[Bubblehead1980]

U.S.S. TANG (SS 306)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

A18-21
Serial 019 24 September-16 November, 1944

CONFIDENTIAL



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 Fifth War Patrol.

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

1. Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this
vessel conducted in the Formosa Strait during the period
24 September to 16 November 1944, is forwarded herewith.




R. H. O'KANE



(A) PROLOGUE:


Returned from the 4th patrol on 3 September, 1944 and
conducted normal refit at the U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl
Harbor. Four inch deck gun replaced forward with five inch deck gun forward.
SBT-1 decoy launched installed. In order to take part on the coming Formosa raid
and to be in a position inside the Formosa Straits to
intercept Japanese reinforcements for the coming Philippine
Campaign, training and loading were completed four days in
advance of schedule. Loaded 24 Mark 18 Mod 1 torpedoes
already prepared for the U.S.S. TAMBOR who had been delayed.



(B) NARRATIVE

24 September

1300 Departed for Formosa Strait via Midway, proceeding at
full power to this last fueling base

1700 Trim Dive

1745 Surfaced. Continued en route Midway.


25-27 September

En route Midway, conducted dive and torpedo attack drills.


28 September

0715 After battling heavy seas entering channel, docked at Midway.
topped off fuel provisions.

1230 Departed Midway for patrol area in Formosa Straits (11-B)



29 September-7 October

En route patrol area.


8-11 October

At 0600 on the eighth, TANG first encountered typhoon conditions near position
26-2N 142-13E 40 NM S Haha Jima, Bonin Islands. Conditions persisted until
2230 on the eleventh, with residual heavy seas remaining.


12-15 October

En route patrol area. Submerged at 1621 on 14 October to avoid SD contact
(Aircraft Contact No.1). Surfaced at 2310, proceeded up East coast of Formosa transiting
area between Formosa and Sakishima Gunto through the night of 14/15 October.SD contact made (Aircraft Contact No.2)
1034 on 15 October. Surfaced at 1100, only to have another SD contact (Aicraft Contact No.3)
at 11 NM closing the range fast. TANG submerged to avoid and surfaced at 1145, entering area at noon.


16 October

SD contact made at (Aircraft Contact No.4) 1356. Submerged to avoid, surfaced at 2320.


17-18 October


Surfaced at 2300on the seventeenth after day submerged 6000 yards off Formosa coast with no contacts.


Attack #1

At 2316 on the seventtenth SJ made contact (Contact No.1) on lone pip, TANG turned to close at high speed.
Second SJ contact (Contact No.2) mad at 2332. At 0012 on the eighteenth, identified initial contact as long AO. APR-1
detected radar emissions from other, contact. Possible escort attempting to rendezvous with tanker, off on a "sweep" , or
providing a loose escort. Closed target with decks awash to low profile due to excellent visibility.
Fired Tubes 1,2,3,4 at 0031.All four torpedoes hit at 0032, setting tanker on fire, but without the
expected "boom" that accompanies loaded tankers. Believe tanker is empty of fuel. HAKKO MARU type AO sunk
at 0046 25-11N 120-37E.


Secured General Quarters and departed area. SJ contact (Contact No.4) made at 0433,
patrol, avoided contact. SJ contacted (Contact No.5) Taipei Harbor at 30000 yards at
1050 on the eighteenth. Submerged at 1130 West of Taipei for coastal patrol. Spotted a ZEKE
(Aircraft Contact No.5) at 1432 flying along the coast on course 070. Spotted a BETTY
flying along coast at 1559. At 1824 emergency desecent to 115 ft was ordered after OOD observed
an unknown (Aircraft Contact No.6) via No.1 periscope close aboard, appeared to be diving.
No attack came, but stayed "deep" at 120 ft(10 ft off bottom) for a while and turned
course to open range from coast.Surfaced at 2330.



19 October

Established SJ contact with Hsia-Lun Harbor at 0849 ahead of
submerging for patrol in the area. Submerged at 1145 for patrol.
Surfaced at 2315 into heavy seas, set course away from coast of Formosa for patrol off Chinese
coast and in central Formosa Strait.

20 October

Sumberged patrol in Formosa Strait.


21 October

Attack #2


Established SJ contact on convoy at 0608, convoy appeared to be operating along China Coast.
TANG closed at best speed, somewhat hindered by heavy seas. Ahead of convoy, brought stern tubes to bear
with decks awash at 26 ft. Rough seas made control difficult, but managed. APR-1 detected enemy radar
emissions but TANG was not detected. Convoy is one small AO, leading one mid sized AK, with
three SC type escorts, one minelayer escort. At 0714 fired tubes 7,8,9,10. At 0716, two hits (#8, #10)
on the AO. Fires visible, vessel listing. Tanker did not blow, assume empty.
Immediately turned and fired tube#1, which missed. Escort sped up after TANG, turned away at flank speed.
With heavy seas likely cuausing misses and
need to find deeper waters as dawn approaching, ended attack and opened range.
Due to two solid hits, fires, list and damage, with seas swamping her decks,
it is believed that the AO (SAMUI MARU) likely later sunk.



22 October

Attack #3

1050 SJ contacts bearing 037 28500 yards. APR-1 detecting radar signals,
likely northbound convoy. TANG began closing contacts as dawn broke.
Large convoy of ten to twelve ships in a unusual long single column,
five or six escorts.


At 1136, submerged for attack and worked inside escort screen.
Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at 1228. At 1230 all four torpedoes impacted target. AO
exploded in the classic fashion of a tanker, quite a large and devastating
explosion. Vessel quickly began to settle into the water. TANG, which began its turn
to deeper waters went to 100 ft, rigged for silent running
and depth charge, but moving at 7 knots for deeper waters. First pings began at 1236.
Deployed decoys SBT-1. Many depth charge explosions astern, enemies took the bait.

Depth Charge Attack #1 began at 1238. At 1248 Damage reported
from close depth charge explosions. See Major Defects and Damage Section.
TANG at 140 ft. By 1400, enemy lost contact with TANG. Secured General Quarters.
Maintained silent running on course to deeper waters.Reached 190 ft by 1448.
Secured from silent running at 1530.


1729 Sound made contact (Contact No.9) with two SC types on patrol, rigged for silent running
and depth charge, went to 120 ft. Lost contact at 1845.Secured silent running.

2300 Surfaced.


23 October

0301 SJ contact (Contact No. 10) with likely patrol vessels. Avoided.


1000 Submerged for patrol.


2300 Surfaced.


24 October

1030 Submerged for patrol.

Throughout the day sounds of heavy props in distance running the
shallow China coast were heard, but TANG was unable to venture
into such areas until night fall and thus contacted no targets
through the day.

Attack #4

While preparing to surface, sound made contact (Contact No.11) with
fast props at 2200, then heavy slowed, at radar depth made SJ contact on large
southbound convoy.Waited for escort to clear area prior to surfacing Surfaced
to move ahead for attack at 2240 on convoy, rehcharged batteries.Approached
convoy from aft-port.For unknown reasons, convoy commander running convoy
in long strung out column, widely spaced. Radar emissions detected
from escorts. At 0154 fired Tubes 3,4,5,6, all hit at 0157. Large AK erupted
into massive explosion. Likely carrying ammunition. Escort close by, astern
of doomed AK, racing, firing star shells, fired at TANG, turned away at high speed.
AK sunk 25-14N 120-01E at 0157 25 October 1944.


Attack #5

Set up to attack AK trailing AK sunk in Attack #4.
Preparing to attack AK from starboard side, escort was now
closing up his port side at high speed. At 0211, TANG
spotted again or detected on radar(APR-1 detected emissions)
by the now identified MIKURA Class Escort. Soon escaped and doubled back
on the target making 12.5 knots. Lined up and at 0238 fired all four stern tubes. Three
of four torpedoes hit, setting vessel on fire. MIKURA Escort and a DE type
just arriving on scene then began closing TANG, while she was under fire from the AK just attacked.
Cleared area and observed target while last reserve torpedo was loaded into tube three. All stern
torpedoes expended, three left forward in tubes 1,2,3.


Attack #5-A and Gun Action #1

Closed damaged AK now identified as KENYO MARU 6200 tons, which was on fire,
listing to starboard, but underway. Fired tube #1 at 0310, torpedo hit at 0312. Moved away but
stubborn vessel refused to sink. With two torpedoes left and escorts now 6000 yards away hunting opposite side, ordered
all guns manned. Opened fire from 4000 yards with the new 5 inch 25 caliber deck gun, 40 mm and 20 mm guns.
Six 5 inch hits and multiple 20 MM 40 MM finished off the KENYO MARU as she capsized. TANG raced away as
escorts rushed in to the scene and a SD contact arrived in area. TANG detected her radar
emissions on APR-1, but the aircraft did not detect TANG. KENYO MARU sunk at 0324 25-13N 120-05E


Gun Action #2

TANG raced SW and to catch up with rest of convoy to use last two torpedoes.
At 540 spotted a large AP on high speed run, apparently seperated from convoy
as nearest escort was 9000 yards ahead. Closed target and opted for gun action,
to save last two torpedoes for a escorted vessel. Opened from from 4000 yards
flooded down to twenty four feet. Scored numerous 5 inch, 40 and 20 MM hits.
Five inch gun concentrated on waterline while the other guns targeted the deck, bridge
etc. After numerous hits, the AP was on fire, sinking, with many rafts in water.
AP SAKITO MARU 8839 tons by gunfire at 25-55 N 119-46E 0601. TANG departed the scene to close
other contacts.


Attack #6

Evaded pesky radar equipped escort and maneuvered in to a group of three AK's on
high speed run. Firing at large AK identified as DAITOKU MARU 6329 tons. Fired
last two torpedoes from tubes #2 and #3 at 0621. Both torpdoes impacted and at
0641 DAITOKU MARU sunk at 24-53N 119-19E. During the interim TANG was pursued by two radar equipped
escorts and fired upon, as well as spotted, illuminated by searchlight, and fired upon by
a mid sized AK. After a prolonged chase, escort lost contact. TANG set course to clear the coast with all torpedoes expended and
daylight approaching.


Gun Action #3

At 0655 spotted a smaller AK trailing 9000 yards behind two large AK with two escorts.
With plenty of of 5 inch ammo aboard, closed target. Target did not appear to have large guns,
TANG flooded to twenty five feet and opened fire with 5 inch, 40 MM and 20 MM guns, with 5 inch concentrating fire on waterline.
at 0725 the AK identified as KANAGA MARU 3924 tons exploded sunk in minutes at 24-55N 119-20E.


At 0730 TANG was now detecting multiple radar emissions concentrating on her bearing, with pips on SJ scope
closing fast. Cloest contact was 4400 yards. TAMG set off with engines on overload, making 22.5 knots,
easily outpacing two escorts, but one matching or exceeding TANG's speed, closing the range.
Brought stern to face this contact, which closed 5500 yards but could not seem to close distance further.
Several shell splashes fell but were not close, so TANG stayed in surface, in lieu of diving in shallow waters.
TANG dropped two decoys along its course.Last shell splash observed at 0801 as target slowed, dropped three patterns of depth charges,
and then went to SW at high rate of speed. TANG continued on slowing to 18 knots, heading for deeper waters.
Tabulation for the attacks of 25 October are four large AK's sunk and one large AP sunk.



The area of attacks was likely quite busy after dawn with ASW activity but TANG had cleared the area
thanks to the high speed dash. With all torpedoes expended, set course for San Francisco via Midway.


26 October-4 November

En route Mare Island via Midway


5 November

1000-1600 Refueled and reprovisioned at Midway. Departed for Mare Island at
1615.

6-16 November

1030 Docked at Mare Island, CA. Terminated patrol




(C) WEATHER


Typhoon conditions were encountered October 8-11 South of Bonin Islands,
with residual heavy seas for a couple of days after. However, weather in area was generally favorable
as well as the transit from area and to Mare Island.


(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Tides were normal for the area.


(E) SHIP CONTACTS


NO. DATE TIME LAT LONG TYPE BRG RNG CRSE SPD HOW REMARK

1. 10/15 0135 24-23N 122-139E NA 027 26330 yds NA NA SJ SJ only. Radar emissions from contact Likely ASW patrol.Avoided.

2. 10/17 2316 25-10N 120-2E AO 293 26734 yds 040 8 SJ-Visual

3. 10/17 2332 25-9N 120-39E NA 006 30380 yds NA NA SJ SJ only. Radar emissions.

4. 10/18 0443 25-57N 120-28E NA 010 18200yds NA NA SJ SJ only. Likely patrol, avoided.

5. 10/18 1050 25-19N 121-13E NA 275 30000yds NA 0 SJ Taipei Harbor

6. 10/19 0849 23-38N 119-53E NA 277 31500yds NA 0 SJ Hsia-Lun Harbor

7. 10/21 0608 26-7N 120-16N AK AO SC 020 28500 yds 218 8 SJ Attack #2-Convoy.

8. 10/22 1050 27-20N 121-21E AK AO SC 037 28500 yds 026 9 SJ Attack #3-Convoy.

9. 10/22 1729 27-19N 121-25E SC, SC 240 8500yds 225 15 Sound-Visual ASW patrol.

10. 10/23 0301 26-24N 121-19E NA 353 12500yds NA NA SJ SJ only.Likely ASW patrol.

11. 10/24 2200 25=41N 120-27E AK,AO, 185 9000yds 196 12 Sound-SJ-Visual Attacks #4,#5,#6.
DE,DD,SC Gun Actions #1,#2,#3



(F) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS


NO. DATE TIME LAT LONG TYPE BRG RNG CRSE SPD ALT HOW REMARK
1. 10/14 1621 23-250N 122-39E NA NA 16 NM NA NA NA SD SD only.

2. 10/15 1034 25-50N 121-54E NA NA 13NM NA NA NA SD SD only.

3. 10/15 1105 25-52N 121-48E NA NA 12NM NA NA NA SD SD only.

4. 10/16 1356 25-59N 120-53E NA NA 15NM NA NA NA SD SD only.

5. 1018 1432 25-8N 121-6E ZEKE 242 5500yd. 070 175 3000 Visual Periscope No.1

6. 10/18 1559 25-7N 121-3E BETTY 324 3500yd 040 150 2000 Visual Periscope No.1

7. 1018 1824 25-5N 121-0E NA 196 1500yd 220 200 1000? Visual Periscope No 1.

8. 1024 2126 25-41N 120-26E NA 002 5000yd 180 175 1200 Visual Periscope No.1



(G) ATTACK DATA


TORPEDO ATTACKS


USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 1 War Patrol FIVE
Date 18 October 1944 Time 0031 Lat.25-10N Long.120-38E in Formosa Strait.



Description

Lone AO with nearby escort, either attempting to locate for rendezvous, on sweep, or providing detached escort.
Due to lack of large explosion after four torpedo hits, believe target was not loaded with fuel or oil.

Type Attack

Night Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk

AO HAKKO MARU 6046 tons

Verified by

Oberved torpedoes hit and vessel sink.


Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.1 Target Data (at firing)

Mid sized AO est. 6000 tons. Possibly HAKKU MARU 6046 tons.
Course 040
Speed 7 kts
Range 2500 yds
AOB 82 S
Bearing 345
True Bearing 303
Remark
None

Torpedo Attack No.1 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 18-1
Serial No. 899341
Exploder MK MK-8
Serial No. 739375
Gyro 359 R
Track 96 S
Course 316
Method Individual bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 15 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
---



Tube #2
Type MK 18-1
Serial No. 827321
Exploder MK MK-8
Serial No. 714370
Gyro 359 R
Track 96 S
Course 316
Method Individual bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 15 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
---

Tube #3
Type MK 18-1
Serial No. 819343
Exploder MK MK-8
Serial No. 69335
Gyro 359 R
Track 96 S
Course 316
Method Individual bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 15 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
---


Tube #4
Type MK 18-1
Serial No. 819513
Exploder MK MK-8
Serial No. 713702
Gyro 359 R
Track 96 S
Course 316
Method Individual bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 15 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
---


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced-decks awash at 26 ft.
Course 316
Speed 2 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm

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



USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 2 War Patrol
Date 21 October 1944 Time 0713 Lat.26-10N Long.120-4E Formosa Strait, off China Coast.



Description

Mid sized AK with Smaller AO leading, four escorts. One escort equipped with radar.

Type Attack

Night Surface-Torpedo


Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
SAMUI MARU 1458 tons.

Verified by

Two torpedo hits, target on fire , listing hard to port.
Heavy seas and just few hours to dawn prevented further attack, as TANG needed to reach deeper waters.

Torpedo Attack No.2 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK AKAMA MARU
Course 218
Speed 8.5 kts
Range 3400 yards
AOB 51
Bearing 168
True Bearing 330
Remark


Target#2
AO SAMUI MARU
Course 218
Speed 8.5 kts
Range 2900 yards
AOB 81
Bearing 171
True Bearing 340
Remark


Torpedo Attack No.2 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #7
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.110501
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.104993
Gyro 348
Track 98 S
Course 139
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit No
Erratic No
Remark
Fired at Target#1. Heavy seas likely cause of the miss.

Tube #8
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.89921
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.105450
Gyro 348
Track 98 S
Course 139
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit No
Erratic No
Remark
Fired at Target #1 Heavy seas likely caused the miss.

Tube #9
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.863921
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.115450
Gyro 348
Track 98 S
Course 139
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
Target#2


Tube #10
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.83321
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.212450
Gyro 348
Track 98 S
Course 139
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 8 ft
Hit Yes
Erratic No
Remark
Target#2



Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced-decks awash.
Course 130
Speed 3 kts
Angle 0
Seas Rough
Depth under keel 40 ft.

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


USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 2-A War Patrol FIVE
Date 21 October 1944 Time 0720 Lat.26-10N Long.120-4E Formosa Strait, off China Coast.



Description

Follow up attack on AO damaged in Attack #2

Type Attack

Night Surface-Torpedo


Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.2-A Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AO SAMUI MARU 1458 tons
Course 218
Speed 5 kts
Range 1900 yards
AOB 90
Bearing 0
True Bearing 314
Remark
Damaged in Attack No.2


Torpedo Attack No.2-A Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.99423
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.10040
Gyro 348
Track 103 P
Course 300
Method Individual bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 6 ft
Hit No
Erratic No
Remark
Immediate follow up after turning away.
Missed, possibly due to heavy seas.


Depth Surfaced
Course 310
Speed 4 kts
Angle 0
Seas Rough
Depth under keel 40 ft.

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

USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol FIVE
Date 22 October 1944 Time 1228 Lat.27-30N Long.121-15E Formosa Strait, off China Coast.



Description

Attack on large convoy of eleven or twelve ships, five escorts.

Type Attack

Submerged-Day-Periscope


Ships Sunk
AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons
27-30N 121-15E

Verified by

Observed four torpedoes impact vessel. Vessel exploded on second hit in "tanker fashion".
Massive fireball occurred, tanker quickly settled in water and was sinking on last observation.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.3 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AO ICHIYU MARU 5113 tons
Course 026
Speed 9 kts
Range 2160 yds
AOB 75 S
Bearing 346
True Bearing 284
Remark
Loaded tanker, exploded in fireball after second torpedo hit.



Torpedo Attack No.3 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube #1
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.124239
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.11040
Gyro 3 R
Track 92 S
Course 301
Method Constant bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic No
Remark
----



Tube #2
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.134233
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.17020
Gyro 3 R
Track 92 S
Course 301
Method Constant bearings-TDC
POA Stern-Stack
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI Stern-Stack
Erratic No
Remark
----


Tube #3
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.128273
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.11447
Gyro 3 R
Track 92 S
Course 301
Method Constant bearings-TDC
POA Stern-Mast
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI Stern-Mast
Erratic No
Remark
----


Tube #4
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.127123
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.21040
Gyro 3 R
Track 92 S
Course 301
Method Constant bearings-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI Mast-Forward
Erratic No
Remark
----


Depth 59 ft
Course 295
Speed 2.5 kts
Angle 2 down
Seas Choppy
Depth under keel 120 ft.


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


USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 4 War Patrol FIVE
Date 25 October 1944 Time 0154 Lat.25-14N Long.120-01E Formosa Strait, China Coast.



Description
Attack on large convoy in shallow coastal waters.
Fifteen plus AK with eight to ten escorts.


Type Attack

Night surface-torpedo.


Ships Sunk
AK SHOHEI MARU 7256 tons

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.4 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
Large AK 7200 tons. Possibly SHOHEI MARU
Course 225
Speed 12.5
Range 1846 yds
AOB 86 P
Bearing 10
True Bearing 326
Remark
----

Torpedo Attack No.4 Torpedo Fire Control Data

Tube # 3
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.130001
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.150010
Gyro 344 L
Track 114 P
Course 300
Method Constant Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic
Remark
----


Tube # 4
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.130789
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.152710
Gyro 344 L
Track 114 P
Course 300
Method Constant Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic
Remark


Tube # 5
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.141891
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.158712
Gyro 344 L
Track 114 P
Course 300
Method Constant Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic
Remark


Tube # 6
Type MK 18-1
Serial No.135789
Exploder MK 8
Serial No.112710
Gyro 344 L
Track 114 P
Course 300
Method Constant Bearing-TDC
POA MOT
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0
Power Default
Depth 10 ft
Hit Yes
POI MOT
Erratic
Remark

Depth Surfaced
Course 320
Speed 3 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm.



Note: Torpedo and Target Data for Attacks #4-#6 lost. Due to the dynamic, fast paced
nature of the attacks, was not able to take notes in normal manner. Did note critical data
but apparently deleted it, well saved over the doc. I described the attacks in the narrative
along with the three gun actions.



MK 18 performance was excellent overall. Several misses were attributed to depth keeping difficulties
in the heavy seas. In retrospect, it was in error expended extra torpedoes in heavy sea state with shallow draft
vessels


Gunnery Attacks

Three gun actions were executed during this attack, sinking one entirely and contributing to the sinking
of two others.

The performance of the newly mounted 5" 25 Caliber Deck gun was excellent, the ideal submarine deck gun.
40mm and 20mm performance was excellent as well.

Rounds expended:


5" 25 Caliber 81

40mm 572

20mm 1144




(H) MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

There were not major defects on this patrol.

Moderate to serious damage was suffered during Depth Charge Attack #1, most serious of which being
the port propeller shaft, which lingered for the remainder of the patrol, although repaired.

Under normal operating conditions of engines, the damage prevented TANG from exceeding a surfaced speed
of 19.2 knots.With engines on overload, TANG was able for a brief period of time, make 22.5 knots.

All damage listed was repaired at sea, unless otherwise noted.

1. Port Propeller Shaft

2. Stern dive planes transmission-Inoperable after attack.

3. #8 torpedo tube

4. #10 torpedo tube

5. No.1 Diesel

6. No.3 Diesel

7. No.2. Electric Engine

8. No.4 Electric Engine

9.Stern batteries

10. Compressor

11. Trim Pump

12. Hydraulic Pump

13. Compressor

14. High pressure air line leaks.

15. Water piping leaks.



(I) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION

Surface and air patrols were persistent in the patrol area, with most being radar equipped.

Depth Charge Attack #1

Enemy escorts quickly detected TANG and mae a persistent depth charge attack. SBT-1 decoys deployed took the brunt,
with over 200 depth charges counted. However, several close charges caused serious but not critical damage.
TANG was in relatively shallow waters with rough seas above, which helped thwart the enemy counter attack, along with
the decoys.

Enemy convoys encountered were well escorted, with at least one escort being equipped with radar,
and multiple in the large convoy attacked on 25 October.
Enemy convoys were never operating in the deeper waters of the Formosa Strait,
but always near the China Coast, confirming intelligence received
from COMSUBPAC on 12 October in evening FOX traffic.Naturally, this make attacking
convoys difficult and much more risky submerged. Use of night surface attacks is the best option
when possible.


Evasion consisted of TANG's stanrdard evasion practices, combined with the new addition of SBT-1 decoys.
A total of five decoys were deployed during the depth charge attack of 22 October, and proved effective in distracting
some of the convoys escorts.

While under pursuit of a radar equipped DE on the morning of the twenty-fifth, decoys were deployed on the surface along TANG's course.
These may have been detected by the pursuing DE as it slowed, dropped several patterns of charges, circled as if hunting, before
departing at high speed to rejoin the convoy.




(J) NAVIGATIONAL AIDES

While no aides were sighted, the harbors of Taipei and Hsia-Lun served as de facto aides
in navigation



(K) RADIO

Radio function was excellent during this patrol.


(L) RADAR

SJ-1 Radar function was superior on this patrol. Typical detection range was in excess of 25,000 yards.

SD radar performance was normal, detecting aircraft at 12-15 NM on average.


(M) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS


Sound conditions were overall decent, varying with the sea state in area.

Sound gear performance was top notch until after Depth Charge Attack #1, some
decline in performance was noticed in spite of inspection showing no damage.


(N) THERMAL LAYERS

No thermal layers were detected during this patrol, likely due to the shallow
depths of the area.



(O) PERSONNEL

Crew performance following major crew turnover during last refit period was excellent.

Two Officers and eleven qualified during this patrol.


(P) HEALTH AND HABITATABILITY


Morale was overall excellent through the patrol. Perhaps knowing a extended refit period stateside
was forthcoming following the patrol. Typhoon conditions 8-11 October did provide for difficult sea keeping
but TANG quickly rebounded by time reached patrol area.


(R) (M) MILES STEAMED FUEL CONSUMED

Miles Gallons
Pearl to Midway 1350 19455
Midway to Area 4650 56925
In Area 4400 45295
Area to Midway 4670 58421
Midway to Mare Island 3533 40580



(S) DURATION
Days
Pearl Harbor to Midway 3
Midway to Area 16
In Area 8
Area to Midway
Submerged 5
Midway to Mare Island



(T) FACTORS IN ENDURANCE

Torpedoes 0
Fuel 61855 gallons
Provisions 39 days
Personnel Indefinite


(U) REMARKS

Fifth succeesful patrol for TANG sinking seven ships for 36,461 tons. One other AO was damaged and probably sunk later.

The addition of the new five inch gun forward proved an excellent addition and the perfect submarine deck gun.It is hoped during refit TANG can be
fitted out with a second deck 5 inch gun aft for maximum effectiveness.