USS Archer-Fish War Patrol #4
7 August to 29 September 1944
Report and Endorsements

SS311/A16-3                                                                           U.S.S. ARCHER-FISH (SS-311)

                                                                                                    Care of Fleet Post Office

Serial ( 011-44 )                                                                           San Francisco, Calif.

C O N F I D E N T I A L

                                                                                                     29 September 1944

From:              The Commanding Officer.

To:                  The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Via:                 (1) The Commander Submarine Division 201.

                        (2) The Commander Submarine Squadron 20.

                        (3) The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

                        (4) The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject:           U.S.S. ARCHER-FISH - Repot of Fourth War Patrol.

Enclosure:       (A) Subject report.

                        (B) Track chart to ComSubPac only.

            1.         Enclosure (A), covering the fourth war patrol of this vessel conducted in waters of

the Japanese Empire east of KYUSHU and south of SHIKOKU during the period from 7 August, 1944 to 29 September, l944, is forwarded herewith.

                                                                                                            W. H. WRIGHT

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject:           U.S.S. Archer-Fish (SS-3ll) - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

Prologue:

• The U.S.S. Archer-Fish arrived Midway from her Third War Patrol on July 15, 1944. Normal refit was accomplished by U.S.S. Proteus followed by a three day training period. Ready for sea on August 7, 1944. An excellent refit, genuine interest in the boat’s problems and a well coordinated training period make Midway a standout base.

Narrative:

August 7 

1534 (Y)         Departed Midway for Fourth War Patrol in compliance with ComSubPAC Operation Order 266-44. Air escort remained with us until dark.

August 8-13    Proceeding at two engine speed, steering zig zag course during good visibility, holding daily ship and fire control drills, and section dives.

August 13

0920 (K)         Sighted masts and started tracking for position ahead. Ship contact #1. Gun Attack.

0949 (K)         Dived. As target closed saw he was a diesel trawler of about 300 tons displacement. The masts were high with conspicuous antenna. Two 20-40 mm. were visible on the deck house and forecastle and a rack with two depth charges aft. Although it is early in the patrol and I have no desire to carry a casualty through thirty days on station this target is 500 miles from the nearest land and too good to pass up. As his maximum effective range is probably less than 3000 yards will keep outside this and try to sink him with four inch.

1122(K)          Surfaced. Range had now opened to 5500 yards so we started closing and held fire until range was reduced to 4000 yards. The target is firing at a slow rate, his fall of shot is a good 1000 yards short of us, and the large splashes indicate 40 mm. After we had fired five rounds the target lighted a smoke cannister which gave him the appearance of being on fire and maneuvered back into the smoke for cover. Soon after this he jettisoned his depth charges and headed directly for us. We used SJ spotting at first but both periscopes and bridge agreed the spots were not too accurate. Six hits that splintered his upper works and dismasted him were observed. These were all high capacity and it is felt that common is of little value when used against a wooden ship. The allow of four inch, 1200 rounds of 20 mm., and 300 rounds of 50 cal. were fired at or into this craft and although his engineering plant or his underwater body suffered no damage it is felt that casualties among his personnel and to his topside would cause him to leave station. His fire slackened but never ceased so did not feel justified in closing for th kill and thereby exposing our own gun crews. The smoke was a new wrinkle and was used twice very effectively during the two hours that the engagement lasted.

ALL TIMES ARE FOR ZONE -9 IN THIS REPORT UNLESS OTHERWISE DESIGNATED

August 14-15  En route area.

August 16        Entered area, conducting submerged patrol during daylight.

August 17

0457                Dived.

1115                Sighted submarine, later determined to be friendly.

1130                Surfaced and exchanged calls with Albacore.

1342                Dived.

1906                Surfaced.

August 18-19  Uneventful.

1018                A/C contact #1. Four engine bomber, distance 8 miles.

August 20-21  Patrolling submerged off Tanega Shima diving 5 miles east of Otake Zaki and running parallel to 100 FM curve in a NE direction.

1719                A/C contact #2. NELL, distance 2 miles.

August 22 

0506                Dived. Conducting submerged patrol south of Tanega Shima.

1938                Surfaced.

August 23

0640                Dived south of Toi Misaki across approaches to Ariake Wan and Van Diemon straits.

0930                A/C contact #3. Sighted BETTY at 6 miles and heard distant explosion.

1928                Surfaced.

August 24

0506                Dived off O Shima Light. A dense surface haze reduced range of visibility to about three miles and handicapped periscope observations.

1901                Surfaced.

August 25

0502                Dived. Haze conditions are bad again today and the sea is an oily smooth. Patrolling inside 100 FM curve north of Tosaki Hana.

1317                Surfaced to check position.

1413                Dived.

1546                A/C contact #4. Eight ZEKES at 6 miles.

1910                Surfaced.

1910-30          A/C contact #5. TOPSY came out of cloud bank directly overhead, dived.

2024                Surfaced.

August 26

0511                Dived south of Mi Saki for patrol inside 100 FM curve. Visibility improved but seas are still glassy.

0915                A/C contact #6. DAVE at 4 miles

1145                A/C contact #7. Two ZEKES at 8 miles.

1437                A/C contact #8. Unidentified.

1518                A/C contact #9. Six ZEKES at 10 miles.

1602                A/C contact #10. Six ZEKES at 10 miles.

1815                A/C contact #11. One Trainer.

1830                A/C contact #12. One Trainer.

1900                A/C contact #13. TOPSY at 15 miles.

1955                Surfaced.

1957                A/C contact #14. The running lights of three planes flying on parallel and opposite course.

2028                A/C contact #15. Exhausts of a two engine bomber closing, dived.

2014                Surfaced.

August 27

0453                Dived south of Okino Shima to patrol approaches to Bungo Suido.

0930                A/C contact #16. DAVE at 8 miles.

2006                Surfaced.

August 28

0502                Dived east of Mi Saki, patrolling south of Bungo Suido.

2043                Surfaced.

August 29

1954                Dived inside 100 FM curve off Tosaki Hana. Patrolling parallel to the coast.

1954                Surfaced.

2058                A/C contact #17. Sighted exhaust of two engine bomber. Dive.

2353                Surfaced.

August 30

0501                Dived 20 miles off shore south of Mi Saki visibility poor.

2147                Surfaced.

August 31

0014                A/C contact #18. Plane picked up on SJ closing rapidly, dived. Spent most of the night tracking phantom contact at initial range 23,000 yards. Those pips were just as strong at 45,000 yards and disappeared soon after sunrise. Reasonably sure these were secondary land “Pips” as they jumped in and out as we proceded along coast giving improbable ship course and speed solution at times.

0056                Surfaced.

0138                A/C contact #19. Plane picked up in SJ passing astern at 3000 yds. Dived.

0228                Surfaced. Keying SD for the remainder of the night.

0545                Dived.

0900                A/C contact #20. BETTY at 7 miles.

1253                A/C contact #21. BETTY at 5 miles.

1637                A/C contact #22. TEIS at 4 miles.

2019                A/C contact #23. Upon keying SD in preparation for surfacing got contact at 10 miles, planed down.

2203                Surfaced.

September 1

0515                Dived in outer area.

1116                A/C contact #24. BETTY at 1½ miles.

1714                Surfaced. Although the plane activity in the Bungo Suido area follows no definite pattern, contacts are more frequent between sunset and 2200, so decided to surface, air out the boat, got in a few hours of charge and dive during this period.

1847                Dived.

2201                Surfaced.

September 2

0018                A/C contact #25. Detected in SJ at 5000 yards closed rapidly to3000 yards. Dived.

0152                Surfaced.

0347                Picked up interference in SJ which has the characteristics of our ten centimeter gear, turned to investigate. Interference soon reached saturation on all bearings and stayed steady on us. Shifted to receiver only and went ahead flank speed. No keying of his transmitted pulse was noted.

0426                Picked up a target in SJ at 9000 yards and tracked on a southwesterly course. He is making 18 knots so an end around before daylight is out, altered course to diverge target 20 degrees.

0512                At 12000 yards sighted submarine from the bridge identity uncertain. Soon after sighting, submarine dived so we did likewise. Ship contact #2. Contact never regained by sight or sound.

1707                Surfaced.

1903                . Dived.

2209                Surfaced.

September 3

0515                Dived.

1714                Surfaced.

September 4

O514               Dived.

1832                Surfaced.

1918                A/C contact #26. Plane sighted by its exhausts closing, dived.

2002                Surfaced.

September 5

0500                Dived.

1652                Surfaced.

1905                A/C contact #27. Sighted exhausts, closing, dived.

2159                Surfaced.

September 6

0445                Dived 7 miles east of Ashisuri Saki for patrol off the point. Sighted numerous sampans apparently engaged in fishing close inshore during the day.

1322                A/C contact #28. MAVIS distance 5 miles.

1403                A/C contact #29. NELL distance 7 miles.

1500                A/C contact #30. BETTY distance 7 miles.

1952                Surfaced.

September 7

0047                A/C contact #31. Sighted plane’s exhausts close aboard, dived.

0205                Surfaced.

0458                Dived west of Muroto Zaki for patrol off the point.

1942                Surfaced.

September 8

0450                Dived. Seven miles off shore between Ichie Saki and Shiono Lisaki.

0610                Ship contact #3 No attack. This contact includes a PC type patrol craft, four armed trawlers or “sweeper” type patrol craft (wooden ships of about 300 tons mounting two or three small guns, depth charge racks, and conspicuous by their high masts and antenna), one Wakatake dog dog, and one Chidori TBD sighted in that order.

Previous information indicates traffic in Kii Suido hugs the coast of HONSHU. During the last hour of running in toward land 82 and 3000 megacycle radar was strong in the direction of Shiono Misaki and this gear seemed to settle on us despite a driving rain.

Shortly after daylight the rain stepped and echo ranging was picked up in the direction of Shiono Misaki and Ichie Sak. Four trawlers were in sight, two to the northward and two south at ranges of 4000 - 6000 yards. It was believed at first that these craft were echo ranging but as they stood toward each other the pingers were identified as a PC to the southward and masts of what was later identified as a Wakatake destroyer coming down.

0620                The PC that had been lying off Fukura Ko at range 9000 yards changed course 180 degrees and went around the point.

0645                Started tracking the Wakatake. Speed checked at 33 knots as he came down but the minimum range obtained was 8400 yards. Upon reaching the approximate locality of our morning dive the destroyer started making zigs of about 100 degrees, range remaining about 12000 yards until 0835 when he started to close in our direction still making the radical zigs.

0903                During the entire approach we had kept the bow pointed at the Wakatake and all machinery rigged for silent running except steering and planes. At range 6000 yards angle on the bow 35 starboard picked up the masts and upper works of a Chidori TBD, trailing the Wakatake about 1000 yards astern.

0908                Range 5000 yards angle on the bow 60 port picked up and counted target’s screws at 160 rpm.

0912                Range 3000 yards target swung to a zero angle on the bow and turn count picked up. Plot and TDC have been checking at 12 knots but we now count him at 250 rpm. Decided to break off the approach and plane down until the situation cleared. This decision made on the spur of the moment resulted from evaluation of several factors. We have MK 23s forward, neither the small DD or his Chidori escort draws much water and by their activities and the movements of the trawlers astern either traffic is due through here or we are being given the bums rush. At 350 feet with excellent sound conditions we were able to study the maneuvers of the two sets of screws more carefully. A continuous speed variation of from 250 rpm down to 60 rpm or 18 to 5 knots with radical course changes kept them in close for about an hour. They seemed to ping directly on us at times but as we were the man in the middle they may have been handicapping each other.

1007                Back at periscope depth. One pinger has drawn off to the south and one to north.

1950                Surfaced.

2251                A/C contact #32. Picked up at 12000 yards on SJ closing rapidly. Dived.

2355                Surfaced.

September 9

0158                A/C contact #33. Passed astern distance 3000 yards. Dived.

0310                Surfaced.

0452                Dived 15 miles west of Shiono Misaki, attempting to ride in to the coast with the current without being detected. Picked up echo ranging shortly after diving.

0531                Ship contact #4. No attack. A Chidori and high masted trawler approached to within 10000 yards, remained for two hours steering various courses then heading off toward 0 Shima Ko. Again our diving point was the focus of search.

1903                Surface

September 10

0439                Dived 10 miles west of Muroto Zaki for another try at this side of Kii Suido

0830                A/C contact #34. DAVE at 8 miles.

Many sampans apparently engaged in fishing were sighted close inshore during the day.

1922                Surfaced.

September 11

0430                Dived 6 miles off shore between Ichie Saki and Shiono Misaki.

0745                Three fishing vessels close inshore.

0818                A/C contact #35. DAVE at 8 miles.

0847                Sighted armed trawler.

0850                A/C contact #36. DAVE at 8 miles.

1050                Ship contact #5. Wakatako dog dog came up from the South exchanged signals with station on Shiono Lisaki and proceeded up the coast out of sight. Minimum range obtained 6500 yards.

1300                Ship contact #6. Consisted of one LST type landing craft, one smoker of about 800 tons with high masts and a high stack, similar to our YOs and two wooden trawlers. None is believed worth a torpedo attack. Passed abeam at 6000 yards.

1320                A/C contact #37. Rufo at five miles circling.

1349                A/C contact #38. A zero type fighter diving us.

1913                Surfaced.

September 12-16 Conducting submerged patrol in assigned area. Heavy seas are running and it looks like we are due for a change of weather.

September 18   Departed area en route Midway.

The patrol was disappointing from the standpoint of contacts. SD was use only after repeated close passes by night flying aircraft, then keyed.

                       Our APR was seldom clear and usually showed two to four strong enemy radars.

Some nights when there was no interference in supposed aircraft frequency ranges we were driven down, on other nights when aircraft radar interference was strong we were not molested. Unless and until the APR can be made directional and cover a wider range of frequencies its chief value is “stress and strain”.

None of the aircraft no matter how close they came, even in bright moonlight dropped. Either we were not seen or their aircraft are not permitted to bomb blind in this area. We never stayed up to find out which was the case.

September 19

1521                A/C contact #39. Sighted bomber at 8 miles. Dived.

September 19-21        En route Midway.

September 21

0856                Ship contact #7. Tracked for position ahead. Target speed 3 knots.

1015                Dived. Closed range to 8000 yards and identified contact as 300 ton patrol craft similar to the one fired on in this area when we were outbound. No 4 inch ammunition remaining.

1308                Surfaced. Proceeding Midway.

September 24 Arrived Midway.

                        Commander J.F. Enright reported aboard as relief for C.O. in accordance with                         ComSubPacSubOrdCom orders Serial 796 of 23 September, 1944.

September 25-29   En route Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Weather:

• The weather during the period of this patrol was generally fair with many days of flat calm in the area wit attending surface haze and reduced visibility.

Tidal Information:

• No unusual conditions were encountered that have not been reported or listed on charts and in Coast Pilot.

Navigational Aids:

1. Otako Zaki             -          Normal characteristics but lighted at irregular intervals.

2. Toi Misaki             -          Same.

3. Tosaki Hana          -          Reduced visibility, uncertain characteristics.

4. Mi Saki (Todoro)   -          Same.

5. Muroto Zaki          -          Same.

Aircraft Contacts:

   Contact Number                  1                 2                 3                 4                  5                 6

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Medium Gray

 Contact Number                     7                 8                 9                10                11             12

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Medium Gray

 Contact Number                      13               14               15                16                17             18

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Medium Gray

 Contact Number                       19               20               21                22                23             24

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Medium Gray

 Contact Number                       25               26               27                28                29             30

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Medium Gray

 Contact Number                       31               32               33                34                35             36

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Medium Gray

 Contact Number                       37               38               39                40                41             42

Type of S/M Camouflage on this patrol Medium Gray

Ship Contacts:

              Time                Lat.                              Initial         Estimated             How
No.       Date               Long.         Type(s)        Range        Co.& Spd        Contacted        Remarks

1.        0920            32-55N           Trawler        8,000         170 deg              Lookout        Damaged by
8/13/44       152-43E                                                8-10 kts                                   gunfire

2.        0426            32-20N           SS                9,000         225 deg             SJ Radar       Seen just before
9/2/44        134-40E                                                 18 kts                                      diving to be SS

3.        0610            33-25N           PC type       4,000-        Patrolling            Periscope       Patrolling
           9/8/44         135-35E          4 Trawlers    6,000          easterly &          (Submerged)
                                                      DD                                  westerly
                                                      Chidori

4.        0450            33-25N           Chidori        18,000        Various               Heard            Patrolling
           9/9/44         135-35E           Trawler                                                     Pinging

5.        1050            33-25N            DD             14,000         300 deg             Periscope       Proceeded
           9/11/44       135-35E                                                  10 kts                (Submerged)   along coast
                                                                                                                                              up Kii Suido

6.        1300            33-25N            LST type     12,000          340 deg            Periscope
            9/11/44      135-35E           YO type                                                    (Submerged)
                                                       2 trawlers

7.        0856            33-55N            Trawler         12,000          Patrolling           Periscope
           9/21/44        152-40E                                                                             (High)

Attack Data:

U.S.S. ARCHER-FISH Gun Attack No. 1, Patrol No. 4

• Time: 1200 (-10)      • Date: Aug. 13, 1944             • Lat. 32°55'N           • Long. 152°43'E

Target Data - Damage Inflicted

Damaged -   One 250 ton trawler-typePatrol Boat: Two Masts, Bridge Structure Forward of MOT

 Damage determined by observation; six hits with high explosive 4" rounds, approx. 250 rounds of 20 mm and 50 cal hit target. (Both masts were destroyed and superficial damage to bridge works and top side was observed)

Details of Action

            Gun                            Rounds                      Hits                Average Range

            4" 50 cal                     60 H.E.                        6                    4000 yds

            4" 50 cal                     60 Common                 0                    4000 yds

            20 mm fwd                 1200                           200                 2000 yds

            and aft

            50 cal                          400                             50                  2000 yds

Range and scale was set on 4" 50 cal. gun from data received from spotter on bridge - Communications established with blackboard and chalk. 20 mm and 50 cal were set and fired by gun pointers. Discipline of fire was maintained by gun crew’s to maintain one 20 mm gun firing continuously.

Mines: - None.

Anti-Submarine Measures and Evasion Tactics:

•On closing the coast north of Shiono Kisaki 7 anti-submarine vessels were encountered. A small destroyer, a Chidori, a PC, and four trawlers within a ten mile radius carefully searching the area during the most of the forenoon. They were not covering shipping close inshore at the time but were on purely anti-submarine missions. These vessels are based at 0 Shima Ko.

Major Defects and Damage:

1. Main motor brushes: During the last refit all main motor brushes were renewed with the new Navy type. After about 950 hours of service inspection revealed a large amount of broken brushes and loose pig-tails. Samples taken at random necessitated the renewal of 23 brushes. Main power failure remained an ever present hazzard.

2. Main motor cables: An unusual high ground of 220 volts developed in #2 main motor cables (between motor and control group). Exact location of ground has not been determined. Diolectric tests on those cables are being requested.

3. Bendix Log: This unit continues to be the most unreliable piece of gear aboard ship. With continuous nursing it works sometimes. Yard, tender, factory and own ship personnel have failed to keep it in working order over any appreciable period of time. A new unit has been requested and will be installed when available.

4. Low Pressure Blower Starting Box: Failure in the starting box was caused by excessive arcing in the first stages which required extensive repair and jury-rig to make operative.

5. Drain Pump: A 240 volt ground developed in the drain pump which was found to be loose interpole coils wearing against their pole pieces causing a breakdown of the insulation and ground against the motor frame.

6. Conning Tower Hatch: This item continues to be defective after having supposedly repaired during each of the last two refits. While submerging past 30-35 feet the hatch leaks spraying water throughout the forward part of the conning tower.

Radio:

1. No ComSubPac serial messages were missed.

2. Reception on 6380 KCS and 9090 KCS was best in area although on any jamming was

     exceptionally strong from 16 August until 30 August.

3. On the 4155 KCS Chunking broadcast reception was very good.

4. Several contact messages were received from 1830 until 2030 GCT. Garbling due to bad

     atmospheric interference, made complete decoding of those messages rare.

Radar:

1. SJ-a performance was good throughout the patrol. SD-4 was used sparingly and performed well. A peak of 1300 ft. was picked up at approximately 95,000 yards. Navigation with SJ proved very worthwhile in periods of reduced visibility. The SJ-a also performed well in picking up planes at night 8,000 yard scale).

2. We experienced no material casualties on the SD-4 while those on the SJ-a were few and of mInor importance. During the training operations off Midway there was a loss of signal on the “A” scope due to a broken condenser lead (C203) in the IF strip in the Range Indicator. While on station, the PPI sweep became very erratic due to a faulty R44 in the power supply of the PPI unit. The insulation at the center of the resister had broken down because of its own generated heat and the heat developed by the nearby rectifier tube, V9 (705A), causing arcing between several turns of wire. This has happened before. It is recommended that the resistor, R44, be relocated in future designs of a PPI unit to permit more free dissipation of heat.

3. The APR-1 was used extensively and with moderate success. Radar frequencies encountered varied from 90 mcs. to 300 mcs.. Off Aoga Jima, land based radar of 100 mcs. with antenna rotational speed of 8 RPM was detected. Radar frequencies of 150 mcs., 205 mcs., and 265 mcs. were encountered off Kawasi while frequencies of 100 mcs. and 205 mcs. were noted off Bungo Suico.

Although the office of enemy radar is not known the following is tabulated for information concerning the use of enemy radar.

            Excerpts from APR-1 Log:

       Frequency Strength Date Location

            105                              Med                8/1/44             200 mi. E. of Aoga Shima 

            108                              Med                8/16/44           140 mi. S.E. of Shiono Misaki

            96                                Weak              8/16/44           Same

            153                              Very Strong     8/18/44           170 mi. E. of Tenega Shima

            147                              Med.                8/18/44           Same

            154                              Weak               8/19/44           60 mi. E. of Tenega Shima

            265                              Strong              8/20/44           Same

            147                              Strong              8/20/44           Same

            117                              Strong              8/20/44           Same

            117                              Med                 8/21/44           Same

             87                               Weak               8/24/44           40 mi. N.E. of Tosaki Hana

            117                              Med                 8/21/44           Same

            147                              Strong              8/24/44           Same

            267                              Strong              8/24/44           Same

             73                                Med                8/25/44           Same

            205                               Med                8/26/44           Same

            215                               Very Strong     8/26/44           Same

             70                                Med                8/26/44           Same

             99                                Med                8/26/44           Same

             74                                Med                8/27/44           40 mi. S. of Ashizuri Saki

             99                                Weak              8/27/44           Same

            155                               Med                8/27/44           Same

            215                               Med                8/27/44           Same

            208                               Med                8/27/44           Same

            115                               Med                8/27/44           Same

             74                                Med                8/28/44           Same

             99                                Med                8/28/44           Same

            202                               Med                8/28/44           Same

            155                               Med                8/28 44           Same

             99                                Med                9/4/44             60 mi. S.E. of Ashizuri Saki

            165                               Med                9/4/44             Same

            155                               Med                9/8/44             40 mi. S.E. of Shiono Misaki

            110                               Very Strong     9/12/44           Same

            160                               Med                9/15/44           25 mi. E. of Toi Misaki

10 cm radar interference was detected on two occasions emanating from Shiono Lisaki

Sound Gear:

• The JP-1 sound gear gave only fair results. Signal strength was not as strong as it should have been. Ranges obtained on targets were only about half of the JK and QC. The JP-1 hydrophone was magnetized once each watch to partially counteract the weak amplification.

• Sound conditions were generally excellent in the area with moderate background and fish noises. Off Shiono Misaki pinging targets were heard well before the masts were in sight at an estimated range of 20,000 - 25,000 yards.

• The WCA equipment provided no material failures and performed with good results.

Density Layers:

• No unusual density layers were encountered.

Health, Food and Hability:

• The health of all personnel was exceptionally good throughout the patrol.

• The food obtained from the Proteus was of better variety and quality than ever obtained before.

Personnel:

• Although contacts and action with the enemy were at a disheartening minimum, the officers and men retained their sharp spirit of aggressiveness throughout the patrol. Their state of training and moral remain high as all hands look forward to better luck next time.

(a) Number of men on board during patrol.                           74

(b) Number of men qualified at start of patrol.                       47

(c) Number of men qualified at end of patrol.                        67

(d) Number of unqualified men making first patrol.                  9

(e) Number of men advanced in rating during patrol.               2

Miles Steamed - Fuel Used:

• Midway to Area                  2160 mi.,        26,250 gals.

• In Area                                7250 mi.,        43,200 gals.

• Area to Pearl Harbor           1250 mi.,        42,500 gals.

            (Received 22,000 gals. In Midway)

Duration:

• Days en route to Area          7

• Days in Area                       34

• Days en route to Pearl         12

• Days submerged                 34

            (One day in Midway)

Factors of Endurance Remaining:

• Torpedoes                           24

• Fuel                                     11,000 gal.

• Provisions                           10 days

• Personnel Factor                 Unknown

Limiting factor this patrol - Opord

F35442/A16-3 SUBMARINE DIVISION FORTY-TWO

                                                                                     Care of Fleet Post Office,

Serial ( 069 )                                                                San Francisco, California,

                                                                                     3 October 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST ENDORSEMENT to

report of Fourth War

Patrol - U.S.S. ARCHER-FISH

From:              The Commander Submarine Division FORTY-TWO.

To:                  The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Via :                (1) Commander Submarine Squadron FOUR.

                        (2) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

                        (3) Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Subject:           U.S.S. ARCHER-FISH (SS-311) - Report of War Patrol Number Four.

            1.         The Fourth War Patrol of the ARCHER-FISH was conducted in the waters of the

Japanese Empire east of KYUSHU and south of SHIKOKU. The patrol was of fifty four days duration, thirty four of which were spent in the assigned area.

            2.         The only target contacted worthy of torpedo fire was a WAKATAKE type DD. When the range had decreased to 3000 yards the DD turned to a zero angle on the bow and speeded up from 160 rpm to 250 rpm. Because of the target’s shallow draft and the movements of other AS vessels in the immediate vicinity, the Commanding Officer believed that they were clearing the road for a convoy and decided to break off the attack for an opportunity at more favorable targets.

            3.         En route to patrol station the ARCHER-FISH made a Battle Surface and took under fire a 250 ton trawler type Patrol Boat, equipped with two 20 or 40 millimeter guns, opening range 4500 yards. Approximately 6 hits were made with 4".5O cal. H.E. which demasted the target and demolished his upper works. The target’s fire slackened but never ceased and the Commanding Officer did not feel justified in closing for the kill and exposing his gun crews.

Damage assessment:   Damage to one 250 ton trawler type Patrol Boat.

            4.         The ARCHER-FISH will be given a normal refit at the base during which period the main motor brushes and main motor cables will be inspected and renewed where necessary.

            5.         The Commanding Officer, officers and crew of the ARCHER-FISH are congratulated on the completion of this patrol and it is regretted that the scarcity of contacts precluded much damage being inflicted on the enemy.

                                                                                                     W. V. O’REGAN

 SUBMARINE SQUADRON FOUR 11/tel

                                                                                                Fleet Post Office,

C5-4/A16-3                                                                            San Francisco, California,

                                                                                                4 October 1944.

Serial 0379

CONFIDENTIAL

SECOND ENDORSEMENT to

Report of Fourth War

Patrol - U.S.S. ARCHER-FISH

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, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET.

Subject:           U.S.S. ARCHER-FISH - Report of Fourth War Patrol.

         1. Forwarded, concurring in the remarks of the Commander Submarine Division

FORTY-TWO who has thoroughly covered this patrol in his endorsement.

                                                                                                C. F. ERCK.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch

FF12-10/A16-3(15)                                                                                    Care of Fleet Post Office,

Serial 02188                                                                                                 San Francisco, California,

                                                                                                                     6 October 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to

ARCHERFISH Report of                                          NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE

Fourth War Patrol.                                                                 DESTROYED PRIOR TO

                                                                                              ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 540.

U.S.S. ARCHERFISH - F0URTH WAR PATROL.

From:               The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

To:                   The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Via:                  The Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Subject: U.S.S. ARCHERFISH (SS-311) - Report of Fourth War Patrol

                              (7 August to 29 September 1944).

           1. The ARCHERFISH fourth war patrol was conducted in areas east of Kyushu and south of Shikoku.

           2. Few contacts were made and these consisted of small craft and anti-submarine type vessels. Early in the patrol type of patrol boat was contacted, and a determined gun attack delivered

           3. This patrol is not designated as “Successful” for Combat Insignia Award.

           4. The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, congratulates the commanding officer, officers, and crew for having inflicted the following damage upon the enemy during this patrol:

D A M A G E D

          1 - MIS (PATROL BOAT) (EC) - 250 tons (Gun Attack No. 1)

                                                                                    J. H. Brown, Jr.

Distribution and authentication

on following page.

SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET hch

FF12-10/A16-3(15)                                                                                      Care of Fleet Post Office,

Serial 02188                                                                                                   San Francisco, California,

                                                                                                                       6 October 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL

THIRD ENDORSEMENT to

ARCHERFISH Report of                                          NOTE: THIS REPORT WILL BE

Fourth War Patrol.                                                                  DESTROYED PRIOR TO

                                                                                               ENTERING PATROL AREA.

COMSUBPAC PATROL REPORT NO. 540.

U.S.S. ARCHERFISH - F0URTH WAR PATROL.

Subject: U.S.S. ARCHERFISH (SS-311) - Report of Fourth War Patrol

                              (7 August to 29 September 1944).

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

DISTRIBUTION:

(Complete reports)

CominCh                                (7)

CNO                                       (5)

CinCpac                                  (6)

Intel.Cen.Pac.Ocean Areas     (1)

ComServPac                           (1)

CinClant                                 (1)

ComSubsLant                         (8)

S/M School, NL                     (2)

ComSoPac                              (2)

ComSoWesPac                       (1)

ComSubSoWesPac                 (2)

CTF 72                                   (2)

ComNorPac                            (1)

ComSubsPac                          (20)

SUBAD, MI                           (2)

ComSubsPacSubOrdCom      (3)

All Squadron and Division

   Commanders, Pacific           (2)

SubsTrainPac                         (2)

All Submarines, Pacific          (1)

E. L. HYNES, 2nd

Flag Secretary.

Sigmund Albert BOBCZYNSKI, Lieut-Comdr, USN

Clark Kelly SPRINKLE, Lieutenant, USNR

Davis Eli BUNTING, Lieutenant, USN

William Henry CRAWFORD, Lieutenant, USN

Romolo COUSINS, Lieutenant, USN

John Kneeland ANDREWS, Lieutenant (jg), USNR

Joseph Jasper BOSZA, Lieutenant (jg), USNR

Gordon Eugene CROSBY, Ensign, USNR

Daniel Webster ELLZEY, Boatswain, USN

AUGUST, John Frederick, S1c, USNR

BAIRD, Willie Benjamin, EM2c, USNR

BAROODY, Joseph James, SC2c, USNR

BARTON, Harvey Buell, EM1c, USNR

BAUMGARTNER, William Francis, S1c, USNR

BECKER, Robert Clayton, TM3c, USNR

BJORGAN, Clifford Ordell, SM3c, USNR

BOUCHIE, Maurice Edward, MoMM2c, USNR

BROWN, John Melvin, CMoMM, USN

BUNTAIN, Finley Cline Monroe, TM1c, USN

BOVARD, James Chester, S2c, USN

BURKE, James Anthony, M0MM2c, USNR

BURNHAM, George Joseph, RM3c, USNR

CADWELL, Rolla Lee, S1c, USNR

CAMP, Warren Henry, MoMM1c, USNR

CARMACK, Leo Roy, S1c, USNR

CARNAHAN, Eugene Earl, CY, USN

CHENEY, Gerald Leroy, EM3c, USN

CICHON, John Joseph, MoMM1c, USN

CLOTHAKIS, Nicholas Vasilios, RM2c, USNR

CONK, Gerard James, EM3c, USNR

COUSINS, Thomas Earle, CEM, USNR

COUSINS, Richard Merton, RT2c, USN

DeSOLA, Ben Hoeb, EM3c, USNR

ENSIGN, Everett Raymond, EM1c, USNR

FARRAR, Fred Parrish, S1c, USNR

FORD, Garland Thomas, GM1c, USN

FOX, Taylor Lincoln, TM2c, USN

FULLER, Marteen William, TM3c, USNR R

GIBBONS, Bernard Thomas, MoMM3c, USNR

HARPER, Ivory, StMlc, USNR

HOFFMAN, Lambert Dall, CMoMM, USNR

HUGHES, William Douglas, CPhM, USN

KEAST, Edwin Paul, SC2c, USNR

KENNEY, Richard Albert, FCS2c, USN

KRAMER, Dewight Francis, EM3c, USNR

LIGHTER, Hershel Arthur, MoMM1c, USN

LUBECK, Ernest Howard, MoMM2c, USNR

MAGRATH, John Qwen, S1c, USN

MAIORANA, Benny Frank, EM3c, USNR

MANTZEY, Edward Minnis, QM1c, USN

MAYHEW, Wilbur Wesley, TM2c, USNR

McKEARIN, Paul Gordon, TM3c, USNR

McMAHON, Edward Charles, EM3c, USNR

MYERS, Earl Edgar, RT3c, USNR

NELSON, Billy George, S1c, USNR

NOROOS, Olaf, EM2c, USNR

OLIVER, Linza Paul, EM3c, USNR

PETERSON, Orville Orby, TM3c, USNR

PIERCE, Even John, S1c, USNR

POTANOVIC, John Francis, MoMM3c, USN

SAYLES, Charles Orville, CMoMM, USN

SCANLAN, Richard Cullen, RM1c, USN

SCOTT, Levi Frank, StMlc, USNR

SPRIET, Edwin Albert, F2c, USNR

STEULLET, Frederick Thomas, MoMM1c, USN

STROHL, Victor Harold, S1c, USNR

SYKES, William Lewis, QM3c, USN

WELLS, Charles Neal, MoMM2c, USNR

WELLS, Lowell Earnest, TM3c, USNR

WHARTON, Wade Lemuel, BM1c, USNR

WHALEN, Thomas William, MoMM1c, USNR

WHITE, Robert, EM2c, USNR

WILKEN, Carl Anthony, MoMM2c, USNR

WILL, Alfred Irving, MoMM2c, USNR

WINKLE, Norman William, GM3c, USN

WOOD, Paul Richard, TM3c, USN

WOODRUFF, Elmer George, SM2c, USNR

YOTTER, Carl Norman, TM2c, USNR

ZIELINSKI, Edward Felix, TM2c, USNR

ZYCH, Henry Joseph, MoMM2c, USN