U.S.S. WAHOO
 

                                               August 29, 1943
                                               C/o Fleet Post Office,
                                               San Francisco, Calif.
From:         The Commanding Officer.
To  :         The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :         (1) The Commander Submarine Division 102.
              (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron TEN.
              (3) The Commander Submarine FORCE, Pacific Fleet.

Subject:      U.S.S. WAHOO, Report of War Patrol number SIX.

Enclosure:    (A) Subject report.
              (B) Track Chart.

  1.   Enclosure (A), covering the SIXTH war patrol of this vessel
conducted in the Japan Sea during the period August 8, 1943 to August 29,
1943, is forwarded herewith.
 

                                          (signature)
                                          D.W. MORTON
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S.S. WAHOO - SIXTH WAR PATROL


  (A)     PROLOGUE TO

       Arrived PEARL HARBOR, May 21, 1943 after FIFTH War Patrol.

       On May 22, 1943 Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, Commander-in-Chief,
       U.S. PACIFIC FLEET, came aboard and made presentations of awards.

       On May 23, 1943 departed for Navy Yard, Mare Island, Cal. and
       commenced overhaul.

       On July 11, 1943, completed overhaul.

       July 11 to 20th, inclusive post-repair trials and training period.

       On July 20, 1943 Captain John B. Griggs, Jr. USN came aboard and
       made presentation of awards.

       On July 21, 1943, departed for PEARL HARBOR.  Furnished services
       for surface and air forces the first day while enroute.

       On July 27, 1943 arrived at PEARL HARBOR.

       On July 29, 1943 Executive officer and Chief-of-the-Boat
       transferred to hospital.  Diagnosis: Appendicitis Acute.  Lieut.
       Comdr., Verne L. Skjonsby USN, reported aboard and assumed duties
       as Executive Officer.

       July 30 to Aug. 1, underway for training purposes.  Fired three
       exercise torpedoes.

  (B)                      NARRATIVE

August 2nd:  Departed for patrol Area via MIDWAY.  Conducted daily drills.

August 6th:  0845Y;  Moored alongside U.S.S. SPERRY at MIDWAY.

             1700Y;  Departed MIDWAY for assigned patrol area.

             Conducted daily drills while enroute to area.

             Crossed International Date Line, skipped Saturday 7th.

August 11th: 2032L;  Increased to three engine speed (60-90).  Had
             originally planned to make passage through YETOROFU STRAITS
             during the night of August 13th, but fair weather and a
             following sea has increased our daily distance run.  This
             additional engine will enable us to pass through YETOROFU
             STRAITS, during the night of August 12th.

             Consider the fuel well expended as it puts us on station a
             day early.

August 12th: 1930K;  Slowed to two engines (80-90).

             2147K;  Radar picked up land.  Weather foggy, could not sight
             land.

             2345K;  In center of YETOROFU STRAITS still conning by radar,
             visibility zero.

August 13th: 0145K;  Entered SEA OF OKEOTSK having completed passage
             through STRAIT without sighting land.

             0200K;  Fog lifted, visibility good.

             0235K;  Radar contact, distance 2,600 yds.  Could not sight
             ship, so considered it small and maneuvered to avoid.

             0410K;  Made trim dive.  Decided to run on the surface during
             the day.  This will allow us to make passage through LA
             PEROUSE STRAIT tonight.  Visibility throughout the day varied
             many times from zero to unlimited.

             1710K;  Dived on 100 fathom curve, 60 miles east of center of
             LA PEROUSE STRAIT.

             1815K;  OOD picked up Man-of-War through periscope, range
             about 10,000 yards.  Went to battle stations and commenced
             approach.  During the early stages of the approach the target
             looked like a destroyer.  But when the range closed to 2,500
             yds it was found to be an OTORI Class Torpedo Boat.  At this
             point we reversed tactics and commenced evading.  Sound
             conditions very poor.  Temperature of the water dropped 25d
             with 40 ft. change in depth.  Final temperature of water was
             7d below freezing.

             Do not know whether contact with OTORI Class Torpedo Boat
             routine or not.  He came within a mile of us stopped and
             searched.  They could have had tracking information on our SD
             radar, which had been used during the day.

             2244K;  Sighted smoke dead ahead.  Maneuvered to avoid.
             While avoiding, ship was plainly in sight, but no longer
             smoked.  She was small enough to be the same or another OTORI
             Class Torpedo Boat.

August 14th: 0133K;  Was challenged by shore station on SOYA MISAKI, range
             7 miles.  Do not believe he sighted us as visibility was hazy
             in that direction.  He could have heard us through
             microphones (doubtful as currents are strong here) or he had
             some form of radar.  Ignored challenge and did not change
             course or speed (did not want him to suspect us nor did we
             want to change the sound level).

             Both navigational lights were burning and they remained
             burning after we had been challenged.

             0205K;  Radar contact dead ahead range 5,500 yds.  Maneuvered
             to avoid.  He must have been small as we never did sight him.

             0422K;  Dived.

             1535K;  Surfaced with REBUN SHIMA bearing 090dT., distance 25
             miles. Believe it wise to make a run on the surface for our
             assigned area which is about 150 miles south.  Will likely
             reward us with a target during the night.  It is a beautiful
             day.

             We arrived in the SEA OF JAPAN in a little over six days with
             70,000 gallons of fuel remaining.  This is most satisfactory.
             Good weather combined with FAIRBANKS-MORSE engines is really
             wonderful.

August 14th: All times ITEK (-9 Zone)

             2217;  Sighted smoke over the horizon to the east.

             Commenced tracking on the surface.  Upon closing found three
             freighters heading south.  Two of them medium sized and one
             small.  Decided to attack the trailing ship.  It could be
             sunk without the next ship ahead (distance between last two
             ships, 6,000 yards), knowing what it was all about, thus we
             could get both ships.

August 15th: 0005;  Dived for a submerged approached.

ATTACK No. 1
 

             0035; Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter course 205d,
             speed 7 knots, torpedo run 950 yds, track 96d starboard,
             torpedo depth setting 10 feet, gyro angle 21d right.

             Miss and no explosion.

             0055;  Surfaced and commenced tracking for another attack.

             0143;  Sighted another ship on a northerly course.  It looked
             like a larger ship and he was heading for us.  Broke off the
             chase on the other freighters and commenced tracking on
             surface on new target.

             0206; Dived for a submerged approach.

ATTACK No. 2
 

             0222;  Fired one torpedo at medium to large freighter course
             030d speed 11.5 knots, torpedo run 1,150 yds., track 80d
             stbd, torpedo depth setting 6 feet, gyro angle 180d.  Hit at
             point of aim, but torpedo was a DUD and did not explode.

             0245;  Surfaced and commenced tracking for another attack.

             0415;  Dived for a submerged approach.  The moon was out, but
             just setting and dawn had not quite arrived so went in on
             sharp track to expedite attack while light enough to see.
 

ATTACK No. 3
 

             0418;  Fired two torpedoes at same target as in attack No. 2.
             Course 025d, speed 11.5 knots, torpedo run 700 yds.,  track
             60d starboard torpedo depth settings 6 feet, gyro angles 345d
             and 343d.  Both missed.

             0423;  One torpedo exploded at end of run.

             In the meantime swung ship and headed directly for target.
             At the completion of swing target presented a good, up-the-
             stern shot.

ATTACK No. 4
 

             0424;  Fired one torpedo at same target course 025d, speed
             11,5 knots, torpedo run 1,600 yds., track 176d, torpedo depth
             setting 6 feet, gyro angle 355 3/4d.  Missed.

             0427;  Torpedo must have broached and exploded before
             reaching end of run.

             This is bad as it is daylight now and we cannot clear the
             scene of action and the target will disclose our presence.
             Damn the torpedoes.

             0930;  Echo-ranging heard over sound.  Soon sighted OTORI
             Class Torpedo Boat.  Commenced evading.  Heard second ship
             echo-ranging, but did not sight it.

             1220;  Lost sight of anti-submarine ships.

             1930;  While making preparations to surface, sound picked up
             echo-ranging.  Soon sighted another OTORI Class torpedo Boat.
             Commenced evading.  Heard second ship echo-ranging but did
             not sight it.

             2044;  Surfaced in a cloudless night and with a full moon.
             Headed on course 315d, which was directly down moon and
             cleared the coast.  No good hunting to-night with visibility
             so good.  Decided to move over on the HOKKAIDO-KOREA shipping
             route and spend the night and tomorrow.

August 16th: 1749;  Commenced closing the coast.  The moon is bright, but
             there are a few clouds.

             2339;  Sighted freighter heading south.  Commenced tracking
             on the surface.  The moon is bright and the target is making
             such radical zigs, that it is difficult to gain proper
             position ahead.

August 17th: 0050;  Another contact.

             0103;  Dived to avoid detection.

             0117;  Surfaced and continued chase.

             0149;  Sighted another ship.  This one is in a better
             position to attack, so shifted targets.  Commenced tracking
             latest target.

             0155;  Dived for a submerged approach.

ATTACK No. 5
 

             0226;  Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter, course
             000d speed 9 knots, torpedo depth setting 4 feet, gyro angle
             359 1/4d.  Miss and no explosion.  The reason for the large
             track was to give the torpedo a longer run.  We had a perfect
             position for 600 yd, 90d port track, but our only hit (dud)
             was at a torpedo run of 1,150 yds., so decided to wait for a
             similar range.

             0244;  Surfaced and cleared the coast.  Our tactics are to
             make night attacks only and clear the coast and rest during
             the day.

             0400;  Dived.

             1141;  Surfaced for fresh air.

             1300;  Dived.

             1938;  Surfaced and commenced closing the coast.

             We plan to shoot low power shots to-night.  Maybe the torpedo
             will have better depth control at low power.

             2142;  Sighted freighter heading north.  Commenced tracking
             on the surface.

             2220;  Dived and commenced submerged approach.

ATTACK No. 6
 

             2224;  Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter course
             000d., speed 8 knots, torpedo run 1,100 yards, track 77d
             starboard, torpedo depth setting 4 feet, gyro angle 001 1/2d
             right.  Miss and no explosion.  This was a TDC controlled low
             power shot.

             2240;  Surfaced.  Decided not to chase this ship heading
             north but wait for a loaded one heading south.  Will fire
             this next torpedo using banjo and zero gyro angle.

             2307;  Sighted freighter heading north.  He looks a bit
             larger than the others and partially loaded.  Commenced
             tracking on the surface.

August 18th: 0005;  Dived and commenced submerged approached.

ATTACK No. 7
 

             0023;  Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter course
             015d, speed 8.5 knots, torpedo run 850 yards, track 90d port,
             depth setting 4 feet, gyro angle 000d.  Miss and no
             explosion.

             Just as we fired a south bound freighter and our target
             passed each other close aboard; still no hit!!!

             0108;  Surfaced and commenced chase after south bound
             freighter.  He is hugging the coast and he is very difficult
             to see with dark coast as a background.  While chasing this
             ship sighted another one well ahead and away from the coast,
             so we shifted targets.  While tracking on surface passed two
             small north bound ships.  One looked like a tug and the other
             a tanker.

             0300;  Dived for submerged approach.

ATTACK No. 8
 

             0311;  Fired one torpedo at medium size freighter loaded and
             on course, 165dT, speed 7 knots torpedo run 1,100 yards,
             track 45d port, torpedo depth setting 6 feet, gyro angle
             225d.  Miss and no explosion.

ATTACK No. 9
 

             0314;  Fired one torpedo at same target course 165dT., speed
             7 knots, torpedo run 1,100 yards track 85d port, torpedo
             depth setting 4 feet, gyro angle 186 1/2 d.  Miss.  Torpedo
             broached at end of 23 second run.

             0317;  Explosion.  Torpedo must have broached and exploded.

             0330;  surfaced and cleared the coast.

             0407;  Dived.

             1515;  Surfaced and headed further away from the coast.

             Reported to ComSubPac poor performance of our torpedoes.

August 19th: Received orders from ComSubPac to return to base.

             0647;  Sighted ship and commenced surface tracking.

             0758;  Dived for submerged approach.

             0848;  When about ready to fire at target, her flag was made
             out to be RUSSIAN.  With-held fire and kept out of sight.

             0928;  Surfaced and continued toward LA PEROUSE STRAIT.

             1707;  Dived about 25 miles off LA PEROUSE STRAIT.  SOYA
             MISAKI could be seen through the haze.

             1958;  Surfaced and commenced run through the gauntlet.

             Again we were challenged, but we ignored them.  They
             definitely could not see us to-night.

             Instead of heading directly for YETOROFU STRAITS, we headed
             southeast for about four hours.  This kept us out of the path
             of patrols.

August 20th: 0857;  Sighted smoke on the horizon.  Upon closing it found
             it to be sam-pan.

             0915;  Fired warning shot across bow of sam-pan.  The Japs
             invariably dive down into their holds when we fire a warning
             shot.  When sam-pan failed to stop opened up on it with 4"
             gun and 20mm guns.  After a half a dozen hits with the 4" gun
             the sampan was a wreck with no sign of life about.  Closed
             sam-pan to board it.  When bow of WAHOO was almost touching
             sam-pan six members of sam-pan crew emerged through the
             wreckage and held up their hands.  Six Jap fishermen taken
             aboard and made prisoners-of-war.  Established an armed guard
             over them.  Gave prisoners clean, dry clothes, baths and a
             round of brandy.  Pharmacist Mate examined all prisoners and
             found only one with a slight shrapnel wound on his knee.
             None of then can speak English.  However, through sign
             language we were able to learn that five members of their
             crew had been lost during the engagement.  They said that
             they had come from a port just north of TOKYO and had taken
             passage through TSUGARU STRAITS and LA PEROUSE STRAITS and
             they were enroute to ONEKOTAN or thereabouts.

             Prisoners seemed to be grateful for being picked up.

             1639;  Sighted smoke on horizon.  Commenced tracking on the
             surface.

             1649;  Dived in order to close and take a look at short
             range.

             1736;  Battle surface on another sam-pan.  Fired warning shot
             across his bow.  Again they all dived for the holds.

             Opened up with 4" gun and 20mm guns.  Soon had the sam-pan in
             roaring flames.  Various members of the crew would jump over-
             board, hide behind their boat and then climb aboard again.
             None of them ever showed any desire of being rescued.

             1759;  While finishing up with present sam-pan, lookout
             reported smoke on the horizon.

             Commenced surface tracking.

             1814;  Dived for closing and to get a look at short range.

             1901;  Battle surfaced and fired warning shot across sam-pans
             bow.  Again they dived below.

             Opened up on sampan with 4" gun and 20mm guns.  After four
             shots and four hits sam-pan commenced sinking rapidly.

             Went alongside to pick up any willing survivors.  A small
             row-boat was floating.  One Jap climbed in the row boat and
             several others in the water gave no signs of wanting to be
             picked up.

             These latter two sampans were  headed for YETOROFU ISLAND.

             1948;  Set course for YETOROFU STRAITS.

             2200;  Completed passage of YETOROFU STRAITS without sighting
             land using radar entirely.

August 25th: Arrived in MIDWAY at 1107.

             Unloaded ten (10) torpedoes.

             1725Y;  Underway for PEARL.

August 29th: 1035;  Arrived in PEARL HARBOR.

  (C)     WEATHER

          Good weather was encountered during the entire trip.

  (D)     TIDAL  INFORMATION

          Currents encountered were as given in sailing directions.  Except
          that the northerly current in the JAPAN SEA was stronger than
          expected, (about 1.8 knots).

  (E)     NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

          SOYA MISAKI, NOSHAPPU MISAKI, and KANOI MISAKI lights were
          observed, showing approximately characteristics given in light
          lists, but reduced in intensity.

  (F)     ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED

   No. :TIME   :  LAT.   : TYPE(S)   :INITIAL    : EST.     : HOW       :REMARKS
       :DATE   :  LONG.  :           : RANGE     : COURSE   : CONTACTED :
       :       :         :           :           : SPEED    :           :
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1635Z :  45-50N :   ----    :           :   ---    : RADAR     :
    1. : Aug 12: 148-50E :   ----    :  2,800 yds:   ---    : SURFACE   :EVADED
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 0815Z :  45-48N : OTORI     :           :          : PERISCOPE : ECHO-
    2. : Aug13 : 143-42E : CLASS DD  : 13,500 yds: VARIOUS  : SUBMERGED :RANGING
       :       :         :           :           :          :           :EVADED
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1244Z :  45-43N :           :           :          : BINOCULAR :
    3. : Aug13 : 142-58E :   ---     :  6,000 yds:    ---   : SURFACE   :EVADED
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1650Z :  45-39N :           :           :          : RADAR     :
    4. : Aug13 : 141-40E :   ---     :  5,500 yds:    ---   : SURFACE   :EVADED
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1200Z :  43-12N : 4,000T AK : 20,000 yds:  205D    : BINOCULAR :
    5. : Aug14 : 140-00E : 3,200T AK : 20,000 yds:  7 KNOTS : SURFACE   :ATTACK
       :       :         : 2,000T AK : 20,000 yds:          :           : No. 1
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1600Z :  43-07N : 6,600T AK :           :   025D   : BINOCULAR :ATTACKS
    6. : Aug14 : 139-55E :           : 16,500    : 11.5 KTS : SURFACE   :2,3,4
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 2345Z :  43-12N : 2 OTORI   :           :          : SOUND     :ECHO
       : Aug14-: 139-43E : Class DD'S: 12,000 yds:   ---    : SUBMERGED :RANGING
    7. : Aug15 :         :           :           :          :           :EVADED
       : 0200Z :         :           :           :          :           :
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1000Z :  43-10N : 1 OTORI   :           :          : SOUND     :ECHO-
    8. : Aug15 : 139-35E : Class DD  : 10,000 yds:   ---    : SUBMERGED :RANGING
       :       :         : 1 UNKNOWN :    ???    :          :           :EVADED
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1500Z :  42-45N : 4,000T AK : 10,000 yds: 180 7kts.: BINOCULAR :ATTACK
    9. :-1800Z : 139-50E : 3,500T AK :  8,000 yds: 180 7kts : SURFACE   :No. 5
       : Aug16 :         : 1,500T AK :  8,000 YDS: 000 9kts :           :
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1230Z :  42-16N : 3,500T AK : 10,000 yds: 000      : BINOCULAR :ATTACK
   10. : Aug17 : 139-39E :           :           : 8 knots  : SURFACE   :No. 6
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1430Z :  42-17N : 3,000T AK :  1,100 yds: 015      : BINOCULAR :ATTACK
   11. : Aug17 : 139-43E :           :           : 8.5 knts : SURFACE   :No. 7
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1650Z :  41-58N : 4,000T AK : 10,000 yds: 165      : BINOCULAR :ATTACKS
   12. : Aug17 : 139-53E :           :           : 7 knots  : SURFACE   :#8 #9
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 1715Z :  42-05N : 1,200T AK : 10,000 yds: 335      : BINOCULAR :SIGHTED
   13. : Aug17 : 139-42E :   800T AT :           : 6 knots  : SURFACE   :PRIOR
       :       :         :           :           :          :           :#8 #9
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 2147Z :  44-43N : 3,200T KA : 14,000 yds: 255      : PERISCOPE :
   14. : Aug18 : 138-55E :           :           : 6 knots  : SURFACE   :RUSSIAN
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 2257Z :  45-35N : 36 Ton    :  9,000 yds: 235      : PERISCOPE :SUNK BY
   15. : Aug19 : 146-50E : Sam-pan   :           : 6 knots  : SURFACE   :GUNFIRE
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 0639Z :  45-50N : 30 Ton    : 13,000 yds: 240      : PERISCOPE :SUNK BY
   16. : Aug20 : 148-22E : Sam-pan   :           : 6 knots  : SURFACE   :GUNFIRE
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       : 0752Z :  45-47N : 35 Ton    : 12,000 yds: 210      : BINOCULAR :SUNK BY
   17. : Aug20 : 148-42E : Sam-pan   :           : 7 knots  : SURFACE   :GUNFIRE

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

     (G)     AIRCRAFT CONTACTS

               None.

     (H)     ATTACK DATA
(TORPEDO                           ATTACK FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO      TORPEDO ATTACK No.      1       PATROL No.     6
   TIME   GCT 1535   DATE  Aug. 14, 1943   LAT   43-12 N    LONG  140-00 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Description:     3,000 Ton AK - last ship in rough column of three.  No escort.
                    Visual contact.  Full moon over-cast surface visibility good.
                    Estimated range at time of contact 10 miles.

   Ship(s) Sunk:    None.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:   None.

   Damaged Determined by:          ---

   Target Draft  15   Course  205  Speed   7   Range    950     (at firing)

                                  OWN SHIP DATA

   Speed  4.5 K Course   100    Depth  64 FT    Angle  009 1/2  (at firing)

                          FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

   Type Attack:     Night, Radar, Periscope.  Tracked for period of one hour with
                    radar and TBT bearings then dived for periscope attack.
                    Problem checked precisely on TDC. Fired single torpedo.  Miss.
 

                              (TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO      TORPEDO ATTACK No.      2       PATROL No.     6
   TIME   GCT 1722   DATE  Aug. 14, 1943   LAT   43-07 N    LONG  139-55 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Description:     6,000 Ton AK, steaming alone.  Visual contact, full moon,
                    overcast sky surface visibility good.

   Ship(s) Sunk:    None.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:   None.

                                 (TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO      TORPEDO ATTACK No.      3       PATROL No.     6
   TIME   GCT 1918   DATE  Aug. 14, 1943   LAT   43-15 N    LONG  140-03 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Description:     6,000 Ton AK, same target as attack #2.

   Ship(s) Sunk:    None.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:   None.

   Damaged Determined by:          ---

   Target Draft  14   Course  025  Speed  11.5 Range    800     (at firing)

                                  OWN SHIP DATA

   Speed  3 k   Course   269    Depth  64 FT    Angle  345t 343 (at firing)

                          FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

   Type Attack:     Night, Radar, Periscope.  Tracked target for another hour and
                    a half after previous attack while gaining position ahead.
                    Target data checked with that for initial attack.  After
                    diving fired spread of two torpedoes using as points of aim
                    points 1/4 length from bow and stern.  Both missed.

                              (TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO      TORPEDO ATTACK No.      4       PATROL No.     6
   TIME   GCT 1924   DATE  Aug. 14, 1943   LAT   43-15 N    LONG  140-03 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Description:     6,000 Ton AK, same target as #2 attack.

   Ship(s) Sunk:    None.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:   None.

   Damaged Determined by:          ---

   Target Draft  14   Course  0025 Speed  11.5 Range   1200     (at firing)

                                  OWN SHIP DATA

   Speed  3 k   Course   025    Depth  64 FT    Angle   355     (at firing)

                          FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

   Type Attack:     Night, Radar, Periscope.  Swung ship after unsuccessful second
                    attack on this target and as favorable 180d track presented
                    fired single torpedo.  Miss.

                              (TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO      TORPEDO ATTACK No.      5       PATROL No.     6
   TIME   GCT 1726   DATE  Aug. 16, 1943   LAT   42-45 N    LONG  139-50 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Description:     4,000 Ton AK steaming alone.  Visual contact full moon,
                    scattered clouds.  Surface visibility good.

   Ship(s) Sunk:    None.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:   None.

   Damaged Determined by:          ---

   Target Draft  10   Course  359  Speed   9   Range   1100     (at firing)

                                  OWN SHIP DATA

   Speed   3 k  Course   032    Depth  63 FT    Angle  007 1/4  (at firing)

                          FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

   Type Attack:     Night, Radar, Periscope.  Tracked target with radar and TBT
                    bearings for 45 minutes prior to diving for submerged
                    periscope approach.  Purposely allowed range to open as only
                    previous success on this patrol had been with 1,100 yard run.
                    Fired single shot.  Miss.
 

                              (TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO      TORPEDO ATTACK No.      6       PATROL No.     6
   TIME   GCT 1324   DATE  Aug. 17, 1943   LAT   42-16 N    LONG  139-39 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Description:     3,500 Ton AK steaming alone.  Visual contact, full moon, heavy
                    clouds surface visibility good.

   Ship(s) Sunk:    None.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:   None.

   Damaged Determined by:          ---

   Target Draft  10   Course  000  Speed   8   Range   1200     (at firing)

                                  OWN SHIP DATA

   Speed  3.5 K Course   256.5  Depth  61 FT    Angle  257.5    (at firing)

                          FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

   Type Attack:     Night, Radar, Periscope.  Tracked target for half-hour on
                    surface, using TBT bearings radar ranges.  Dived, continued to
                    track by radar until commencing periscope attack.  Fired
                    single shot.  Miss.  Used low speed in hope of obtaining
                    better depth control.
 

                              (TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO      TORPEDO ATTACK No.      7       PATROL No.     6
   TIME   GCT 1523   DATE  Aug. 17, 1943   LAT   42-17 N    LONG  139-43 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Description:     3,000 Ton AK steaming alone.  Full moon, heavy clouds, surface
                    visibility good.  Visual contact.

   Ship(s) Sunk:    None.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:   None.

   Damaged Determined by:          ---

   Target Draft  10   Course  015  Speed  8.5  Range    850     (at firing)

                                  OWN SHIP DATA

   Speed   3    Course   102.5  Depth  63 FT    Angle   016     (at firing)

                          FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

   Type Attack:     Night, Radar, Periscope.  Tracked target for an hour using
                    radar ranges and TBT bearings.  Set up checked closely on TDC.
                    Set up and fired low speed shot employing angle from MK VIII
                    angle solver.  TDC checked exactly with angle solver.  Fired
                    single shot.  Miss.

                              (TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO      TORPEDO ATTACK No.      8       PATROL No.     6
   TIME   GCT 1811   DATE  Aug. 17, 1943   LAT   41-58 N    LONG  139-43 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Description:     4,000 Ton AK steaming alone.  Moonlight, high clouds.
                    Visibility good.  Visual contact.

   Ship(s) Sunk:    None.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:   None.

   Damaged Determined by:          ---

   Target Draft  15   Course  165  Speed   7   Range   1250     (at firing)

                                  OWN SHIP DATA

   Speed  3.5 K Course   075    Depth  55 FT    Angle  223.25   (at firing)

                          FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

   Type Attack:     Night, Radar, Periscope.  Tracked with radar and TBT, dived
                    for periscope TDC attack.  High speed settings.  Missed sixth
                    single shot.

                              (TORPEDO ATTACK FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO      TORPEDO ATTACK No.      9       PATROL No.     6
   TIME   GCT 1814   DATE  Aug. 17, 1943   LAT   41-48 N    LONG  139-53 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Description:     4,000 Ton AK.  Same target as attack #8.

   Ship(s) Sunk:    None.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:   None.

   Damaged Determined by:          ---

   Target Draft  15   Course  165  Speed   7   Range   1200     (at firing)

                                  OWN SHIP DATA

   Speed  3.5 K Course   076    Depth  55 FT    Angle  193.5    (at firing)

                          FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA

   Type Attack:     Night, Radar, Periscope.  Target data same as attack No. 8.
                    Torpedo broached after 23 second run.
Tubes Fired #  3  #  7  #  2  #  3  #  4  #  1  #  1  #  4  #  8  #  9
            ____________________________________________________________
Track Angle : 96S : 80S : 60S : 60S :176S :150P : 77S : 90P : 45P : 85P
            ____________________________________________________________
Gyro Angle  : 21R :  0  : 5.5L:4.25L:4.25L: .75L: 1.5R:  0  : 45R :6.75R
            ____________________________________________________________
Depth Set   : 10  :  6  :  6  :  6  :  6  :  4  :  4  :  4  :  6  :  4
            ____________________________________________________________
Power       : HP  :  HP :  HP :  HP :  HP :  HP :  LP :  HP :  HP :  HP
            ____________________________________________________________
Hit/Miss    :Miss : Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss
            ____________________________________________________________
Erratic     : No  :  No :  No :  No :  No :  No :  No :  No :  No :  No
            ____________________________________________________________
Mk. Torpedo : XIV :  3A : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - -
            ____________________________________________________________
Serial No.  :22791:23255:24390:22769:22798:24506:22764:24505:32612:23026
            ____________________________________________________________
Mk. Exploder: VI  : -1  : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - -
            ____________________________________________________________
Serial No.  :6327 : 6372: 6357: 6401:17463: 6622: 6453: 7687: 6456: 5418
            ____________________________________________________________
Act. Set    :CONTACT- - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - -
            ____________________________________________________________
Act. Act.   :NONE : DUD :NONE :NONE :NONE :NONE :NONE :NONE :NONE :NONE
            ____________________________________________________________
Mk. Warhead : XVI : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - -
            ____________________________________________________________
Ser. No.    :9674 :1475 :1438 :1081 :9572 :9641 :1600 :2619 :1461 :2329
            ____________________________________________________________
Explosive   : TPX : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - - : - -
            ____________________________________________________________
Fir. Intervl:SINGL:SINGL:   11 SEC  :SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL
            ____________________________________________________________
Type Spread :SINGL:SINGL:LONGITUDINL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL:SINGL
            ____________________________________________________________
Sea Cond.   :  1  :  1  :  1  :  1  :  1  :  1  :  1  :  0  :  0  :  0
            ____________________________________________________________
Overhaul    :
Activity    :---------------SUBBASE PEARL HARBOR------------------------
            ____________________________________________________________
REMARKS     :     :     :     :     :     :     :     : Miss:     : Miss
            : Miss: Dud : Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss: Miss:MkVIII:Miss:Broa-
            :     :     :     :     :     :     :     :Angle:     :ched
            :     :     :     :     :     :     :     :Solver:    :23 secs.
            ____________________________________________________________
                             (GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO          GUN ATTACK No.      1       PATROL No.     6
   TIME  2257(Zed)   DATE  Aug. 19, 1943   LAT   45-35 N    LONG  146-50 E

T                        ARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Ship(s) Sunk:       One enemy fishing vessel approximately 36 tons.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:      None.

   Damaged Determined by:          Observation by ships company.

                        DETAILS OF ACTION (ALL TIMES ZED)

      2257;  Sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 110dT, 22d R.  Changed course
      and speed to close.  Target turned out to be an enemy fishing vessel.
      2315;  Fired warning shot across enemy's bow.
      2326;  Commenced firing 4"/50 and 20mm machine guns.
      2328;  Ceased firing, target sinking.  At this time six (6) survivors
      came topside. Decided to take prisoners of war.
      A max firing range of 100 yards was used.  4"/50 high velocity ammunition
      with Mk 30-1 point detonation fuse was used.  The "superquick" feature
      was employed on all nine (9) rounds fired.  All hits proved this
      ammunition quite effective on this type of target.  Hits at the waterline
      caused quick sinking of the enemy.  Approximately 120 rounds of 20mm
      ammunition, with a ratio of one(1) HET to two(2)HEI was used in this
      attack.  This machine gun fire started no fires on this target.
                             (GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO          GUN ATTACK No.      2        PATROL No.     6
   TIME  0639(Zed)   DATE  Aug. 20, 1943   LAT   45-50 N    LONG  148-22 E

                        TARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

   Ship(s) Sunk:       One enemy fishing vessel approximately 25 tons.

   Ship(s) Damaged or
   Probably Sunk:      None.

   Damaged Determined by:          Observation by ships company.

                        DETAILS OF ACTION (ALL TIMES ZED)

      0639;  Sighted smoke bearing 033dT, 317d R.  Changed course and speed to
      close target.
      0649;  Dived for close observation.  Identified as enemy fishing vessel.
      0736;  Battle surfaced manning all guns.
      0746;  Commenced firing, still pursuing enemy.
      0751;  Observed target burning well, ceased firing.  Sam-pan still not in
      sinking condition so a few more rounds of 4"/50 were placed at her
      waterline at close range.
      0758;  Target sinking fast.  No survivors were taken.
      Fifteen (15) rounds of 4"/50 high-capacity, point-detonating ammunition
      with the Mk 30-1 "superquick" feature operative were used.  All hits had
      a devastating effect on the upper-works of the sam-pan and the hits at
      the water-line caused rapid sinking.
      170 rounds of 20mm ammunition loaded one(1)HET to two(2)HEI were also
      used to good effect.  They definitely started a good blaze that was
      stopped when the sam-pan sunk.
      Mean range of firing was 1,000 yards.
      *0745  Fired warning burst across bow.
                             (GUN ATTACK REPORT FORM)

   U.S.S    WAHOO          GUN ATTACK No.      3        PATROL No.     6
   TIME  0759(Zed)   DATE  Aug. 20, 1943   LAT   45-47 N    LONG  148-42 E

T                        ARGET DATA --- DAMAGE INFLICTED

Ship(s) Sunk:        One enemy fishing vessel approximately 35 tons.

Ship(s) Damaged or
Probably Sunk:       None.

Damaged Determined by:           Observation by ships company.

D                       ETAILS OF ACTION (ALL TIMES ZED)

      0759;  Sighted ship bearing 180dR., shortly after sinking the fishing
      vessel described in attack #2.
      0814;  Dived and tried to close target.
      0901;  Battle surfaced manning all guns and pursued target at full power.
      0917:  Fired warning shot across bow.
      0919;  Commenced firing.
      0930;  Ceased firing - Sam-pan sinking rapidly.  By the time this ship
      got to the wreckage the target had sunk.  Attempted picking up survivors,
      no success.
      Four (4) rounds of 4"/50 High-capacity, point detonating ammunition with
      the Mk 30-1 "superquick" feature operative were used.  Four direct hits,
      several of which were at the waterline, undoubtedly accounted for the
      rapid sinking of this vessel.  Attacks show this ammunition quite
      satisfactory at least on this type of target.
      Fifty(50) rounds of 20mm ammunition loaded one(1)HET to two(2)HEI was
      fired, but due to the short time those guns were able to fire at
      effectively, no conclusive observations could be made concerning their
      effect in this attack
      The mean range of firing was 1,500 yards.
     (I)     MINES

             None encountered.

     (J)     ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES AND EVASION TACTICS

             Several OTORI Class torpedo Boats conducted a search with their
             echo-ranging sound gear.  17kcs was normally used, but one patrol
             boat used 19kcs.  They dropped no depthcharges.

     (K)     MAJOR DEFECTS AND DAMAGE

             The port propeller shaft has a squeal in it at high speed at deep
             depth.  It has a heavy vibration at minimum speed at deep depth.
             When backing down on the surface it vibrates very badly.  At the
             first available opportunity this shaft should be put in proper
             working order.  Its present condition could be a hazard to the ship
             during evasive tactics.

     (L)     RADIO

             Radio reception was in general very good in spite of the fact that
             we were entirely surrounded by land while on station.  450kcs and
             4115 series were guarded continually and 4235 series at night.
             Nothing was received on either 450 kcs. or 4235 kcs.  NPM was
             copied at periscope depth on the NL loop as far as 2,000 miles from
             base, under good conditions.  Little jamming was encountered.  The
             only transmission made on station was made with no difficulty, NPM
             answering immediately.  Signal strength was five, frequency 8,470
             kcs.  On the second transmission enroute to the base, considerable
             difficulty was encountered in trying to raise NPM.  The message was
             finally cleared through NPM and NPG.

             Last serial received               250843  ComSubPac
             Last serial sent                   221330  WAHOO

     (M)     RADAR

             S.J. Radar performance was very erratic with maximum ranges on land
             ranging from 13,800 yds to 28,000 yds.  The minimum ranges were
             obtained under conditions of heavy fog.  Overall performance could
             be considered fair as maximum ranges on targets appeared shorter
             than on past performance.  No lost time.

             The S.D. Radar proved useful for navigation and though it was
             inoperative at one crucial time, the set was very reliable
             throughout the rest of the trip with land ranges up to 41 miles.
             Total lost time four hours.

     (N)     SOUND GEAR AND SOUND CONDITIONS

             Sound conditions enroute to and on station can be described in one
             word, terrible.  At times the temperature of the water dropped as
             much as 10 degrees in ten feet at periscope depth.  Temperature on
             one occasion dropped from 58d to 25d from periscope depth to 300
             feet.  The average temperature differential on station was 23d.
             Two to three density layers were encountered every time we went
             deep.  The bathythermograph was a great help.  During approaches,
             target screws were heard p to 3,000 yards.  The QC sound head was
             used to "ping" a range, just prior to firing, but sound conditions
             were so poor that no reliable results were obtained.

     (O)     HEALTH AND HABITABILITY

             Health of the crew was good.  a few members of the crew had minor
             head colds, which were treated with nose sprays, aspirin, and
             A.P.C. capsules.  One case of constipation required bed and rest.
             One case admitted with diagnosis #2715, tooth unerupted, right
             inferior third molar.  Treated with incision of the gingiva and
             drained, this was followed with iodoform gauze packing, and sodium
             perborate mouth-wash every three hours.  The third day,
             sulfathiazole powder was applied with a powder blower, followed by
             iodoform gauze packing.  Total sick days; five.  One case suffered
             from Caries teeth, left superior, second bicuspid, temporary
             filling was made from Zinc Oxide powder and Eugenol.  When applied
             this relieved all pain.  The Commanding Officer suffered slight
             rheumatic pains two or three times during the patrol, not severe
             enough to cause him to turn in.  The pains were efficiently treated
             with aspirin grs. 10 and Codeine grs. 1/2.  Two doses usually
             relieved the pain.  About six days out from the base, inspection
             revealed sixteen men infested with Pediculi Pubis.  Due to the
             small amount of Mercurial Ointment on board, these men were sponged
             with Diesel fuel oil, followed in one hour with a shower.  Another
             inspection, three days later showed four men still infested.  They
             were instructed to shave and repeat the fuel oil bath.  Final
             inspection, two days later showed the crew to be completely free of
             the vermin.
             Six prisoners of war captured from a small trawler, were
             accommodated on mats on the deck of the after torpedo room.  One
             prisoner had a small shrapnel wound in the right knee, wound was
             cleansed and debribed, sulfathiazole powder, one suture, and
             dressing applied, no complication or infection have appeared.
             All the prisoners appeared to be comfortable and extremely pleased
             with their surroundings.  They have been helping with routine
             cleaning of the ship, and doing their own mess cooking.
             About half of the crew have been taking the multiple vitamin
             capsules provided.

     (P)     MILES STEAMED - FUEL USED

             PEARL HARBOR to MIDWAY             1,219
             MIDWAY to AREA                     2,117
             IN AREA          Surface             808
                              Submerged           236
             AREA to PEARL                      3,430

     (Q)     FUEL OIL EXPENDED

             MIDWAY to AREA                     23,890 gals.
             IN AREA                             5,062 gals.
             FROM AREA TO MIDWAY                31,781 gals.
     (R)     FACTORS OF ENDURANCE REMAINING

             Torpedoes                          14
             Fuel                               31,267 gals.
             Provisions                         40 days.
             Personnel Factors                  40 days.

     (S)     REMARKS

             It is recommended that all influence torpedoes be provided all
             submarines going on patrol, and permit the individual submarines to
             inactivate the influence feature as necessary and as desired.

             This will give the various submarines more flexibility in torpedo
             firing.
FB5-42/A16-3          SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY TWO

Serial   025                        In Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                    San Francisco, California,
                                    4 September 1943.

CONFIDENTIAL

From:        The Commander Submarine Division FORTY TWO.
To  :        The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
Via :        The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.

Subject:     U.S.S. WAHOO  - Report of Sixth War Patrol - Comments on.

    1.  The WAHOO spent a total of twenty-eight days on this patrol.  Of
this time only seven days were actually spent in the assigned area.  The patrol
was terminated early after the expenditure of ten torpedoes on six targets
without having inflicted any apparent damage on the enemy.

    2.  This is the fourth patrol of the present Commanding Officer and the
first patrol subsequent to a Navy Yard overhaul.  The first three patrols of
this Commanding Officer were outstanding and highly successful and resulted in
the sinking and damaging of considerable tonnage.

    3.  Nine separate torpedo attacks were made on six different targets.
With the exception of the third attack in which a spread of two torpedoes was
used all attacks were delivered with single torpedoes.  The impact of the
torpedo on the target fired on the second attack was heard by both sound
operators and at the same time a plume of spray at the target was also seen by
the periscope officer.  Other than this "dud" no hits were made on any of the
targets.

    4.  All attacks were delivered under cover of darkness after the target
had been tracked by radar for periods varying between forth-five minutes to an
hour and a half.  Precise data were obtained on all targets and the Commanding
Officer in each case skillfully maneuvered his boat to an excellent firing
position for the initial attack.  The ranges in all cases except one were under
eleven hundred and fifty yards and in general small gyro angles (about five
degrees) were used on the torpedoes.  In an endeavor to obtain improved torpedo
performance low power was used on two attacks without success.  On still another
attack a track of one hundred fifty degrees was accepted in preference to one
nearer ninety in the hope that a glancing impact was the answer.

    5.  A skillful commander with precise instruments for obtaining target
data has a natural reluctance to waste torpedoes on slow speed, small, or even
medium sized merchant vessels.  Why use two torpedoes when one may easily finish
the job?  Considering all factors including torpedo performance it is essential
that spreads be used to insure destruction of the target.

    6.  The port propeller shaft squealed at high speeds when running deep.
Other than this the WAHOO was in excellent material condition.  This will be
investigated and remedied during refit.  In view of the poor torpedo performance
the torpedo tubes will be thoroughly and carefully checked while in dock and a
special report submitted.           FC5-4/A16-3          SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR

Serial   0226                       In Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                    San Francisco, California,
C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L             6 September 1943.

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to
CSD 42 Conf. Ltr. FB5-42/A16-3
Serial 025 of 4 September 1943.

From:   The Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.
To  :   The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via :   (1) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.
        (2) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject:        U.S.S. WAHOO  - Report of Sixth War Patrol - Comments on.

    1.  The sixth war patrol of the WAHOO was conducted with the same
aggressiveness which has made her past performances outstanding.  Nine attacks
were made within seven days on station, indicating a productive area.

    2.  All attacks were made from ideal positions, average torpedo run
1,070 yards, gyro angles small, all tracks close to 90d.  Only one hit was
observed and this was a dud.  Accurate determination of the cause of the misses
is of course impossible.  One possible cause is the fact that all torpedoes were
set for shallow depths, average depth setting 5.5 feet.  The unreliable torpedo
performance with shallow depth settings has been noted in the past.  The
decision of the commanding officer to fire single torpedoes, while
understandable is not concurred in.  A minimum of two, preferably three
torpedoes, using a spread, should be fired at any target worthy of torpedo
expenditure, taking into consideration the poor performance of the Mark XIV
torpedo, the many unknowns in torpedo firing and the fact that medium size
vessels can withstand one torpedo when it isn't in a vital spot.

    3.  The destruction of the sampans by gun fire was conducted with the
usual efficiency of the WAHOO.  It is recommended that the WAHOO be credited
with the following damage inflicted on the enemy.

        Sunk    3 Sampans.

Copy to:
    CSD 42
    CO WAHOO
FF12-10/A16-3(5)/(16)      SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET

Serial   01235                      In Care of Fleet Post Office,
                                    San Francisco, California,
                                    8 September 1943.

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to
WAHOO Report of Sixth
War Patrol dated 8-29-43.

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

Subject:    U.S.S. WAHOO (SS238) - Report of Sixth War Patrol,
            (2 August to 29 August 1943).

Enclosure:  (A)  Copy of subject war patrol report.
            (B)  Copy of Comsubdiv 42 Conf. 1st. end. FB5-42/A16-3
                 Serial 025 dated 4 September 1943.
            (C)  Copy of Comsubron 4 Conf. 2nd. end. FC5-4/A16-3,
                 Serial 0226 dated 6 September 1943.

    1.  The WAHOO's sixth war patrol was the first after a navy yard
overhaul.  It was carried out in the Japan Sea.

    2.  Many contacts were made and nine aggressive torpedo attacks carried
out.  The lack of success of these attacks is being investigated.  Failure to
use torpedo spreads during most of the attacks undoubtedly contributed
materially to the lack of success.  Torpedo spreads must be used to cover
possible errors in data or possibly of duds.

    3.  Three sampans were sunk by gunfire and six prisoners were brought
back from one of them.

    4.  This patrol is not considered successful for Combat Insignia award.

    5.  The WAHOO is credited with inflicting the following damage to the
enemy:

SUNK

                  3 - Sampans              -                  96 tons
 

 

                                                      C. A. LOCKWOOD, Jr.



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