[Bubblehead1980]

USS TANG SS-306
WAR PATROL REPORT
WAR PATROL SIX
5 MARCH-15 APRIL 1945


(A) PROLOGUE


Returned from FIFTH War Patrol to Mare Island, California on 16 November 1944 for extended overhaul. On 31 January
1945, CDR R.H. O'Kane, USN was relieved as Commanding Officer by LCDR A.J. Winfield. During the refit period, a additional
5" 25 caliber gun was added astern of the conning tower, and the deck 20mm AA gun was removed. A new coat of the M/S 32
paint was added, along with dry docking to replace port prop shaft, damaged on previous patrol by depth charge attack.
CBM W.R. Leibold, USN, relieved CTM W.F. Ballinger, USN, as Chief of the Boat. LT E.H. Beaumont, USN, detached, with ENS I.G. Ford, USNR,
reporting aboard. Subsequent rotations of crew members occurred through the overhaul period. On 2-3 March twenty four MK 18-2 torpedoes
were loaded. Received orders for transfer of TANG to the command of COMSUBSOWESPAC, conducting a war patrol en route to
Fremantle, Australia. Ready for sea 5 March 1945.



(B) NARRATIVE


5 March

Departed Mare Island, CA at 0930 for Guam, en route to patrol Area B7
in South China Sea/Indochina coast. Conducted trim dive at 1615 and surfaced at 1643.



6-21 March

En route Guam from Mare Island, CA, conducting daily dive, torpedo fire control, emergency,
and gunnery drills.

At 0523 on the morning of the thirteenth, SD made contact (Aircraft Contact#2),
and at 0528 spotted a PBY Catalina patrol aircraft, which flew overhead,
exchanged recognition signals.


At 0900 on the morning of the thirteenth, SD made contact (Aircraft Contact#3) at 11 NM.
At 0906 a PBY was spotted bearing 070 closing. Aircraft did not reply to recognition signals,
and appeared to be preparing for attack. As aircraft made attack run, dive alarm was sounde ordered TANG to dive
emergency depth of 250 ft. As TANG passed 155 feet, a large series of explosions, five or six, occurred above and astern.
Boat was severely shaken, but only minor damage occurred (See MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE).This 'Friendly Fire'
incident was promptly reported to COMBSUBPAC but no reply was received until later in the day (1604)

Just before noon (1154) on the thirteenth , sound reported two contacts. At periscope depth, observed two MAHAN Class destroyers astern,
apparently hunting for the submarine bombed by the aircraft a few hours before. TANG went deep, rigged for silent running
and depth charge. Lost contact at 1924. Surfaced into the night at 2300 hours out of caution.




22-24 March

Docked at Guam at 1400 on the afternoon of the twenty second.
Over next forty eight hours refueled, loaded provisions, and
conducted voyage repairs.


25 March

Departed Guam for patrol area at 1130 hours.



26 March-29 March

En route patrol area. Transited Luzon Straits night of 29/30 March.


30 March

At 0000 hours, officially passed into control of COMSUBSOWESPAC.

Attack#1

SJ Contact (Ship Contact No.5) at 28,962 yards bearing 343 at 1429. TANG closed at high speed to
investigate, unsure if contact was enemy or friendly, as enemy shipping had reportedly ceased to using open ocean travel in area,
instead opting for shallows of China coast. APR-1 detected radar signals at 1431, signal indicated not US , but
possibly Allied.


Smoke spotted at 1441 bearing 065. Convoy confirmed as enemy, large AP with multiple escorts
high speed on course 055 19 knots. Submerged at 1500 to close for attack at high speed, depth 300 ft. At periscope depth, target identified as AP KOTOBUKI MARU, formerly Italian Liner SS CONTE VERDE. Escorts are two MATSU Class DE, with two unknown type DE escorting. Fired tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 at 1523. Ordered depth 400 ft as flank escort returned to position quickly approaching.
to avoid detection and risk alerting target while torpedoes en route. 1526, five out of six torpedo impacts
heard by a massive, prolonged series of secondary explosions. Sounds of vessel breaking up audible, clearly.


Pinging began at 1529. DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK #1 (1530) SBT-1 decoy deployed.
Damage reported at 1538 (see MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE SECTION). TANG at 500 ft depth.
DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK #1 ended 1702. TANG at 550 ft. 1858. Periscope/Radar depth, all clear. Escorts appear to have moved on. Surfaced, set course to search for proof of sinking. Passed through large debris field at 1925, position 19-52N 117-39. Encountered many empty life rafts. Possible few survivors or survivors picked up by escorts. Secured General Quarters and set course for patrol area, conducting repairs.


31 March- 1 April

Entered assigned area B7 (Indochina Coast) just after 0100 on 1 April, set up patrol line within twenty nautical miles of coast. Seas quite heavy, maintained surfaced patrol.


2 April


Attack#2

0100 SJ Contact (Ship Contact No.6) bearing 328. Closed at best speed in heavy seas.
0906 APR-1 detected radar emissions from convoy bearing. At 0240 fired tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 at mid sized AO and large AP
in center column, middle. At 0244 all torpedoes hit both targets as aimed. The AP quickly took a down angle by bow and sunk in minutes.
The AO, likely empty of oil or fuel, caught fire and listed, but did not immediately sink. AS TANG turned
away to avoid incoming escort, she was illuminated by a merchant in outside column and a large volume of three or five inch gun fire and machine gun fire was poured on TANG from various directions. A few machine gun rounds hit aft of conning tower. With heavy seas preventing a quick surface dash and second escort spotted racing in,
pulled the plug and submerged to 165 feet, just off the bottom. At 0950 , DEPTH CHARGE Attack #2 began. Escort (believed the TYPE C last seen
closing when TANG submerged) roared overhead and unleashed a very large pattern. TANG was shaken but undamaged. No further depth charge attacks
came close to TANG, but explosions were heard astern as TANG made for deeper waters. Believe
the heavy sea state assisted TANG in escaping by fouling enemy sound and sonar gear.

At 0340 Secured Silent Running, began torpedo reload of last four bow torpedoes,
and surfaced at 0530, secured general quarters. Moved ahead for end around, which was made difficult by heavy seas. However, not long after dawn, seas subsided.

At 1500, SJ made two contacts (Ship Contact No. 7), then regained contact with convoy at 1505. The two contacts appear to be making a detached sweep about six miles ahead of convoy. Avoided the "sweepers and began closing the convoy.


Attack #3


Submerged at 1530 for attack and called General Quarters-Torpedo.
Went deep to avoid port flank escort forward, slipped under him undetected.
During slow climb back to periscope depth, brought stern tubes to bear.
At periscope depth, began backing to close targets. Fired tubes, 7,8, 10 at 1637. Tube #9 would not fire
due to previously unknown damage. All three torpedoes hit MADRAS MARU 3807 tons, which quickly began to sink.

Escorts homed in on TANG as she began descent to 500 ft, rigged for depth charge and silent running.
DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK #3 began at 1643 . Enemy escort passed above, dropping charges. TANG at 406 ft.
DC Attack ended at 2200. Surfaced at 0300 for end around. Two SJ contacts, likely escorts still in area hunting.
At 0100 3 April submerged to avoid SD contact. Seems a night flier was dispatched to hunt for TANG.


3 April

Attack #4 and #4-A

While approaching for attack around 0400, TANG was detected on enemy radar , three escorts closed at high speed. TANG turned to avoid, outpacing two, but one was catching. Manned all guns
as had just 70 ft below keel and the firepower of two five inch guns and 40mm guns could provide at least a fighting chance if vessel closed the range.
Fired a down the throat(Attack #4) torpedo shot from 3200 yards and at 0418, torpedo hit the
Etorofu Class Escort, decimating it. Escort quickly went under and exploded.
Two other escorts continued pursuit but slowed when reached the wreck site presumably to pick up survivors. Several depth charges were observed exploding in the distance.

Soon as was five miles away, turned back to close the convoy which was some seven miles ahead. TANG
passed the escorts looking for her at 9000 yards and raced up the stern of the convoy as they turned for Hon Lon Island and shelter of the bay there.
TANG raced to get in a attack before the convoy reached its shelter. As approached to pass the stern escort, APR-1 detected radar signals
emitting from the escorts bearing, TANG gave it a wide berth, and moved on, undetected. Now, 4000 yards astern of the convoy, sighted a large AP, zigging like rest of the convoy. Close to just 2100 yards and as the AP (similar to the KYOKUKO MARU 6783 tons sunk in Attack #2) zigged to port, presenting a favorable angle, fired tubes 1,2,.
However, the torpedoes missed, based on sound reports, just ahead, target had slowed. Adjusted speed from 6 knots to 5.5 in TDC, and fired tubes 3,4, the last of TANG's bow torpedoes.
However, the first two torpedoes went on to hit a large AK identified as 6640 ton JOKUJA MARU, setting off a massive explosion, as the maru was apparently loaded
with volatile cargo, likely ammunition. The conflagration consumed a near by unidentified AK and a Etotorfu type subchaser, setting them both on fire. The second AK soon exploded itself and quickly sunk. The subchaser lost way and eventually capsized. Meanwhile, the last two torpedoes hit the KYOKUYO MARU in the stern, setting her on fire and going down by the stern.
TANG was suddenly illuminated by the spotlight of an AK and came under heavy machine gun and 3 inch gun fire
as she turned away. The stern escort, with its radar was now closing fast on TANG. Several machine gun rounds from the AK hit TANG, but no injuries or
damage occurred. TANG sped away, having sunk four ships with just four torpedoes.

Ships Sunk in Attack #4-A

Etorofu Class Escort (Type A) 860 tons
12-35N 109-38E

Ships sunk in Attack #4-A

All vessels listed below sunk at 12-21N 109-39E.

AK JOKJA MARU 6640 tons

AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons

AK Uknown mid sized estimated 4500 tons.

Etorofu Class Subchaser 860 tons.


Convoy reached the shelter of the bay, TANG headed out to sea to deeper waters as dawn approached.
TANG had five torpedoes left astern, with three tubes operational. Remained further to say through the day
of the third, returned to coastal areas as night fell.


4 April


Attack #5


At 0035, SJ made contact at 25,000 yards on a lone ship, southbound with four escorts. As was racing to catch up
for end around, SJ made contact at 0051 on a large northbound convoy of sixteen ships with eight escorts.
Sandwiched between the two separated by about eight nautical miles, and APR-1 detected numerous radar transmissions,
opted to attack the northbound contact first, go after the southbound if possible. Northbound, likely carrying
troops, equipment to home islands for defense given the Okinawa landings, and of course valuable raw materials and was viewed as the priority.

TANG approached down the starboard side at five miles, planning to infiltrate the screen from astern, when suddenly three of escorts broke up and headed for TANG.
TANG had most likely been spotted on radar. These contacts were closing fast, TANG turned to avoid at high speed. The two closest escorts, identified as TYPE C escorts had solid lock and fired star shells, followed by a few rounds. Although radar guided, they were a bit far ahead. Ordered guns manned to stand by for battle surface, in case were needed, then lined up the escort for a down the throat shot, firing tube #10 from 3500 yards. Torpedo missed! Lined up again and fired tube #7. Missed again.
It is believed the torpedoes, set to minimum depth ran deeper than set.

TANG dropped a decoy along her course, and one of the escorts slowed, while other continued to pursue TANG, firing a few rounds, one of which came somewhat close.
Just as TANG was preparing to return fire with five inch and 40 MM aft guns, the escort slowed, and turned back.
TANG made a gentle turn then raced back at high speed, giving escorts wide berth. The pursuer returned to his station at high speed, as did a incoming third, while the second, which slowed, depth charged the decoy.



Attack #6

At 0400, approached convoy backing towards for to fire final two torpedoes from
stern tubes. A SD contact was reported 5 NM away, a night flier closing fast. Ordered a dive
to avoid. The APR-1 suddenly began buzzing, detecting radar emissions from the contact. As TANG passed
85 feet, multiple explosions went off and at TANG's depth, causing some damage,
see MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE section. TANG leveled off at 125 feet, just off the bottom, more explosions above but not close.
Soon warship contacts on sound closing in, rigged boat for silent running and depth charge.

Escorts arrived in area, pinging, but never seemed to have a fix on TANG. Many depth charge explosions were heard, but none close.
TANG came to periscope depth at 0545, then radar depth. Closest SJ contact was 9000 yards, TANG secured and surfaced, avoiding escorts to close in.
With dawn approaching and clear skies, TANG submerged for attack. Initially picked out a mid size AK of about 4000 tons, but then spotted
AO identified as KIKUSUI MARU 3887 tons. At 0633, fired final two torpedoes from tubes 7 and 8 from 2000 yards. At 0635 both torpedoes impacted target, the AO exploded in tanker fashion, with massive fireball and secondary explosions after first hit,
solidified by the second hit. The AO was obviously carrying a northbound load of oil/fuel. KIKUSUI MARU quickly went under at
14-14N 109-23E.


TANG went to 140 ft just off bottom, heading for deeper waters. A escort located her, pinging, closed fast.
DEPTH CHARGE ATTACK # 4 began at 0643. Multiple large patterns were dropped, shaking boat but no damage. Released three decoys
Several other escorts arrived in area, dropping many charges, a few close ones caused damage (See MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE SECTION)
.However, the large amount of disturbances in water, an decoys, combined with finding waters 200 ft deep with thermal layer at 180 feet assisted
TANG in escaping, with last contact with escort at 0904, last depth charge heard at 0830.
TANG remained submerged until 2300 and surfaced. Torpedoes expended, set course for Fremantle, Australia.


5-15 April

En route Fremantle via Balabac Strait, Sulu and Celebes Seas, Makassar Strait.On the night of 10 April transited Lombok Strait southbound.
Arrived Fremantle, Australia at 1400 on 15 April, 1945. Terminated war patrol.


(C) WEATHER


Weather conditions were favorable for majority of patrol, both during the long transit periods
from the continental US to Guam, Guam to patrol area, in patrol area, and to Fremantle. A few errant squalls were
encountered. The heaviest sea state was encountered during Attack #2.



(D) TIDAL INFORMATION

Tides were normal and as previously reported in areas.


(E) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

Lights were spotted on both sides Lombok Strait which aided in navigation.


(F) ATTACK DATA



USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 1 War Patrol SIX
Date 30 March 1945 Time 1530 Lat. 19-52N Long.117-30E


Description

Very large AP with five escorts.

Type Attack

Submerged-Day Periscope

Ships Sunk
AP KOTOBUKI MARU (Former Italian liner SS CONTE VERDE)
18,765 tons
19-52N 117-39E in South China Sea/Luzon Strait. 244 NM SW Takao, Formosa.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.1 Target Data (at firing)

AP KOTOBUKI MARU 18,800 tons
Course 055
Speed 19 kts
Range 2525 yds 7
AOB 75 P
Bearing 019
True Bearing 119
Remark

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#1 MK 18-2 Serial No.115551
#2 MK 18-2 Serial No.114493
#3 MK 18-2 Serial No.116004
#4 MK 18-2 Serial No.118940
#5 MK 18-2 Serial No.119440
#6 MK 18-2 Serial No.112379

Remark
All torpedoes hit as aimed.


Own Ship Data (at firing)
Depth 64 ft
Course 145
Speed 3 kts
Angle 1-down
Seas Calm

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


USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 2 War Patrol SIX
Date 2 April 1945 Time 0240 Lat.14-57N Long.109-18E


Description

Large southbound convoy off Indochina Coast. Fifteen AK/AO/AP, six escorts.

Type Attack

Night surface-torpedo.

Ships Sunk
AO CHIYODA MARU 4700 tons
14-57N 109-18E

AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons
14-57N 109-18E

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.2 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AO CHIYODA MARU 6783 tons
Course 177
Speed 9 kts
Range 3000 yards
AOB 72
Bearing 330
True Bearing 064
Remark
---

Target#2
AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons
Course 177
Speed 9 kts
Range 2400
AOB 84
Bearing 350
True Bearing 084
Remark
---


Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#1 MK 18-2 Serial No.111551
#2 MK 18-2 Serial No.123493
#3 MK 18-2 Serial No.112443
#4 MK 18-2 Serial No.119410
#5 MK 18-2 Serial No.113003
#6 MK 18-2 Serial No.119551

Remark

All torpedoes impacted targets as aimed.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced.
Course 092
Speed 4 kts
Angle 0
Seas Rough, heavy.

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



USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 3 War Patrol SIX
Date 2 April 1945 Time 0240 Lat.13-37N Long.109-30E


Description

Attack on large convoy.


Type Attack

Submerged-Day-Periscope

Ships Sunk

AK MADRAS MARU 3807 tons

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.3 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK MADRAS MARU 3790 tons
Course 156
Speed 8 kts
Range 2500 yards
AOB 83
Bearing 170
True Bearing 287
Remark
---

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#7 MK 18-2 Serial No.103343
#8 MK 18-2 Serial No.109945
#10 MK 18-2 Serial No.104456

Remark

All torpedoes hit as aimed.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 64 ft
Course 111
Speed 2.5 kts
Angle 1-down
Seas light chop, mostly calm.

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


USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 4 War Patrol SIX
Date 3 April 1945 Time 0418 Lat.12-35N Long.109-38E


Description

Escort pursuing TANG after detecting on radar.


Type Attack

Night-Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk

SC Etorofu Cass Escort/Subchaser (Type A)
12-35N 109-38E

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.4 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AK MADRAS MARU 3790 tons
Course 020
Speed 20 kts
Range 3200 yards
AOB 0
Bearing 180
True Bearing 202
Remark
Torpedo hit, target sunk

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#10 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1243971

Remark

All torpedoes hit as aimed.

Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced.
Course 020
Speed 20.5 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm

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


USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 4-A War Patrol SIX
Date 3 April 1945 Time Lat.12-21N Long.109-39E


Description

Attack on large convoy.


Type Attack

Night-Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk

AK JOKUJA MARU 6640 tons

AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons

AK Unknown Maru 4500-5000 tons

SC Unknown Escort, possibly Etorofu Type A Class Escort.
860 tons

All vessels sunk at 21-21N 109-39E.

Unknown MARU and Escort were destroyed in conflagration resulting from
torpedo hits on AP JOKUJA MARU, likely a ammunition ship.

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.4-A Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AP KYOKUTO MARU 6783 tons
Course 145
Speed 8 kts
Range 2000 yards
AOB 0
Bearing 005
True Bearing 198
Remark

Torpedoes #1 and #2 missed, went on to impact
AK JOUJA MARU. Torpedoes #3 and #4 impacted AP KYOKUTO MARU.

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#1 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1113971
#2 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1043971
#3 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1343911
#4 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1300345


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced
Course 194
Speed 8 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm


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


USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 5 War Patrol SIX
Date 4 April 1945 Time 0315 Lat.14-13N Long.109-22


Description

Escort pursuing TANG after detecting on radar.


Type Attack

Night-Surface-Torpedo

Ships Sunk
None

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.5 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
SC Type C Escort
Course 020
Speed 20 kts
Range 3100 yards
AOB 0
Bearing 180
True Bearing 204
Remark
Torpedoes missed, likely ran deep.

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#7 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1233771
#10 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1245772

Remark
Torpedoes missed, possibly ran deeper than set.


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced.
Course 025
Speed 20.5 kts
Angle 0
Seas Calm

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



USS Tang SS-306 Torpedo Attack No. 6 War Patrol SIX
Date 4 April 1945 Time 0633 Lat.14-14N Long.109-23E


Description

Attack on convoy.


Type Attack

Submerged-Night-Periscope

Ships Sunk
AO KIKUSUI MARU 3887 tons
14-14N 109-23E

Ships Damaged
None

Ships Probably Sunk
None

Torpedo Attack No.6 Target Data (at firing)

Target#1
AO KIKUSUI MARU 3887 tons
Course 004
Speed 6 kts
Range 2000 yds
AOB 84
Bearing 175
True Bearing 279
Remark
---

Torpedoes Expended
Tube No.
#7 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1033275
#8 MK 18-2 Serial No. 1145673

Remark
Torpedoes missed, possibly ran deeper than set.


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth Surfaced.
Course 85
Speed 2l5 kts
Angle 1-down
Seas Calm, light chop



(G) SHIP CONTACTS


* Exchanged recognition signals with friendly vessel.

No. DATE TIME LAT. LONG. TYPE BRG RNG(yds) CRS SPD HOW REMARK
1. 3/5 1101 37-48N 122-32W AO,AK,DD 350 10,000 250 9 Vis. Outbound US Convoy*
2. 3/9 0215 32-57N 142-9W AK 002 21,900 090 11 SJ-Vis. SS Alice H. Rice 2738*
3. 3/13 1154 27-33N 165-31W DD, DD 345 9,000 000 16 Sound-Vis. DDx2- MAHAN Class.
4. 3/17 1709 20-5N 171-31E AK, AK 301 25,000 060 10 SJ-Vis. SS Omar Graves/SS Thomas O'Hara*
5. 3/30 1428 19-55N 117-31E AP, DE 300 28,550 055 19 SJ-Vis. Attack #1
6. 4/2 0100 14-52N 109-11E AK,AP,AO 328 27,255 177 9 SJ-Vis SJ-Vis. Attack#2
7. 4/2 1500 13-42N 109-39E SC,SC 005 22,440 177 13 SJ-Vis. Sweepers for convoy.
8. 4/4 0035 13-34N 109-36E NA 330 25,500 190 9 SJ SJ only.
9. 4/4 0051 13-34N 109-36E NA 330 21,250 348 9 SJ-Vis. Attack #5 Attack #6



(H) AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

** Exchanged recognition signals with friendly aircraft.

No. DATE TIME LAT. LONG. TYPE BRG RNG CRS SPD ALT HOW REMARK
1. 3/6 0814 36-20N 128-40W PBY 160 11NM 230 105 500 SD/Vis. PBY Catalina-USN**
2. 3/13 0523 27-47N 164-26W PBY 210 14NM 310 110 300 SD/Vis. PBY Catalina-USN**
3. 3/13 0901 27-37N 165-15W PBY 260 11NM 005 120 1000 SD/Vis. Friendly Fire, attacked TANG.
4. 4/3 0300 13-36N 109-25E NA NA 8NM NA NA NA SD SD only, night flier.
5. 4/4 0400 14N-14N 109-23E NA 5NM NA NA NA SD Bombed by night flier, minor damage.


(I) ANTI-SUBMARINE COUNTERMEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS


Enemy convoys encountered were well protected with numerous escort and all at had at least one,
sometimes more radar equipped escorts. The radar appeared to have effective range on TANG of about 3500-5000 yards.


Day time air patrol contacts in area did not occurr, however two night time, radar equipped aircraft
were encountered. AIRCRAFT CONTACT NO.5 flying low and fast, managed to avoid detection by SD radar
APR-1, and lookouts until very close, resulting in the a late dive by TANG and depth charges/bombs being
dropped close, causing minor damage.


Enemy depth charge attacks were effective, causing damage each time. Depth Charge Attack No.2 knocked stern tube
#9 out of commision for duration of patrol.


Evasion tactics consisting on surface of high speed runs, attacking with "down the throat" torpedo shots,
dropping decoys along course to convince pursuer, if using sonar, TANG had submerged. This tactic worked as one escort was
sunk by torpedo, one stopped to depth charge the decoy, and all others were outpaced by TANG's speed.

Submerged evasion was standard, with high speed runs, constant turn to port or starboard,
dropping of decoys, descending below thermal layers if available, and maximum depth available.


(J) MAJOR DAMAGE AND DEFECTS


No major defects ocurred on this patrol.


Damage


Depth Charge Attack #1

All damage repaired at sea unless noted.


1.Starboard Prop Shaft
2.Port Prop Shaft
3.No.1 Electric Engine
4.No.4 Electric Engine
5.Aft Batteries
6.Stern Dive Planes Transmission
7.Hydraulic Pump
8.High Pressure Air Lines ruptured in Conning tower, Control room.
9.Piping leaks in Conning Tower.



Depth Charge Attack #2

1.Stern Tube #9 disabled, unable to repair at sea.
2.Aft Batteries
3.No.2 Attack periscope
4.Trim pump
5.Minor flooding, forward engine room.
6.Compressor.
7.High pressure air line leaks throughout boat.
8.Piping leaks throughout boat.



Depth Charge Attack#3
1.Minor flooding in conning tower.
2.Ruptured High Pressure Air Lines
3.Forward Batteries
4. Stern Tube #9
5.Stern Tube #10


Attack by aircraft (Air Contact #5)

Close bombs, depth charges went off above.

1.Short Wave Radio Antenna
2.Long Range Radio Antenna
3.SJ Radar Antenna
4.SD Radar Antenna
5.No.1 Periscope
6.No.2 Periscope
7.SJ Radar Cabinet
8.Sonar Stack
9.Torpedo Tube #2
10.Torpedo Tube #5



(K) RADAR

SJ Radar performance was overall excellent through patrol, typically making contact around 22000-25000 yards.


SD Radar was overall satisfactory, although it failed to detect incoming aircraft, resulting
in TANG being bombed.


(L) SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

Sound gear performance was excellent overall. Typical detection range was 10000-12000 yards.


Sound conditions were excellent in area.



(M) THERMAL LAYERS


Thermal layers were detected at 140ft and 200ft.


(N) RADIO

Radio performance was satisfactory.


(O) PERSONNEL

Performance of the crew was excellent on this patrol, especially given the long voyage from Mare Island to
Fremantle, conducting a war patrol en route, enduring heavy action.


During the refit period, there was heavy turnover in personnel, and
intense training was conducted prior to patrol, and during the transit to patrol area.


Two Officers and eighteen men were designated as Qualified in Submarines during this patrol.


(P) HEALTH AND HABITATABILITY

Health and morale of crew remained high through the patrol. Food was excellent and in spite of long journey, the
mostly yachting weather and Spring weather provided for overall comfortable conditions aboard.


(Q) MILES STEAMED-FUEL USED

MILES GALLONS
Mare Island to Guam 5100 88250
Guam to Area 2200 41450
In Area 3100 33600
Area to Fremantle 2990 45600


(R) DURATION
DAYS
Mare Island to Guam 17
Guam to Area 7
In Area 3
Submerged 2
Area to Fremantle 10


(T) FACTORS IN ENDURANCE

Torpedoes 0
Fuel 54550 gallons
Provisions 49 days
Crew Indefinite



(U) REMARKS


A long voyage after overhaul stateside, followed by a brief, but intense, busy time in patrol area.
Enemy ASW has improved since last patrol, most noticeably more presence of radar among escorts.

The effectiveness of the four torpedoes fired in Attack #4-A was impressive.
The sight and sound of the conflagration triggered by the massive explosions was unexpected,
and of course the fact it consumed and ultimately sunk two other vessels left us somewhat in awe.
In multiple war patrols, have not observed such a effective result from just just torpedoes as effectively,
two torpedoes sunk three vessels.