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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 Fourth War Patrol.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this
vessel conducted in Japanese Empire waters during the period
31 July 1944 to 3 September. 1944, is forwarded herewith.




R. H. O'KANE


(A) PROLOGUE

Returned from third war patrol July fourteenth. The refit
by SubDiv 62 and Submarine Base, Midway, completed on the
twenty-fourth, is considered our finest to date. Conducted
normal training and departed July thirty-first.



(B) NARRATIVE


July 31-August 7

Departed Midway at 1555 on the thirty-first of July. En route to area five at two engine speed.
Conduced training dives and fire control drills dailyand enjoyed yachting weather.


August 8


At 1701 on the eighth, APR-1 detected radar signal. Following soon, SD picked up a aircraft
(Aircraft Contact #1) at ten miles, closing. TANG submerged to avoid,
surfaced an hour later and resume course to area.

Gun Action No.1

At 2218 on the eighth, lookouts spotted a fishing boat bearing 053
at 7000 yards. Called General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action,
and closed target on parallel course. Commenced fire with 40mm, 20mm, and 4" 50 cal gun from range of
2500 yards at 2244. Immediate hits were scored, the vessel caught fired, and wrecked
by a large explosion at 2246, TANG ceased fire just after. Enemy vessel had machine guns visibly mounted,
but were unable to return fire given the surprise and accurate fulsilade from the dark of night.
Fishing Boat (estimated 200 tons) sunk at 2251 hours, position 33-52N 138-01E with no survivors observed.
TANG secured General Quarters and resumed course to area after search.




August 9

Submerged off DAIO SAKI for patrol just before dawn at 0630. After dawn, observed shore batteries and
observation posts on DAIO SAKI, plotted their positions. Spotted aircraft BETTY (Aircraft Contact #2) at 0817.
Surfaced ten miles off DAIO SAKI at 2200, proceeed to sea for recharge and course for OMAE SAKI area.



August 10

Submerged off OMAE SAKI at 0622 hours for patrol. Spotted aircraft(Aircraft Contact No.3)
at bearing 005 9000 yards.


Attack No. 1

Sound detected distant props bearing 344. TANG turned close to close bearing. At 1140 smoke spotted bearing 135, different contact rounding OMAE SAKI.
TANG went to 90 ft at high speed and
turned course to close, going to General Quarters-Torpedo at 1144. At 1237 observed more smoke bearing 140, likely original contact was closing.
Fired tubes (MK 18-2 torpeod) 7,8,9,10 at 1241 and just as was launching, two unobserved twin engine bombers(BETTY)
dropped depth charges about 100 ft to starboard, shaking boat. Ordered emergency depth after final bearing,
and fired remaining tubes as the boat descended to 90 feet, just off the bottom. Torpedo #10 went into circular run after
launch and was heard above TANG. At 1242-1243, three torpedo impacts were heard, followed by multiple large secondary explosions.


Attack No.2

Turning to course 000 at high speed and 90 feet, closing seocnd contact on sound bearings. At 1247 heard two more large explosions from bearing
of first attack. At periscope depth, slowed for observation and spotted AO zigging on course 090 8 knts. Spotted aircraft and forced to return to
70 feet, just off the bottom as closed target. Back at periscope depth, had to fire before the solution deteriorated fruther.
At 1251 fired tubes 1,2,3,4 (MK14-3A). At 1252 observed all four torpedoes impact target. The AO was empty, as did not
'ignite' upon impact or one or two torpedoes as AO typically do when loaded with fuel. TANG turned for deeper waters and went
to 70 feet and increased depth as it became available. At 1311 several large explosions were heard along with breaking up noises from
last bearing of target. Slowed and went to periscope depth, observed the ICHIYU MARU AO sink in the shallow waters by her bow,
just the stern in the air. Sweep of bearing showed the KOTO MARU had sunk as well. TANG went to 125 feet and continued high speed run from the area,
secured General Quarters and began torpedo reload.



At 1350 on the tenth, sound reported fast screws, warships bearing 053 at long range. This was most likely the 'calvary' local patrols responding
to the area after TANG's attacks. Contacts came somewhat close, rigged for silent running and depth charge at 1402.
At 1410 pinging was heard with contacts closing fast. Depth Charge Attack #1 began at 1421 with large patterns, TANG at 350 ft depth.Last depth charge,
out of 251 previous, was at 1533. A relatively brief, but intense attack. A close pattern at 1503 damage aft batteries, caused leakes in various
air and water lines through boat. Trim and Hydraluic pumps also damaged.At 1533 TANG , having made it to deeper waters,
at 600 ft, escorts appear to have lost contact, last ping was ten minutes prior, escorts quiet, above listening.At 1800, secured General Quarters,
and went to 412 feet, maintained silent running.


At 2248 hours on the tenth, came to periscope depth and then radar depth. A sweep with SJ, SD, and sound
showed area clear.Secured Silent Running and surfaced the boat at 2250. Immediately began battery recharge, as batteries were
down to thiretten percent. Set course of SHIONO MASAKI area.




August 11


Arrived ten miles off SHIONO MISAKI 0700 hours. Taking advantage of the dawn fog, closed on surface,
submerging at 0715 for patrol. Surfaced at 2300 set course for DAIO SAKI.


August 12

At 0609 on the twelveth, SJ made contact, two pips, 21000 yards. APR-1 detected radar emissions. TANG submerged at 0615 to avoid the patrol vessels
and start patrol.At 0643, observed a No. 60 Class Subchaser and a W-19 Class Minesweeper on patrol.
1005 spotted same patrol contacted earlier at 7000 yards on course 250. Surfaced at 2300.


August 13


Arrived off Ikobe Coast at 0230 and patrolled, preparing to dive at dawn for patrol.


Gun Action #2

At 0314 observed a fishing boat bearing 047 7500 yards.
Called General Quarters-Battle Surface-Gun Action.
Commenced firing with all guns at 0334, ceased fire 0337.
Fishing boat (estimated 200 tons) sunk at 34-10N 137-25E, 0342 hours.
Submerged at 0625 on morning of the thirteenth for patrol along Ikobe Coast.Surfaced at 2300,
set course of Omae Saki.



August 14
Arrived off Omae Saki at 0530.

Attack #3

At 0615, spotted a large paddle driven coastal cargo steamer rounding Omae Saki. Went to General Quarters-Torpedo.
With dawn breaking, submerged for attack at 0625.Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at steamer from 800 yards. All four torpedoes impacted as aimed. The armed steamer, with fires burning,
spotted TANG's periscope in the dawn light, illuminated her with searchlight,opened fired with aft mounted three inch deck gun,
and multiple deck mounted machine guns. No.2 Attack scope damaged, knocked out by lucky hit, but later repaired at sea. Tang went to seventy five feet and opened range, before
returning to periscope depth. At 0655, at scope depth, observed steamer sinking, again machine guns opened fire at 1200 yards, TANG went back to 75 feet.
Back at scope depth at 0705, observed steamer sinking by the stern and observed her slip under off Omae Saki. TANG went to 100 feet and conducted high speed run until 0830 to clear the area.


Returned to periscope depth 0946, spotted EMILY flying boat (Aircraft Contact #8) astern. No doubt
hunting for TANG in response to morning attack.Went back to 100 feet for sound sweep with observations every half hour.

Patrol spotted/detected on sound simultaneously at 1400 hours, two SC type vessels.



Attack #4

Sound detected many distant, heavy props bearing 179 at 1535 hours. TANG turned
to close targets.Spotted smoke of AK with multiple escorts at 1600, called General Quarters-Torpedo.
Turned to bring stern tubes to bear to utilize MK 18 torpedoes due to heavy screen and zig by target.Forced to
use No.1 observation periscope due to damage sustained to No.2 Attack periscope earlier in the day. Just was preparing to fire, small PC on
port side spotted the periscope, fired at it from 2000 yards and began pinging. At 1643 fired tubes 7,8,9,10 from 3500 yards, set to account
for possible evasion by target. With escorts closing and a plane spotted, TANG went to the bottom at 165 feet at high speed to reach deep waters. Depth Charge Attack #2 began at 1645, but none were close. At 1646-1647 three torpedo impacts were heard, via sound
and audible through the hull. TANG reached deeper waters fairly quick and went to 350, then 400 feet, as frequent, incessant pinging by escorts continued.At 1651 sounds of ship breaking up astern could be heard, sounds of the merchants engines were gone.
MIIKE MARU sunk 34-36N 137-50E . Two more warship contacts arrived on scene at 1653, possibly patrol responding to attack. These first team contacts closed in on TANG quickly, dropping two large patterns. TANG was badly shaken by the first, then damaged by the second, for at 1702 two close depth charges caused flooding in aft engine rooms.
Damage Control party quickly stopped the flooding (See Defects and Damage Section).

By 1715, TANG was in deeper waters and at a depth of 575 ft, multiple escorts hunting.
Multiple DC explosions in area, but none close. Final depth charge explosion 1844.
ALl but one sound contact left area, one still hunting TANG.
Lost sound contact at 2003, maintained depth of 500 ft and silent running.
Surfaced at 2210, multiple SJ contacts astern at ten miles, set course to open range from coast for repairs and rest.

SD contact at eleven miles holding steady, suddenly began to close range at 2219, TANG submerged to avoid.
Surfaced at 2300, set course to open range with coast.




August 15

Remained offshore to conduct repairs. Submerged after dawn for crew rest, with return to coastal areas
the following day. Just before submerging, SD made contact (Aircraft Contact #9) at 14 NM. Surfaced at 2300, set course for
KANTORI SAKI.





August 16

Submerged six miles off Kantori Saki at 0615 and closed the coast for patrol.


Attack #5

Spotted two patrol vessels at 1310, went to silent running and avoided, as well as two aircraft
(Aircraft Contact #11) at 1340. Believe the patrols were sweeping for convoy, since
at 1334, sound picked up contacts bearing 034 long range and at 1452, spotted smoke bearing 006.
Called General Quarters-Torpedo. Convoy is one AK with four escorts, observed vessels round SHIONO MISAKI,
head for coast of KANTORI SAKI, TANG began to close the range.

At 1603 fired tubes 1,2,3,4 from 2900 yards. Due to escort proximity, to avoid detection and ruining shot,
fired then went to 100 feet and backed away to open range with flank escort. At 1605 four torpedo impacts
were heard, followed by large explosions and breaking up noises. AK MOMOYAMA MARU sunk 3331 N 135-53E.


TANG turned toward deeper waters. Escorts came close but never located TANG , depth charges heard
in the distance. Lost contact at 1830, secured General Quarters 1835. Surfaced at 2227 fourteen miles SHIONO MISAKI, set course
for OMAE SAKI to clear the area.



August 17-18


Received orders at 0400 to proceed to Area 5A to join for coordinated attack on convoys expected
to transit area in coming days. Ordered course 170 at 18 knots to assigned area. Submerged at 0852 to avoid SD contact. (Aircraft Contact #12).
Surfaced 1037. Soon after surfacing, SJ had three contacts which were identified as fishing boats. Called
General Quarters-Battle Surface.

Gun Action #3

Closed three fishing boats on surface at high speed, all guns manned. At 4000 yards all three boats opened fire with machine guns,
TANG replied and commenced firing at 1050, and ceased firing at 1100. Three fishing boats, estimated 200 tons each sunk at
33-31N 135-53E. Secured General Quarters and continued en route to area.



Attack #6 and #6-A

1210 SJ made contact at 28000 yards. APR-1 detecing radar emissions. PPI scope indicates large convoy.
As prepared to dive and attack at 1250, convoy zigged throwing TANG out of position.
This program repeated itself through afternoon, thus TANG pulled ahead to shadow until night fall
for a night surface attack.Submerged at 1800 to avoid SD contact closing from ten miles.
Surfaced at 1820, continued shadowing convoy. Submerged again at 1845 to avoid SD contact.
Surfaced at 1904.Through the afternoon, submerged four more times for
the SD contact, apparently a aircraft assigned to escort the convoy.

2200 Called General Quarters-Torpedo-Surface as night fell. TANG proceeded to close the convoy.

At 0018 on eighteenth of August, TANG was inside the port escort screen when star shells were fired,
signaling TANG had been detected. TANG put overload on engines, and left the closest escort, a TYPE C behind,
continued towards AK was tracking,closing the range to fire, and attack others in convoy if possible.
At 0023 (Attack #6) fired tubes #3, #4 (MK 14-3A) at large AK (possibly KENYO MARU 6486 tons) from 2000 yards and turned
slightly to starboard to avoid the vessel. Just after firing, spotted a large vessel at center of convoy,
which was revealed to be a escort carrier, likely of the TAIYO Class. TANG immediately began tracking
the carrier, preparing to fire two remaining torpedoes at her. At 0024 both torpedoes hit the AK, causing large fires.
The ship began to fire with her aft mounthed three or four inch gun, and deck mounted machine guns, while
illuminating TANG with her spot light as passed astern of the damaged vessel. A few machine gun rounds struck
TANG and one shell came too close for comfort, but caused no damage. Lookouts soon had a DD closing from bearing 200
at high speed, which soon opened fire from about 4000 yards. This forced TANG to fire from 2800 yards, instead
of the planned 2000. At 0027 (Attack #6-A) fired tubes(final two torpedoes) #5,#6 (MK 23-2) at the CVE. Just after firing,
a last explosion astern was audible and flames visible, the AK torpedoed appears to be sinking. With the
DD closing at very high speed, now iluminating TANG and firing from 2900 yards, TANG submerged.
As TANG passed 100 ft, torpedo impact was heard on the CVE's bearing. The second torpedo missed.
TANG contiunued her plunge and leveled off at 500 ft. Over next five hours estimated 200 depth charges were dropped by various escorts,
but only a few were close and no escort appeared to have solid contact on TANG and only minor damage was suffered (See Defects and Damage section)
Believe this is due to the confusion and noise in the water, as TANG was hidiing below the convoy.

At 0700 on the eighteenth, TANG surfaced with one SJ contact at nine miles, apparently a escort holding back to search for TANG.
All torpedoes expended, set course for Pearl Harbor, as fuel status did not require stop at Midway.


(A ship sunk marker appeared on the map for the AK torpedoed in attack 6,
but SH 4 did not award me credit in the log not count toward my tonnage total!
However, vessel did sink.)



August 19-September 3


En route to Pearl Harbor in mostly pleasant weather. Arrived Pearl Harbor Submarine Base at 1100 on September 3rd,
terminated war patrol.




(C) WEATHER

Weather to and from, and in are was nearly completely pleasant, yachting weather.
Seas did briefly pick up in area



(D) TIDAL INFORMATION


Tides were normal for the area. The Kuroshio was present as expected.



(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS


Lights were spotted at OMAE SAKI, SHIONO MISAKI, and KATORI SAKI.



(F) ATTACK DATA


TORPEDO ATTACKS

USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 1 War Patrol FOUR
Date 10 August 944 Time 1242 Lat.34-33N Long.138-12E 7500 yards off Omae Saki



Description

Attack on AK rounding Cape Omae Saki, zigging.


Type Attack Submerged-Periscope-Day


Ships Sunk
AK KOTO MARU 4666 tons
34-32N 138-11E off Omae Saki.

Verification

Heard four torpedoes hit followed by large secondary explosions over next ten minutes.
When back at periscope depth for Attack #2, visible oil slick, debris, fire, visible, with superstructure
of the vessel just above waterline, observed vessel sink on next observation.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.1 Target Data (at firing)

AK KOTO MARU 4466 tons
Course 220, zigging
Speed 5 kts
Range 1200
AOB 85 S
Bearing 182
True Bearing 150
Remark
Visible, machine guns mounted bow to stern. Possibly had
hydrophones as began to zig and avoid, when could not have spotted
TANG scope at distance.

Torpedo Attack No.1 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #7
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 11320
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 71129
Gyro 12 R
Track 85 S
Course 339
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI --
Erratic No
Remark


Tube #8
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 11455
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 71122
Gyro 12 R
Track 85 S
Course 339
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI --
Erratic No
Remark


Tube #9
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 11220
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 71133
Gyro 12 R
Track 85 S
Course 339
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI--
Erratic No
Remark

Tube#10
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 11361
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 71263
Gyro 12 R
Track 85 S
Course 339
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit No
POI --
Erratic Yes
Remark
Circular run.





Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 64 ft
Course 250
Speed 2 kts
Angle 1 degree down
Seas Calm
Depth under keel 65 ft


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 2 War Patrol FOUR
Date 10 August 1944 Time 1251 Lat.34-35N Long.138-12E 3440 yards off Omae Saki.



Description

AO inbound to Suruga Bay via Omae Saki.


Type Attack
Submerged-Periscope-Day

Ships Sunk
AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons
34-34N 138-13E off Omae Saki.

Verification

Forced to 100 ft by aircraft, sound reporting sinking ten minutes after attack.
Came to periscope depth 25 minutes after attack, stern and stack just visible
above water, rest of vessel submerged off Omae Saki. Large explosions followed over next hour.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.2 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
Course 090 zigging
Speed 8
Range 2461
AOB 90
Bearing 1
True Bearing 31
Remark
Believe tanker was empty, not loaded with fuel as did not 'ignite'
as loaded tankers typically do after one or two torpedo hits.


Torpedo Attack No.2 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No. 130040
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 12044
Gyro 11 R
Track 101 S
Course 041
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 8ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #2
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No. 130041
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 11223
Gyro 11 R
Track 101 S
Course 041
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 8ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT, forward
Erratic No
Remark
---


Tube #3
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No.130042
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No.10992
Gyro 11 R
Track 101 S
Course 041
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Stern-Stack
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 8ft
Hit Yes
POI Stern-Stack
Erratic No
Remark
---


Tube #4
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No.130043
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No.10999
Gyro 11 R
Track 101 S
Course 041
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Fore Mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 8ft
Hit Yes
POI Fore Mast
Erratic No
Remark
---


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 64 ft
Course 031
Speed 3 kts
Angle 1 down
Seas Calm
Depth under keel

-----------------------------------------------------------



USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol FOUR
Date 14 August 1944 Time 0655 Lat.34-35N Long.138-8E Five nautical miles West of Omae Saki.



Description

Unescorted large coastal paddle steamer rounding Cape Omae Saki.


Type Attack
Submerged-Periscope-Night/Dawn

Ships Sunk
Coastal Steamer-Paddle driven.
3500-4000 tons.
34-34N 138-13E
Five nautical miles West of Omae Saki.

Verification

Observed torpedoes hit target. Observed target sink stern first
fifteen minutes after final torpedo impact.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.3 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
Coastal Steamer-Paddle Driven
3500-4000 tons
Course 270
Speed 5 kts
Range 840 yards
AOB 87
Bearing 004
True Bearing 006
Remark
Armed with 3" gun forward. Machine guns, AA guns mounted all sides, astern. Cargo crates on deck.

Torpedo Attack No.3 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 113391
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 10008
Gyro 357 L
Track 94 P
Course 359
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT, Stack
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT, Stack
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #2
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 115006
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No.10888
Gyro 357 L
Track 94 P
Course 359
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Fore Mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI Fore Mast
Erratic No
Remark


Tube #3
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 117806
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No.107988
Gyro 357 L
Track 94 P
Course 359
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Aft Mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI Aft Mast
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #4
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 109391
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 10855
Gyro 357 L
Track 94 P
Course 359
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT, aft of stack
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT, aft of stack
Erratic No
Remark
---


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 56 ft
Course 003
Speed 3 kts
Angle 1.5 down
Seas Rough
Depth under keel 50 ft
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 4 War Patrol FOUR
Date 14 August 1944 Time 1642 Lat.34-37N Long.137-51E



Description

Large AK-AP with four escorts. Small PC spotted No.1 Periscope and began pinging. Adjusted solution
and fired spread to account for target evasive movements, fired while descending to avoid attack by escorts.


Type Attack
Submerged-Periscope-Day

Ships Sunk
None


Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
AK-AP MIIKE MARU
11739 tons
34-36N 137-50E

Verification

Three torpedo hits on sound gear and audible through hull, times matched for hitting.
Repeated explosions and sounds of ship breaking up in minutes following the three torpedo impacts.
Only small fast props were heard after impact, indicating engines on target stopped due to damage.



Torpedo Attack No.4 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
MIIKE MARU AK-AP
11739 tons
Course 092
Speed 7 kts
Range 3400
AOB 72
Bearing 177
True Bearing 010
Remark
Large AK-AP of HEIAN MARU Class (?) 4 or possilby 5 inch guns mounted atop superstructure.


Torpedo Attack No.4 Torpedo Fire Control Data


Tube #7
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 116567
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 112003
Gyro 344 L
Track 94 P
Course 176
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.


Tube #8
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 113561
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 112393
Gyro 344 L
Track 94 P
Course 176
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Fore mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI --
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Tube #9
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 117560
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 113273
Gyro 344 L
Track 94 P
Course 176
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA Aft mast
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit Yes
POI --
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.


Tube #10
Type MK 18-2
Serial No. 120021
Exploder MK 8
Serial No. 111121
Gyro 344 L
Track 94 P
Course 176
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT, stack.
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit No
POI None
Erratic No
Remark
Torpedo missed. Believe torpedo reached end of run as target turned away or missed due
to target slowing after hits from three other torpedoes.End of run and end of run explosion
audible, heard by sound and crew.


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 58 ft
Course 175
Speed 2 kts
Angle 1-down
Seas Rough, suddenly calmed between last two observations. Seas were choppy but much calmer on firing observation.
Depth under keel 150 ft.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 5 War Patrol FOUR
Date 16 August 1944 Time 1603 Lat.33-31N Long. 135-54E



Description

One AK with four SC and PC type escorts, rounding SHIONO MISAKI approaching KANTORI MISAKI 2500 yards off coast.


Type Attack
Submerged-Periscope-Day

Ships Sunk
None


Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk

AK MOMOYAMA MARU
4037 tons
33-31N 135-31E


Torpedo Attack No.5 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK MOMOYAMA MARU
4037 tons
Course 044
Speed 7 kts
Range 2900 yards
AOB 60 S
Bearing 330
True Bearing 276
Remark
Possible error in true bearing due to typo in log.


Torpedo Attack No.5 Torpedo Fire Control Data


Tube #1
Type MK 23-2
Serial No.105005
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 76877
Gyro 335 L
Track 77 S
Course 281
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Tube #2
Type MK 23-2
Serial No.105225
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 734577
Gyro 335 L
Track 77 S
Course 281
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.

Tube #3
Type MK 23-2
Serial No.105145
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 78877
Gyro 335 L
Track 77 S
Course 281
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.


Tube #4
Type MK 23-2
Serial No.105695
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 68177
Gyro 335 L
Track 77 S
Course 281
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound confirmed hit.


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 61 ft
Course 313
Speed 2 kts
Angle 1-down
Sea Condition Choppy


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 6 War Patrol FOUR
Date 18 August 1944 Time 0023 Lat.32-30N Long. 138-13E



Description

Large convoy , twelve AK, AO with six escorts.
Radar emissions from convoy, multiple.


Type Attack

Night Surface

Ships Sunk
None


Ships Damaged
None



Ships Probably Sunk
AK KENYO MARU 6486 tons
32-20N 138-13E

Verification
Observed two torpedoes impact target forward, followed minutes later by large explosions
and fires.Last seen, vessel had down angle by bow, sinking.

Torpedo Attack No.6 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK KENYO MARU
6486 tons
Course 045-zigging
Speed 6.5 knots
Range 2500 yards
AOB 90
Bearing 0
True Bearing 330
Remark
Possible error in true bearing due to typo in log.


Torpedo Attack No.6 Torpedo Fire Control Data


Tube #3
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No. 105654
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 767670
Gyro 2
Track 85
Course 129
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI Fore Mast-Bow
Erratic No
Remark
---


Tube #4
Type MK 14-3A
Serial No.1055405
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 76989
Gyro 03
Track 84
Course 130
Method Individual Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth ft
Hit Yes
POI Fore Mast-Bow
Erratic No
Remark
Target probably sunk.



Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced
Course 150
Speed 22.5 kts
Angle 0
Sea Condition Calm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



USS Tang SS 306 Torpedo Attack No. 6-A War Patrol FOUR
Date 18 August 1944 Time 0027 Lat.32-30N Long. 138-13E



Description

Attack on CVE in large convoy (immediate follow up to Attack #6)


Type Attack

Night Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk
None


Ships Damaged
None


Ships Probably Sunk
None



Torpedo Attack No.6-A Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
CVE TAIYO Class
17,830 tons
Course 045-zigging
Speed 11 knots-zigging
Range 2800 yards
AOB 88
Bearing 0
True Bearing 081
Remark
Possible errors in data, due to log errors made
under combat conditions.


Torpedo Attack No.6-A Torpedo Fire Control Data


Tube #5
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 089654
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 767670
Gyro 4
Track 80
Course 145
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
Sound and timing confirmed hit.

Tube #6
Type MK 23-2
Serial No. 869614
Exploder MK 6-5
Serial No. 967270
Gyro 4
Track 80
Course 145
Method Single bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Spread 0
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Power High
Depth 10 ft
Hit No
POI ---
Erratic No
Remark
----


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced
Course 165
Speed 22.5 kts
Angle 0
Sea Condition Calm




GUN ACTIONS


A total of three gun actions took place during this patrol.


Rounds Expended

4 inch 50 Caliber 64

40mm 653

20mm 1041






Gun Action No.1

Sunk armed fishing boat (200 tons )
2251 8 August 1944
33-52N 138-01E



Gun Action No.2

Sunk Armed Fishing boat (200 tons)
0342 13 August 1944
34-10N 137-25E



Gun Action No.3

Three armed fishing boats (200 tons each)
sunk.1100 8 August 1944
33-31N 135-53E.



(G) Ship Contacts


No. Date Time Type Lat. Long. Crse Spd Rng How Remark

1. 8/8 2223 Fsh. Bt. 33-52N 138-01E 275 6 6000 yd Visual Armed.Sunk by gunfire.

2. 8/10 1140 AK 34-32N 138-11E 180 7 11000 yd Visual Sunk. Attack #1

3. 8/10 1237 AO 34-32N 138-11E 102 8 11500 yd Visual Sunk. Attack #2

4. 8/10 1350 DD?DE?PC?SC? 34-32N 138-8E ? 15+ 8000 yd Sound Depth Charge Attack #1

5. 8/12 0609 SC,MS 34-10N 136-46E 270 14 21000 yd SJ,Visual Daily Patrol

6. 8/13 0320 Fsh.Bt. 34-10N 137-25E 354 7 7000 yd Visual Armed. Sunk by gunfire.

7. 8/13 2030 SC,SC 34-37N 137-34E 271 14 8000 yd Sound,Visual Mikura Class x 2-patrol.

8. 8/14 0615 AK 34-34N 138-10E 270 5 8000 yd Visual Paddle driven coastal steamer.Armed.Sunk Attack #3

9. 8/14 1400 SC,SC 34-37N 137-53E 092 15 9000 yd Sound, visual Coastal Patrol

10. 8/14 1600 AK,SC, PC 34-37N 137-51E 265 8 14000 yd Sound, Visual Sunk AK. Attack #4

11. 8/16 1310 SC, SC 33-33N 135-58E 046 15 7000 yd Sound, Visual Patrol, possible sweep for AK.

12. 8/16 1530 AK, SC, SC 33-33N 135-59E 046 7 21000 yd Visual, SJ Sunk AK, Attack #5

13. 8/17 1035 Fsh.Bt. x3 33-31N 135-53E 200 6 7000 yd Visual Sunk by gunfire.

14. 8/17 1240 AK,CVE,DD,DE,SC 32-30N 138-13E 045 11 24000 yds SJ, Visual. Attacks #6 and 6-A





(H) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS



No. Date Time Type Lat. Long. Crse Spd Rng Alt How Remark

1. 8/8 1701 NA 33-42N 138-37E NA NA 12NM NA SD only Emitted Radar signals.

2. 8/9 0817 BETTY 34-15N 136-53E 210 140 9000 yd 1000 Visual Via periscope.

3. 8/10 0835 MAVIS 34-34N 138-10E 235 115 8000 yd 1200 Visual Via periscope.

4. 8/10 1237 BETTY 34-42N 138-11E 180 200 2000 yd 500 Visual Via periscope. Bombed by AC.

5. 8/10 1237 BETTY 34-42N 138-11E 180 200 2000 y 500 Visual Via periscope. Bombed by AC.

6. 8/11 1101 BETTY 34-12N 136-36E 300 150 6000 yd 4000 Visual Via periscope.

7. 8/12 1304 MAVIS 33-25N 135-46E 205 110 4500 yd 1500 Visual Via periscope.

8. 8/14 0946 EMILY 34-34N 138-0E 245 120 4000 yd 1400 Visual Via periscope.

9. 8/14 2215 NA 34-35N 137-46E NA NA 12NM NA SD only ----

10. 8/15 0845 NA 33-24N 137-3E NA NA 14 NM NA SD only ----

11. 8/16 1340 BETTY(x2) 33-33N 135-58E 225/035 140 8000 yd 1000 Visual Two AC sweeping area, possibly ahead of traffic.

12. 8/17 0852 NA 32-17N 137-16E NA NA NA NA SD only. Repeated SD contact.





(H) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

All damage or defect repaired at sea unless otherwise noted.


1.No.2 Attack Periscope head. Damaged by machine gun fire from coastal steamer after torpedo attack.

2.Flooding-2 ft water aft engine room.

3.TPort Propeller Shaft

4.No.1 Diesel

5. No. 3 Diesel

6. Aft Batteries

7.Trim Pump

8. Hydraluic Pump

9.Forward Dive Planes Transmission.




(I) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION


Area 5 was heavily patrolled in the coastal shipping routes by ASW vessels, usually in pairs, making daily sweeps.
Twice these patrols were within range to respond to TANG's attacks, locating and attacking TANG.

Air patrols were frequent and combined with surface patrols made operations challenging.

The convoy attacked on 17/18 August was quite large and included a escort carrier, no doubt the source
of the repeated SD contacts through the afternoon of the seventeeth which forced TANG to sumberged repeatedly.


Lead escort (unknown DD or DE) was radar equipped and quickly honed in on TANG during attack on the carrier (Attack #6-A).
The CVE also emitted radar signals, althought it did not seem to detect TANG and is possible it was air search radar.


Submerged evasion was typica for TANG, finding thermal layers, much depth as possible, constant course changes, with adjustments
to dept and speed, and speed bursts when escorts passed overahead and during explosions of DC, when
sound of motors are full power are drowned out by the enemys engines and explosions.

Surface evasion when pursued consisting of overload on engines, bringing TANG to 22.5 knots surface speed
combined with evasive maneuvers, and presenting slim profile/aspect to nearby enemy vessels. Alternating rudder swing of
five to ten degrees port or starboard was used to dodge gunfire, "chasing the splashes" then reversing to confuse
enemy gunners. The low profile of TANG and submarines enable to disappear easily into the dark of
night.


(J) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS


Sound conditions were somewhat mediocre in the patrol area with average detection range at seven thousand yards. However, on
certain occasions faint echoes of distant props were heard at estimated twelve to fifteen thousand yards.

These conditions seemed to affect enemy's ability to maintain solid contact with TANG during submerged evasion.



(K) DENSITY LAYERS


Thermal layers were detected at 155, 211, 290, and 341 feet.



(L) RADIO

Radio communication was overal excellent



(M) RADAR


SJ performance was excellent with typical detection in excess of 22000 yards.

SD Radar was satisfactory, typical detection range twelve miles.



(N) PERSONNEL

Crew performance during this realtively short, but very busy patrol was excellent.
Daily prolonged dives in coastal areas, heavily patrolled by enemy, and heavily traveled
by enemy merchant traffic presented a challenge, but one that was met with four ships sunk
in the area, all within a few thousand yards of shore and just a few feet under the keel.


13 men and one officer qualified in submarines during this patrol.



(O) HEALTH AND HABITATABILITY

Overall, excellent.



(P) MILES STEAMED-FUEL CONSUMED

MILES GALLONS
Midway to Area 2960 34565
In Area 4500 49884
Area to Pearl Harbor 4235 56845



(Q) DURATION

DAYS
Midway to Area 9
In Area 9
Days Submerged 10
Area to Pearl Harbor 16


(R) FACTORS IN DURATION

Torpedoes 0
Fuel 31,500 gallons
Provisions 50 days
Crew Indefinite

Factor in termination of patrol- All torpedoes expended.



(S) REMARKS

None.