after dawn on the twentieth proceeded toward new station at SAIPAN,
running at one engine speed.  During the forenoon numerous SD contacts from 20
to 28 miles indicated air activity and perhaps a plane escort for a convoy.
Searches ten miles either side of our track revealed nothing.
     At 0930 the morning of the twenty-first, a half hour after our trim dive,
commenced submerging for enemy patrol planes.  We thought we were undetected by
the first one, sighted at twelve miles, but four dives later in as many hours,
with lookouts reporting planes in different sectors and SD contacts closing,
dived for the rest of the day.

                                   Feb. 22 (-10)

    Patrolled submerged ten miles southwest of AGUIJAN Island, where we would
be able to intercept traffic form SAIPAN to GUAM passing north or south of
TINIAN.  Sighted one surface patrol on the SJ on approaching this spot and
avoided submerged after daylight.  Bombers continuously passed close over us
during the day.  At dusk we surfaced to observe considerable searchlight
signaling in vicinity of TANAPAG harbor, so headed north at two engine speed to
intercept any escaping ships.  Our usual SJ performance was cut down by
surrounding rain squalls, barely indicating the island at 35 miles, but at 2200
the SJ sighted our first ship at 14000 yards.  Closed and tracked and soon had
five ships in sight on the radar, with another group sometimes visible to the
north.  The persistent rain squalls were both for and against us at this time,
for they changed the relative size of the pips and made visual investigation of
the enemy inside 3500 yards essential in selecting suitable targets.

                                    ATTACK # 2

Following two such approaches on patrols, we found a KENYO MARU type AK with
escorts on starboard bow and quarter.  After tracking this freighter zigging on
course 255T for another half-hour, moved into position on his port bow, 4000 yds
from his nearest escort.  An unpredicted zig required a "dipsy doodle" to
maintain an ideal firing position, but he came on nicely, and at 2349, with
range 1500, 90 port track, and TANG dead in the water and holding her breath,
let him have four torpedoes spread his length from aft forward by constant TBT
bearings.  The enemy literally disintegrated under four hits and sank before we
had completed ninety degrees of our turn to evade.  One escort guessed right and
closed to 3000 yards, but these boats always seem to find a couple of extra
knots for such occasions, and we made a sandblower out of him.
 

                                   Feb. 23 (-10)
                                    ATTACK # 3

We still had difficulty in identifying the enemy on the radar, and our next
approach, in spite of sound, developed into a destroyer at 3500 yards, with TANG
backing down 1200 yards off her track.  Both sea and visibility precluded
anything but a defensive attack on such a ship, so pulled clear with minimum
range 2900 yards.  There followed one more approach, a bit more cautious, on
what appeared to be a submarine, before we located what was apparently a naval
auxiliary, definitely of the ARIMASAN MARU class.  As her leading escort
conveniently moved out to 8000 yards ahead, we moved into position on her port
bow, stopped, and kept pointed at her with another nice rain squall for a
background.  As she came on her guns were plainly visible forward and then aft.
At 0120, with range 1400, 90 port track and gyros around zero, let her have four
torpedoes spread her length from aft forward.  The first two were beautiful hits
in her stern and just aft of the stack, but the detonation as the third torpedo
hit forward of his bridge was terrific.  The enemy ship was twisted, lifted from
the water as you would flip a spoon on end, and then commenced belching flame as
she sank.  The TANG was shaken far worse than by any depth charge we could
remember, but a quick check as soon as our jaws came off our chests, showed no
damage except the outer door gasket of number five tube, which was just being
secured, blew out of its groove.  We considered this lightly at the time.
     As is usually the case when you hit first, the escorts were befuddled and
evasion was simplified.  It is considered that this ship was either a submarine
or destroyer tender, or an ammunition ship.
     Further searches and one more approach disclosed only three patrol type
vessels, so commenced a retiring search, covering possible positions of the
northern enemy group.  An all day search on the surface to north and then
retiring to the west disclosed nothing.

                                   Feb. 24 (-10)

     Patrolled on the surface, 150 miles west of SAIPAN, searching with high
periscope and radar when horizon was fuzzy.  At 1109 sighted smoke bearing 015T
and immediately picked up two targets on the SJ at 23000 and 24000 yards.  With
a clearing horizon the enemy was shortly identified as a freighter, large
tanker, and destroyer.  Tracking showed them on course 270, so we moved out to
maximum radar range to avoid detection and gained position ahead for a submerged
approach.  Contact was suddenly lost, but a half hour run at full power toward
their last true bearing located them again, this time on base course 165T.
     Gathering rain squalls made it more apparent that we would do well to
maintain contact with the enemy during the remainder of the day, and that the
only possibility of destroying both ships lay in night, or night and dawn
attacks.  The remainder of the day became more trying with the enemy employing
wide zigs and all contact being lost in extremely heavy passing squalls.
Sometimes he would emerge on a new course, sometimes on the same, but in most
cases it was necessary for us to go in after him at full power, and then retire
to avoid detection.

                                    ATTACK # 4

     At sunset the destroyer came into a clear spot, sent several signals on a
large searchlight to his convoy, lined them up with tanker astern, and started
off on course west.  As soon as they had faded in the dusk we closed from north
at full power to find them on our port bow headed east toward SAIPAN.  Two enemy
zigs were of the wildest sort, sometimes actually backtracking, but their very
wildness was his undoing, for after two hours of tracking, and two more of
approaches on their quarters, with our outer doors open for firing on four
different occasions, the freighter, a TATUTAKI MARU class ship, made one of his
super right zigs across our bow.  At 2230, when the range was 1400, 95 starboard
track, gyros around zero, we cold-cocked him with the first three of our usual
four torpedoes, spread along his length by constant TBT bearings.  The ship went
to pieces and amidst beautiful fireworks sank before we had completed our turn
to evade.  The tanker opened fire fore and aft immediately, while the destroyer,
then nearly 3000 yards away, closed the scene rapidly, spraying shells in every
direction.  After helping out any possible survivors with twelve depth charges,
he rejoined the tanker.  During the first flurry some tracer shells came within
a thousand yards or so of us, but obviously just by chance.
     The destroyer now stayed so close to the tanker that for several hours we
could distinguish only one ship on the radar most of the time, from our position
ten thousand yards on his port beam.  The sporadic gun firing and occasional
depth charges convinced us on these occasions that both were still there.
     They continued on the same base course, but settled down to moderate zigs.
Before dawn we were in position, ten thousand yards ahead and still eighty miles
west of SAIPAN.  Only a daylight change of base course could prevent our attack.

                                    ATTACK # 5

     At 0548, with skies gray in the east, submerged to radar depth, took a last
check at range at 7000 yards, then started a submerged approach to close an
apparent 30d left zig.  Eighteen minutes later the tanker was in sight with an
ASASHIO type destroyer patrolling very close ahead.  As we were then 1200 yards
from the track, turned and paralleled his base course.  At range 2000 yards the
destroyer gave us some bad moments by crossing to our bow for the second time,
pointed directly at our position.  But in his attempt to prevent a repetition of
his mistake of the night before, he turned right, passed down the tanker's side
to that quarter.  He was absolutely dwarfed by the length of the loaded tanker,
whose details were now plainly visible.  She was painted slate gray, comparable
only to our CIMARRON class, but with bridge and foremast well forward, just
behind a bulging bow, which mounted an estimated six inch gun.  Her mainmast was
close against her after superstructure which was topped by an extremely large
short stack.  Her after gun, above her bulging cruiser stern, was similar to the
one forward.  There is no similar vessel in any of the identification books
aboard.  All vantage points including guns, bridge, bridge overhead, and rails,
were manned with an estimated 150 uniformed lookouts on our side alone.
     A twenty degree zig toward put us a little close to the track, but we had
already commenced our turn away for a stern shot.  We were far from
inconvenienced.  At 0639, with the escort just crossing the tanker's stern to
the far side, fired four torpedoes by constant bearings, range 500 yards, 90
starboard track, gyros around 180d.  The first three hit as aimed, directly
under the stack, at the forward end of his after superstructure, and under his
bridge.  The explosions were wonderful, throwing the Japs and other debris above
the belching smoke.  He sank by the stern in four minutes, and then we went deep
and avoided.  The depth charges started a minute later, but were never close.

     Our blown torpedo tube gasket, which we considered lightly on the 23rd, now
caused trouble, for the inner door gasket rolled out of its groove under the
pressure, and pumps would not keep up with the water.  With safety tank nearly
dry, regained good control at 80 feet and avoided for the rest of the day at
this depth, with occasional looks at 60 feet when our destroyer came close.  He
was persistent, probably hearing our pumps, one of which had to be run
continuously, and spurred on, too, by thoughts of a slit belly if he failed.
Dark finally came after our longest day, and a new inner door gasket was
installed without much trouble after surfacing.  T shaped gaskets, similar to
those just installed in hatches, should obviously be installed in inaccessible
torpedo tube outer doors at the first practicable date.
     With four forward torpedoes left, proceeded northward toward the lower
BONINS, our new patrol area.
 

                                   Feb. 26 (-10)

                                    ATTACK # 6

     Patrolled on the surface, proceeding to new area.  At 1543, when about 180
miles northwest of SAIPAN, sighted smoke which quickly developed in to a four
ship convoy.  Tracked them on course 160 until dark, identifying one as a two-
stacker.  Remained outside of 20000 yards until moonset, when radar tracking
showed then to be worm turning, on base course east.  The rear ship of the
convoy was small with a patrolling escort astern that we could not see at 3000
yards, so passed him up in searching for our two stacker.  We found her shortly,
astern of the leading freighter, and just ahead of a small unidentified vessel.
     Escorts on either bow of the leading freighter offered no difficulty in
closing the two stacker from the flank.  She was now tracked on straight course
090 and we watched her closely from 3000 yards before closing in to a firing
position.  A column zig brought the leading freighter across our port bow, so
twisted left, steadied, and fired our usual spread of four torpedoes covering
the entire length of the two stacker as he came by, radar range 1600, gyros near
zero, 100 starboard track.  All torpedoes, even the one fired at his bow,
apparently missed astern as we failed to detect his increasing speed as he
resumed worm turning.  Had a little difficulty in evading the escorts as one
closed after we thought we were clear.  He challenged us with "S8" on a signal
searchlight several times, which furthers our suspicion that the lagging escort,
which we could not see at 3000 yards, was an enemy submarine.
     Though it is disappointing not to destroy this passenger ship, the HORAI
MARU, there is no use in crying over spilt milk.  The TANG is far from cocky,
and just as determined as ever.
     Sent contact report on 450, and message to COMSUBPAC concerning expenditure
of torpedoes, then headed for Midway on route prescribed for another of our
submarines.
(end of part two)
                                   Feb. 27-Mar 3

     Enroute Midway.

                                    (C) WEATHER

     Normal for all localities patrolled.

                               (D) TIDAL INFORMATION

     Normal for all localities patrolled.

                               (E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

     None sighted.
 

                                 (F) SHIP CONTACTS

No  Time Date Lat     Long    Types               Range Crse Spd  How

1.  0025 2/17 8-10N   149-07E 2 AK, 1 DD, 5 Escrt 30000 082  8.5  R
2.  0600 2/22 Saipan Channel  2 Patrol Boats      15000 Various   R
3.  2200 2/22 15-14N  145-12E 3 AK, 1 DD, 3 Escrt 14000 270  9    R
4.  1109 2/24 15-30N  143-00E 1 AK, 1 AO, 1 DD    23000 270,165 9 SD
5.  1545 2/26 18-10N  143-00E 1 AP, 2 AK, 4 Escrt 25000 160,090 9 SD

(G) PLANE CONTACTS

1.  1346 2/7  14-50n  159-10E Float plane         6               SD
2.  1204 2/14 10-25N  150-23E                     24              R
3.  0629 2/16 7-47N   149-08E                     8     310       SD
4.  1050 2/19 8-30N   149-50E                     5               SD
5.  1435 2/20 9-18N   149-02E                     7               SD
6.  0925 2/21 12-26N  147-06E Flying boat         17    320       SD
7.  1003 2/21 12-29E  147-05E Flying Boat         15    240       SD,R
8.  1050 2/21 12-30N  147-05E                     9               R
9.  1309 2/21 12-38N  147-00E                     16-6            SD,R
10  **   2/22 14-44N  145-25E Many 2-engine bmbrs Var   Var       Per
11  0830 2/27 19-10N  145-25E                     10    180       SD,R

** Planes were sighted taking off or landing on TINIAN at almost every
periscope observation.
 
 

U.S.S. TANG (SS306) Torpedo attack No. 1  Patrol No. one.
Time 0335     Date: 17 February, 1944.  Lat 8-04 N.
                                        Long. 149-28 E.

                      TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description of target:   Two medium AK's, one destroyer, five small escorts.
                         Contact by radar, visibility excellent with three
                         quarter moon.

Ship sunk:               One AK (MANSEI MARU class) 7770 Gross tons.

Ship damaged:            None.

Damage determined by: Saw three torpedoes hit and observed ship sank.

Target data:             Draft 25 feet.  Course 082, Speed 8.5, Range 1500

Own data:                Speed 3, Course 000.  Depth 60'. Angle 1d down.
 
 

              FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA # 1

Type attack   Night radar & periscope.

Tubes fired    #7             #8             #9             #10

Track angle    57P            79P            81P            83P

Gyro angle     187            183            181            179

Depth set      6'             6'             6'             6'

Power          High           High           High           High

Hit or miss    Hit            Hit            Hit            Hit

Erratic        No             No             No             No

Mk torpedo     14-3A          14-3A          14-3A          14-3A

Serial no.     40097          39183          39327          39812

Mk exploder    6-1A           6-1A           6-1A           6-1A

Serial no.     446            8273           6558           8441

Actuation      Contact        Contact        Contact        Contact

Mk warhead     16             16             16             16

Serial no.     1162           363            10953          1899

Explosive      TPX            TPX            TPX            TPX

Firing interval 8 sec.        8 sec.         10 sec.

Type spread                   Divergent point of aim

Sea Conditions Calm

Overhaul activity             USS BUSHNELL
 
 

U.S.S. TANG (SS306) Torpedo attack No. 2  Patrol No. one.
Time 2349 (-10)       Date: 22 February, 1944.       Lat 14-47 N.
                                                     Long. 144-50 E.

                      TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description of target:   Three merchantmen, one DD, at least three small
                         escorts.  Contact by radar, visibility poor.

Ship sunk:               One AK (KENYO MARU class) 6486 Gross tons.

Ship damaged:            None.

Damage determined by: Four torpedo hits seen, ship observed to sink
                      immediately.

Target data:             Draft 26 feet.  Course 270, Speed 9, Range 1500

Own data:                Speed 0, Course 000.  Depth Surf. Angle 0.
 
 
 

              FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA # 2

Type attack   Night surface

Tubes fired    #3             #4             #5             #6

Track angle    94P            96P            98P            100P

Gyro angle     357            355            353            351

Depth set      10'            10'            10'            10'

Power          High           High           High           High

Hit or miss    Hit            Hit            Hit            Hit

Erratic        No             No             No             No

Mk torpedo     14-3A          14-3A          14-3A          14-3A

Serial no.     40194          40109          20068          24905

Mk exploder    6-1A           6-1A           6-1A           6-1A

Serial no.     8379           12375          8655           8284

Actuation      Contact        Contact        Contact        Contact

Mk warhead     16             16             16             16

Serial no.     10960          1747           10902          1870

Explosive      TPX            TPX            TPX            TPX

Firing interval 8 sec.        8 sec.         8 sec.

Type spread                   Divergent point of aim

Sea Conditions Choppy

Overhaul activity             USS BUSHNELL
 
 

U.S.S. TANG (SS306) Torpedo attack No. 3  Patrol No. one.
Time 0120             Date: 23 February, 1944.       Lat 14-45 N.
                                                     Long. 144-32 E.

                      TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description of target:   Same as attack # 2.

Ship sunk:               One Naval Auxiliary; Ammunition ship (AE), Destroyer
                         Tender (AD), or Submarine tender (AS) (ARIMASAN MARU
                         class) 8663 gross or 10462 DW tons.

Ship damaged:            None.

Damage determined by: Three torpedoes seen to hit. Target exploded and sank
                      immediately.

Target data:             Draft 28 feet.  Course 270, Speed 8, Range 1400

Own data:                Speed 0, Course 340.  Depth Surf. Angle 0.
 
 
 

              FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA # 3

Type attack   Night surface.

Tubes fired    #3             #4             #5             #6

Track angle    102P           104P           105P           106P

Gyro angle     009            007            006            005

Depth set      10'            10'            10'            10'

Power          High           High           High           High

Hit or miss    Hit            Hit            Hit            Hit

Erratic        No             No             No             No

Mk torpedo     14-3A          14-3A          14-3A          14-3A

Serial no.     23020          40085          22309          40121

Mk exploder    6-1A           6-1A           6-1A           6-1A

Serial no.     7345           7340           9662           8456

Actuation      Contact        Contact        Contact        Contact

Mk warhead     16             16             16             16

Serial no.     10928          11072          10254          311

Explosive      TPX            TPX            TPX            TPX

Firing interval 8 sec.        8 sec.         10 sec.

Type spread                   Divergent point of aim

Sea Conditions                Choppy

Overhaul activity             USS BUSHNELL
 
 
 

U.S.S. TANG (SS306) Torpedo attack No. 4  Patrol No. one.
Time 2230             Date: 24 February, 1944.       Lat 15-16 N.
                                                     Long. 143-12 E.

                      TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description of target:   One AK, One AO, One DD.  Contact by sight in daylight.
                         Attack at night, visibility poor.

Ship sunk:               One AK (TATUTAKI MARU class) 7064 Gross tons.

Ship damaged:            None.

Damage determined by: Saw three torpedoes hit and sink ship.

Target data:             Draft 27 feet.  Course 155, Speed 8, Range 1400

Own data:                Speed 5, Course 085.  Depth Surf. Angle
 
 

              FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA # 4

Type attack   Night surface.

Tubes fired    #2             #3             #4             #6

Track angle    104S           105S           106S           107S

Gyro angle     355            356            357            358

Depth set      10'            10'            10'            10'

Power          High           High           High           High

Hit or miss    Hit            Hit            Hit            Hit

Erratic        No             No             No             No

Mk torpedo     14-3A          14-3A          14-3A          14-3A

Serial no.     22294          40083          39830          40137

Mk exploder    6-1A           6-1A           6-1A           6-1A

Serial no.     7754           12709          8442           7774

Actuation      Contact        Contact        Contact        Contact

Mk warhead     16             16             16             16

Serial no.     11488          10924          11558          2698

Explosive      TPX            TPX            TPX            TPX

Firing interval 8 sec.        8 sec.         8 sec.

Type spread                   Divergent point of aim

Sea Conditions                Choppy

Overhaul activity             USS BUSHNELL
 
 

U.S.S. TANG (SS306) Torpedo attack No. 5  Patrol No. one.
Time 0639             Date: 25 February, 1944.       Lat 15-50 N.
                                                     Long. 144-21 E.

                      TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description of target:   Same as #4.

Ship sunk:               One Naval Tanker (Comparable to USS CIMARRON)

Ship damaged:            None.

Damage determined by: Saw three torpedo hits, observed ship sink.

Target data:             Draft 30 feet.  Course 145, Speed 10, Range 500

Own data:                Speed 3, Course 233.  Depth 60'.  Angle 0.
 
 

              FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA # 5

Type attack   Dawn submerged.

Tubes fired    #1             #2             #3             #6

Track angle    80S            83S            88S            93S

Gyro angle     172            175            180            185

Depth set      10'            10'            10'            10'

Power          High           High           High           High

Hit or miss    Hit            Hit            Hit            Miss

Erratic        No             No             No             No

Mk torpedo     14-3A          14-3A          14-3A          14-3A

Serial no.     24675          22233          26020          39799

Mk exploder    6-1A           6-1A           6-1A           6-1A

Serial no.     18214          8389           8452           8439

Actuation      Contact        Contact        Contact        Contact

Mk warhead     16             16             16             16

Serial no.     2671           10996          10939          1150

Explosive      TPX            TPX            TPX            TPX

Firing interval 8 sec.        10 sec.        8 sec.

Type spread                   Divergent point of aim

Sea Conditions                Choppy

Overhaul activity             USS BUSHNELL
 
 

U.S.S. TANG (SS306) Torpedo attack No. 6  Patrol No. one.
Time 2241             Date: 26 February, 1944.       Lat 14-48 N.
                                                     Long. 143-40 E.
 

                      TARGET DATA - DAMAGE INFLICTED

Description of target:   One AP, Two AK's, Four escorts.

Ship sunk:               None.

Ship damaged:            None.

Damage determined by:

Target data:             Draft 24 feet.  Course 100, Speed 8.5, Range 1700

Own data:                Speed 8, Course 028.  Depth Surf. Angle 0.
 
 
 

              FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA # 6

Type attack   Night surface.

Tubes fired    #1             #2             #3             #6

Track angle    100S           102S           104S           107S

Gyro angle     353            355            357            000

Depth set      10'            10'            10'            10'

Power          High           High           High           High

Hit or miss    Miss           Miss           Miss           Miss

Erratic        No             No             No             No

Mk torpedo     14-3A          14-3A          14-3A          14-3A

Serial no.     40162          40105          23830          39928

Mk exploder    6-1A           6-1A           6-1A           6-1A

Serial no.     8032           11049          6557           8377

Actuation      Contact        Contact        Contact        Contact

Mk warhead     16             16             16             16

Serial no.     11438         2100           11351          3902

Explosive      TPX            TPX            TPX            TPX

Firing interval 8 sec.        8 sec.         10 sec.

Type spread                   Divergent point of aim

Sea Conditions                Choppy

Overhaul activity             USS BUSHNELL
 
 

                             (I) MINES AND MINE LAYING

None observed.

                  (J) ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

    Numerous escorts were encountered with every contact, but their patrolling
was unsystematic and sooner or later left an opening for attack, generally on
the flank.  As it was possible to come unbelievably close on the quarter of an
escort without being sighted, poor stern or quarter lookouts on their part is
indicated.
    Their gunfire and depth charging was of the wildest sort and most
ineffectual.  As always evasion was easy when the enemy was hit first, and much
simplified by the PPI.

                                 (K) MAJOR DEFECTS

None.

    The only design weakness encountered is the old type dove-tailed gasket in
torpedo tube doors.  Replacement of the outer door gasket is impossible, except
in the calmest sea, and its failure immediately limits a submarine to
dangerously shallow depths.  As hatch gaskets, which are readily accessible are
now of the T type, it seems evident that torpedo tube door gaskets should be
modified likewise as soon as practicable.

                                     (L) RADIO

    Both reception and transmission were satisfactory.

                                     (M) RADAR

    Although requiring considerable checking and attention by radar personnel,
both SJ and SD worked reliably and were of great value.

                       (N) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS.

    Good.

                                (O) DENSITY LAYERS

    1.   8-10 N               149-20 E       6d at 375'
    2.   15-45 N              144-22 E       5d at 475'

                         (P) HEALTH, FOOD AND HABITABILITY

    Good.

                                   (Q) PERSONNEL

    Although training in diving was limited by the requirements of the patrol
areas, this was in a large part compensated for by the extra efforts to qualify
that always accompany surface patrolling.

                                   (R) MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

    (a) Pearl to first area   4272 mi.       29100 gals
    (b) In areas              2310 mi.       23400 gals
    (c) Last area to Midway   2300 mi.       27330 gals

                                   (S) DURATION

    Days enroute to areas                                   13
    Days in areas:            WAKE                           7
                              North of TRUK                  6
                              West of TRUK                   4
                              West of SAIPAN                 5
    Days enroute from area                                   6
    Days submerged (including 6 days off WAKE)              10

                        (T) FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

    Torpedoes  Fuel           Provisions     Personnel
      None     20000           40 days       Indefinite

    Limiting factor this patrol - Torpedoes.

                                    (U) REMARKS

    None.
 

Serial   052                        In Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                    San Francisco, California,
                                    March 4, 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. TANG  Report of
First War Patrol

From:    The Commander Submarine Division Sixty-one.
To  :    The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
         (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet,
               Subordinate Command.
         (2) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
         (3) The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. TANG  - Report of First War Patrol.

    1.   This was the first war patrol for the TANG and the first of Lieutenant
Commander R. H. O'KANE as a Commanding Officer.  The patrol was of forty-one
days duration, of which twenty-two were spent in assigned areas and nineteen
days enroute.  Patrol was terminated when all torpedoes had been expended.

    2.   The early part of the patrol consisted of lifeguard duty for downed
planes in the vicinity of WAKE and TRUK.  The TANG was apparently not called on
for rescue services.  Area coverage was thorough.  During patrol four contacts
were made with groups of ships including targets worthy of torpedo attack.
Attacks were made on each group.

    3.   (A) Early morning 17 February a convoy of two freighters with a heavy
escort of a destroyer and five small vessels were contacted by radar.  During
the approach TANG was detected by an escort at a range of 7000 yards and forced
to deep submergence.  Five depth charges sere dropped in a half hearted attack
and the escort continued on.  Fifteen minutes later TANG resumed the approach at
radar depth in spite of additional depth charges in the vicinity, dropped at
random by escorts.  The range was closed to 1,500 yards and three hits of four
torpedoes fired sank a freighter.  TANG cleared the area at deep submergence
undetected.  An attempt was made to again get ahead of the convoy for a dawn
attack, but the remaining freighter passed out of range under cover of air
escort.

         (B) During the night of 22 February two night surface attacks were
made on a convoy of three freighters with a destroyer and three smaller escorts.
In each attack four torpedoes were fired at close range, one resulting in four
hits and the other in three.  Both targets quickly sank.  TANG evaded on the
surface.  During the following day the remnants of the convoy could not be
found.

         (C) About 1100, 24 February a tanker, a freighter, and a destroyer
were sighted at about 12 miles.  Effort to gain a satisfactory position for day
periscope attack was unsuccessful;, because of rain squalls and the wide zig
zags of the targets.  Contact was maintained and a night surface attack with
four torpedoes resulted in three good hits which destroyed the freighter.  TANG
retired. on the surface amid enemy shell fire and random depth charges.  Contact
with the tanker and destroyer was maintained and position gained for dawn attack
submerged.  Decks of the tanker were covered with lookouts as three of four
torpedoes fired hit and sank this ship in four minutes.  A counter-attack
followed without damage to the TANG although the evasion tactics were hampered
by the necessity of pumping bilges and blowing safety tank, because a torpedo
tube outer door gasket had been blown out and the inner door gasket rolled out
of its groove under pressure.

         (D) The final attack was made after moonset on 26 February after a
late afternoon contact had been made and the enemy tracked.  A transport, a
freighter and four escorts made up the convoy.  TANG maneuvered into position on
the wildly zig zagging transport and fired four torpedoes at a range of 1600
yards.  All missed astern apparently due to an increase of enemy speed.  The
approach and retirement were made on the surface.

    4.   The material condition of the TANG is excellent.  It is expected that
the refit will be completed in ten days.  Consideration should be given to the
replacement of torpedo tube door gaskets with T-shaped gaskets in the future.

    5.   The Commanding Officer, Officers and crew of the TANG are heartily
congratulated on this very aggressive and successful first patrol and the
excellent start they have given this new ship.  It is recommended that the
following damage inflicted on the enemy be credited to the TANG:

                              SUNK

         1 - Freighter (MANSEI MARU class)                7700 tons
         1 - Freighter (KENYO MARU class)                 6486 tons
         1 - Naval Auxiliary (ARIMASAN MARU class)        8696 tons
         1 - Freighter (TATUTAKE MARU class)              7068 tons
         1 - Tanker                                      18276 Dwt. tons
 
 

                              C. C. SMITH.

A16-3/          COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET,
                 SUBORDINATE COMMAND,  NAVY NO. 1504.
Serial No. 050

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L             Care of Fleet Post Office,
                San Francisco, California,
                    5 March 1944.

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to
U.S.S. TANG Report of
First War Patrol.

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

Subject:        U.S.S. TANG - Report of First War Patrol.

    1.  Forwarded.

    2.  The first war patrol of the TANG can only be classified as
outstanding.  Of the six attacks made, five were made on consecutive days.  Five
of the attacks resulted in destruction of the target and tremendous damage was
inflicted on the enemy.

    3.  The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, Subordinate Command
adds his congratulations to the Commanding Officer, Officers and crew on this
outstanding first patrol and concurs on the summation of damage dealt the enemy,
as contained in the first endorsement.

                                               C. D. EDMUNDS

                             SUBMARINE, PACIFIC FLEET
FB5-61/A16-3

Serial   0473                       In Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                    San Francisco, California,
                                    11 March 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL

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

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 380
U.S.S. TANG - FIRST WAR PATROL

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

Subject:        U.S.S. TANG (SS306) - Report of First War Patrol.
        (22 January to 3 March 1944)

    1.  The first war patrol of the TANG was also the first for the
Commanding Officer, as such.  The patrol was conducted in the Caroline and
Marianas Islands area.

    2.  Six outstanding attacks were made during this patrol, all of which
were extremely well planned, determined and aggressive, resulting in severe
damage to the enemy.

    3.  Sixteen hits out of 24 torpedoes fired is most commendable, and
adequately shows the excellence of the TANG's fire control party.

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

    5.  The commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the
Commanding Officer, officers, and crew for this well planned, aggressive, and
very successful war patrol.  The TANG is credited with inflicting the following
damage upon the enemy:

                S U N K

    1 - Freighter (MANSEI MARU class)              7,700 tons (Attack No. 1)
    1 - Freighter (KENYO MARU class)               6,468 tons (Attack No. 2)
    1 - Submarine Tender                           8,663 tons (Attack No. 3)
    1 - Freighter (TATUTAKI MARU class)            7,068 tons (Attack No. 4)
    1 - Naval Tanker                              12,000 tons (Attack No. 5)

                                  TOTAL           41,969 tons
 

                                    J. H. BROWN, Jr.