Ops Order PTC/9-3 In Care of Fleet Post Office
Reno, JD/Lt., USN San Francisco, California
August 15, l942
US Pacific Fleet
Submarine Squadron 7
USS Tuna (SS-203)
To: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet
The Commander Submarine Squadron 7
The Executive Officer, Submarine Squadron 7
From: Lt. John D Reno, US Navy
Subject: Third war patrol of USS Tuna (SS-203)
Cycle: 3
Patrol Zone: Formosa/E China S Sectors: ID9/ID3l
TDC: Automatic Realism: 77%
Special Mission: None
Mods Used: Trigger Maru Overhaul l.9
Different Smoke TMO
Green Lock and Position B2
PTC9 Cycles Mod
Number of Warships Sunk: 0
Number of Merchants Sunk: 9
Warship Tonnage: 0
Merchant Tonnage: 60,726 tons
JANAC Tonnage: 42,508 tons
Types of Warships Sunk
Date Time Lat & Long Class of Vessel Raw Tonnage
11-July-42 0800 hrs 29-13N 140-04E Med European Composite Freighter 5,270
11-July-42 0801 hrs 29-13N 140-04E Med European Composite Freighter 5,394
11-July-42 0804 hrs 29-13N 140-04E Med European Composite Freighter 5,270
13-July-42 2331 hrs 29-04N 129-25E Med European Composite Freighter 5,480
17-July-42 1349 hrs 29-17N 125-48E Large Modern Composite Freighter 7,199
20-July-42 1410 hrs 28-47N 128-07E Large Modern Composite Freighter 7,192
20-July-42 1854 hrs 28-46N 128-07E Medium Old Split Freighter 5,466
21-July-42 0646 hrs 28-27N 128-45E Large Modern Tanker 10,024
21-July-42 1214 hrs 28-47N 129-21E Large Old Passenger Carrier 9,431
Torpedo and Ordnance Information
On Board: 24
Fired: 24
Impacts: 20
Misses: 4
Duds: 0
Premature Detonation: 0
Deck Gun Loaded: 100% used
Prologue
USS Tuna returned to Pearl Harbor from patrol in early June. For two weeks Tuna underwent refit and testing. On June 22nd Tuna reported ready for sea and orders were issued: “Depart Pearl Harbor for the East China Sea/Formosa...engage and destroy all enemy shipping”.
On June 27, l942 USS Tuna, with a crew of 6 officers and 64 enlisted, set out from Pearl and made a course for Midway. We arrived early on the evening of the 30th. After re-fueling and replenishing our provisions and fresh water, we departed just before midnight.
Narrative
July 1-9
Tuna ran eastward at 11 knots in generally calm seas. Sufficient time was devoted to training dives and other drills. A close watch was kept on fuel consumption. There were no contacts during this time.
July 9 Contact l
l050 hrs – SD radar picked up a contact at long range. Tuna was approximately 35Onm NE of the Bonin Islands. We submerged to PD and continued on course. The a/c passed off the radar and we had no further contact.
July 9-10
We continued on a heading of 275 deg, running submerged during daylight hours. There were no contacts.
July 11 Contact 2
0712 hrs - Our position was now due south of Lot’s Wife (Sofu Gan). Sonar picked up distant screws off our starboard beam. It was still pre-dawn and Tuna continued running on the surface.
0735 hrs – After running on an intercept course for 20 minutes, lookouts made visual contact with a convoy of 8-10 marus, moving southeast in a rough 3x3 formation. Sonar also identified 2 sets of fast screws, but no visual could be made on any escorts. With the range at 9500 yds and the sky beginning to brighten, Tuna went to PD and started an attack approach.
0757 hrs – The formation was moving on a steady course at 9 kts. We were 4500 yds off the convoy’s starboard quarter when we commenced our attack. 6 torpedoes were fired, 3 on the forward target and 3 on the middle target. There was a 1 degree spread on the torpedoes fired at each target, with hopes that any misses would perhaps find a target in the center or port column. Torpedoes were set for magnetic detonation and depth set at 18 ft.
0803 hrs – Fast pinging signaled an escort closing fast and Tuna headed down to 280 ft and rigged for depth charge attack. The first run of DC's exploded close aboard, but no damage was reported. Explosions soon indicated our torpedoes had reached their targets. 2 torpedoes hit the initial target, 3 more hit the second, and the 6th torpedo hit a ship in the second column.
1206 hrs – Tuna remained submerged for the next 4 hours under the cover of a thermal layer encountered at 290 ft. There seemed to be 2-3 escorts above, occasionally dropping DC’s, but never really getting close. Sound relayed breaking up noises on three distinct marus during this time. The remaining marus faded out of sonar range. Finally we returned to PD and the escorts were gone. Instead, we spotted a patrol plane. We went back down to 100 ft and waited it out.
2224 hrs – For over 10 hours Tuna played hide and seek with numerous patrol aircraft. Every time we went to PD, we could see aircraft patrolling the area. The batteries were now down to 8% and it was still light.
July 12
0050 hrs – The skies finally darkened enough for Tuna to surface. As we aired out the boat and recharged batteries, the deck watch reported that both the deck gun and AA guns were slightly damaged by the initial DC attack. Repair crews went to work right away and both were in working order before dawn. Tuna resumed her base course, bound for the East China Sea off Shanghai.
July 12 Contact 3
1021 hrs – Tuna went to PD after the SD radar picked up an aircraft closing our position. We remained submerged for the rest of the daylight hours.
July 12 Contact 4
2321 hrs – Lookouts spotted an aircraft at long range. He didn’t close on our position and we remained on the surface.
July 13 Position 29-12N 132-23E
Under the cover of heavy rain and frequent squalls, Tuna was able to maintain our westerly heading on the surface into mid-afternoon.
July 13 Contact 5
1513 hrs - Running in fog and low visibility, we made sonar contact with a fast-moving warship, bearing 330 deg. Tuna submerged and maintained course. The contact soon faded out of range.
July 13 Contact 6
1756 hrs – As the fog lifted we spotted a Jap patrol aircraft at some distance. He never altered course and was soon out of range.
July 13 Contact 7
1942 hrs – Tuna was cruising on calm seas with clear skies when sonar reported slow screws, bearing 149 deg. We reversed course to the ENE and awaited developments.
1957 hrs – At 10,000 yds the lookouts spotted the tops of masts, bearing 345 deg. A sharp AOB required us to maneuver into a better attack position. General Quarters was sounded and Tuna went to PD.
2004 hrs – It was now clear that we had stumbled upon a sizeable convoy, at least 8 marus. Range was 8500 yds. We were positioned off the port bow of the formation. The convoy was making 9 kts on a steady course.
2018 hrs – We had settled on 3 targets, all within 4500 yds. We had also identified at least 2 Mutsuki destroyers, one ahead of the convoy, and another running along the port side. Most likely a third DD was running on the starboard side.
We fired 6 forward torpedoes, 2 at each ship in the port column. All torpedoes were set at 18 ft depth and for magnetic influence detonation. As soon as #6 was away, Tuna reversed course and headed down to 300 ft.
2031 hrs – Sound had reported 4 hits out of the 6 torpedoes fired, hitting each of the 3 targets.
2035 hrs – Back at PD, we could see one ship dead in the water. Another ship was burning, but still moving at about 6 kts. The third damaged ship was listing hard to port and staggering along at around 2 kts. Three DD's were also visible: One looking for us at some distance away, a second attempting to round up the scattered convoy and get them back into formation, and a third who was closely escorting the listing ship.
We decided to attempt to sink the burning ship with 2 stern torpedoes, and fired them at a range of 5000 yds. We then went back down to 250 ft. Both torpedoes missed.
2044 hrs – Sound reported a collision between two of the Jap ships, one a destroyer, but we could not determine if any damage had resulted.
2115 hrs – Back at PD, we surveyed the situation. The burning ship was now back in the convoy, surrounded and protected by other ships running at 6 kts. The heavily listing ship was trailing the formation, but was shadowed closely by one DD. The third ship was left behind, but one DD lingered nearby, looking for a submarine.
2200 hrs – All the ships had gone out of view, save the dead in the water maru, and the 1 Mutsuki still hanging around. We didn’t want to use yet another torpedo on this target if at all possible. We would just have to wait out the enemy.
2248 hrs – The DD finally departed the area and rejoined the convoy, but only after several a/c arrived and were patrolling overhead. Tuna remained at PD, 5000 yds from the target.
2331 hrs – Finally, as darkness fell, the planes departed. Tuna surfaced and finished off the cripple with the deck gun at a range of 3000 yds. As the target sank, we resumed our base course. Two damaged marus had escaped. A report was sent to ComSubPac.
July 14 Contact 8
0041 hrs – With a bright full moon illuminating the area, we could make out a Mutsuki DD 10,000 yds ahead on a similar course. He was changing speeds and using his blinker lamp. General Quarters was sounded and we dove to PD.
0144 hrs – After observing the target, we first thought he might be the DD damaged by collision in our previous attack. He was still using his blinker lights and was only going at between 6-10 kts.
0300 hrs – We could make out Yokoate Island off our port beam, and it now appeared that this DD was simply patrolling the strait between Yokoate and Takarajima. As soon as the moon set, Tuna surfaced and altered course to the NW to run around the DD. This was accomplished without being detected and we then resumed our base course.
For the rest of the day we continued toward our assigned area. Twice we picked up high-speed screws, but both were well off our track and easily avoided. Shortly after daybreak we were forced by numerous a/c contacts to run submerged for the rest of the daylight hours.
July 15-16
We continued toward our assigned area, running submerged during daylight hours. There were no contacts.
July 17
1050 hrs – Tuna reached her assigned area. Fuel remaining was 66%. Updated orders were received to patrol in this area as long as fuel/torpedoes permitted.
July 17 Contact 9
1308 hrs – We made sonar contact with a maru, closing our position. Skies were clear but seas were rough as we commenced an intercept approach.
1312 hrs – The masts of a large freighter were sighted at a range of 14,000 yds. The target was making 9 kts on a steady course. He was unescorted.
1344 hrs – We went to PD when the range had closed to 9000 yds. It was decided to set up the attack using our stern tubes, and with the range down to 3000 yds we were in position to commence our attack.
1346 hrs – Tube #7 and #8 were fired, range 2500 yds, depth 18 ft.
1349 hrs – First torpedo exploded and broke the target’s back. The second torpedo hit the target forward soon after, but the ship was already breaking up from the first hit. The ship disappeared from view in less than 3 minutes. We then surfaced and resumed our planned course.
July 18
The weather turned foul, with high winds, heavy rain and near-zero visibility. A noon fix was taken through a break in the clouds, putting us at 29-46N 127-34E. The weather cleared up later in the afternoon, and we were forced to PD by an air contacts.
July 19
We ran in shallow water for most of the 19th (under 250 ft), encountering one air contact. The weather turned back to rain squalls and low fog. There were no contacts.
July 20 Contact 10
1113 hrs – Running at PD in heavy overcast, we made sonar contact with a convoy, bearing 079 deg. Tuna went to a hdg of 180 deg.
1148 hrs – The convoy was moving out of range, so we surfaced. Lookouts quickly spotted a maru making 5 kts. We ran at standard speed to intercept.
1155 hrs – We submerged and started to set up on a target, but suddenly saw an escort with a bone in his teeth heading directly for us at high speed. As we pulled the plug to go deep, a final scan showed 3 escorts closing our position.
1157 hrs – We reached a thermal layer at 260 ft. Depth charges were heard well distant from us.
1313 hrs – We lost contact after an hour or so and went back to PD for a look. The convoy was now about 9000 yds off and moving away at 9 kts. We had no chance to close the distance.
1350 hrs – The convoy suddenly zigged and was now heading straight for us. Their heading was now 215 deg, while Tuna had moved to a hdg of 110 deg and on an optimal attack course off their starboard bow. Range was 9000 yds and closing fast.
1406 hrs – With the range down to 3300 yds and 2800 yds respectively, we fired 2 torpedoes at each of 2 targets. Depth set at 18 ft. As soon as the last fish was away we went down looking for that thermal layer.
1410 hrs – Sound reported all 4 torpedoes hit, but neither maru had sunk.
1411 hrs – One target then exploded and sank. The other was now reported to be dead in the water.
1413 hrs – Tuna went to silent running at 300 ft. We had no more forward torpedoes to re-load and the escorts were close by and beginning their DC runs. Several charges exploded close by but caused no damage.
1440 hrs – The DC’s were now exploding well astern, so we went back to PD for a look-see.
1447 hrs – An a/c was spotted. One DD was stopped and pinging. Another was close by the crippled ship and looked to be transferring crewmen off her. We went back down to 250 ft and shut down our engines, waiting.
1531 hrs – One escort ran directly overhead but failed to drop any DC’s.
1606 hrs – Another check at PD showed the same DD still stationary.
1854 hrs – As the remnants of the convoy were moving off, we observed the cripple finally keel over and disappear from view.
2336 hrs – Despite one lone DD staying astern searching, we eventually got clear, surfaced and went back to our base course.
2356 hrs – We were forced down to PD by a night aircraft patrolling the area.
July 21 Contact 11
0548 hrs – Skies were clear with no moon. Lookouts spotted a large tanker dead ahead of Tuna and running on a similar course.
0637 hrs – After running at flank speed, we had closed to 5500 yds when the tanker opened fire. We returned the fire and maneuvered closer.
0646 hrs – After repeated hits by our 3” deck gun, the tanker was set on fire and exploded. We cleared the area and resumed our base course. This engagement effectively used up our remaining deck gun ammunition.
July 21 Contact 12
We were running at PD after SD radar picked up an a/c. Seas were high but the weather was clear.
1134 hrs – Sonar picked up multiple contacts, bearing 354 deg.
1143 hrs – At a range of 14,000 yds we sighted masts over the horizon, heading right at us.
1155 hrs – We could now see a large passenger liner, moving toward us at 12 kts. He was escorted by 5 DD’s by our count, an obviously important target. With no forward torpedoes remaining, we turned our stern tubes to bear and waited.
1206 hrs – Range now 6000 yds. Two escorts were within 3500 yds.
1211 hrs – All 4 remaining aft torpedoes were fired, with a 1 deg spread, range 5000 yds, depth set at 22 ft. We immediately went for deeper water after the last fish was cleared.
1213 hrs – We hit a welcome thermal layer at 270 ft. Equally welcome was Sound reporting 4 hits in succession, the final one causing a major secondary explosion.
1217 hrs – The DD’s were searching frantically, but by now they were well astern of us as we continued to move away. The death rattle of the liner was clearly heard through the boat on her way down. We also heard numerous DC’s, but all were distant and astern of us.
1258 hrs – Sonar picked up a 6th destroyer and a/c. We had apparently struck a nerve with the IJN.
1350 hrs – We cleared the area, surfaced, and headed for home. A report was sent to ComSubPac.
July 22-25
We continued eastward in intermittent heavy weather. We made several sonar contacts, but out of all ordnance, we did not attempt to intercept. Fuel was also a consideration weighing against extended pursuit.
July 26 Contact 13
0141 hrs - Running on the surface, lookouts sighted masts over the horizon. It was large tanker moving east toward Sofu Gan. As Tuna ran a parallel course well south of the tanker, we soon spotted several large warships at anchor near Sofu Gan. These ships were apparently waiting to be re-fueled by this tanker. The task force included a Kongo-class BB, 2 Maya-class CA’s, one Mogami-class CA, and several smaller escort vessels. A report was sent to ComSubPac.
July 26 Contact 14
2249 hrs – Running on the surface in very heavy seas, Tuna was surprised by a Japanese a/c. Most likely the bright moon had made it possible to spot us in the darkness. The plane dropped two bombs close by Tuna as we scrambled to get under.
2315 hrs – Safe at 80 ft, we shored up a damaged bulkhead. Hull damage was at 51%. In addition, 7 men topside during the attack were injured or wounded, 2 more seriously than the others. Repair of topside damage to the radio, SD radar antenna, and the TBT would have to wait until we could re-surface.
July 27-Aug 6
All topside damage had been repaired. The wounded men were tended to and in satisfactory condition. Tuna ran on the surface continuously after passing 152 deg E longitude. No more a/c were detected east of that line.
On August 3rd we crossed the 500-mile line and communicated our position to Midway.
We arrived Midway on the 6th. After topping off fuel and fresh water, we departed for Pearl Harbor. None of the wounded men needed to be hospitalized at Midway.
Aug 6-9
Tuna ran at standard speed (16 kts) for the return to P.H. We arrived without incident early on the morning of August 9, 1942.
Remarks
This was a very productive patrol with numerous targets. In fact, Tuna used more than half of her torpedoes before we reached our assigned area. Many attractive targets were encountered on our return leg as well. There was especially heavy southbound traffic in the Sofu Gan area.
Torpedo performance was excellent, with no duds reported and no premature detonations. However, it does require more than 2 hits to sink any but the smallest marus. Two badly damaged marus were able to escape after receiving 2 hits each during our attack of July 13. The passenger liner required 4 hits to sink.
The performance of the officers and crew of Tuna was exemplary in all respects, allowing for a successful war patrol.
Respectfully,
Lt. Jack Reno
Commanding Officer,
USS Tuna (SS-203)
Submarine Squadron 7
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Reno, JD/Lt., USN San Francisco, California
August 15, l942
US Pacific Fleet
Submarine Squadron 7
USS Tuna (SS-203)
To: The Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet
The Commander Submarine Squadron 7
The Executive Officer, Submarine Squadron 7
From: Lt. John D Reno, US Navy
Subject: Third war patrol of USS Tuna (SS-203)
Cycle: 3
Patrol Zone: Formosa/E China S Sectors: ID9/ID3l
TDC: Automatic Realism: 77%
Special Mission: None
Mods Used: Trigger Maru Overhaul l.9
Different Smoke TMO
Green Lock and Position B2
PTC9 Cycles Mod
Number of Warships Sunk: 0
Number of Merchants Sunk: 9
Warship Tonnage: 0
Merchant Tonnage: 60,726 tons
JANAC Tonnage: 42,508 tons
Types of Warships Sunk
Date Time Lat & Long Class of Vessel Raw Tonnage
11-July-42 0800 hrs 29-13N 140-04E Med European Composite Freighter 5,270
11-July-42 0801 hrs 29-13N 140-04E Med European Composite Freighter 5,394
11-July-42 0804 hrs 29-13N 140-04E Med European Composite Freighter 5,270
13-July-42 2331 hrs 29-04N 129-25E Med European Composite Freighter 5,480
17-July-42 1349 hrs 29-17N 125-48E Large Modern Composite Freighter 7,199
20-July-42 1410 hrs 28-47N 128-07E Large Modern Composite Freighter 7,192
20-July-42 1854 hrs 28-46N 128-07E Medium Old Split Freighter 5,466
21-July-42 0646 hrs 28-27N 128-45E Large Modern Tanker 10,024
21-July-42 1214 hrs 28-47N 129-21E Large Old Passenger Carrier 9,431
Torpedo and Ordnance Information
On Board: 24
Fired: 24
Impacts: 20
Misses: 4
Duds: 0
Premature Detonation: 0
Deck Gun Loaded: 100% used
Prologue
USS Tuna returned to Pearl Harbor from patrol in early June. For two weeks Tuna underwent refit and testing. On June 22nd Tuna reported ready for sea and orders were issued: “Depart Pearl Harbor for the East China Sea/Formosa...engage and destroy all enemy shipping”.
On June 27, l942 USS Tuna, with a crew of 6 officers and 64 enlisted, set out from Pearl and made a course for Midway. We arrived early on the evening of the 30th. After re-fueling and replenishing our provisions and fresh water, we departed just before midnight.
Narrative
July 1-9
Tuna ran eastward at 11 knots in generally calm seas. Sufficient time was devoted to training dives and other drills. A close watch was kept on fuel consumption. There were no contacts during this time.
July 9 Contact l
l050 hrs – SD radar picked up a contact at long range. Tuna was approximately 35Onm NE of the Bonin Islands. We submerged to PD and continued on course. The a/c passed off the radar and we had no further contact.
July 9-10
We continued on a heading of 275 deg, running submerged during daylight hours. There were no contacts.
July 11 Contact 2
0712 hrs - Our position was now due south of Lot’s Wife (Sofu Gan). Sonar picked up distant screws off our starboard beam. It was still pre-dawn and Tuna continued running on the surface.
0735 hrs – After running on an intercept course for 20 minutes, lookouts made visual contact with a convoy of 8-10 marus, moving southeast in a rough 3x3 formation. Sonar also identified 2 sets of fast screws, but no visual could be made on any escorts. With the range at 9500 yds and the sky beginning to brighten, Tuna went to PD and started an attack approach.
0757 hrs – The formation was moving on a steady course at 9 kts. We were 4500 yds off the convoy’s starboard quarter when we commenced our attack. 6 torpedoes were fired, 3 on the forward target and 3 on the middle target. There was a 1 degree spread on the torpedoes fired at each target, with hopes that any misses would perhaps find a target in the center or port column. Torpedoes were set for magnetic detonation and depth set at 18 ft.
0803 hrs – Fast pinging signaled an escort closing fast and Tuna headed down to 280 ft and rigged for depth charge attack. The first run of DC's exploded close aboard, but no damage was reported. Explosions soon indicated our torpedoes had reached their targets. 2 torpedoes hit the initial target, 3 more hit the second, and the 6th torpedo hit a ship in the second column.
1206 hrs – Tuna remained submerged for the next 4 hours under the cover of a thermal layer encountered at 290 ft. There seemed to be 2-3 escorts above, occasionally dropping DC’s, but never really getting close. Sound relayed breaking up noises on three distinct marus during this time. The remaining marus faded out of sonar range. Finally we returned to PD and the escorts were gone. Instead, we spotted a patrol plane. We went back down to 100 ft and waited it out.
2224 hrs – For over 10 hours Tuna played hide and seek with numerous patrol aircraft. Every time we went to PD, we could see aircraft patrolling the area. The batteries were now down to 8% and it was still light.
July 12
0050 hrs – The skies finally darkened enough for Tuna to surface. As we aired out the boat and recharged batteries, the deck watch reported that both the deck gun and AA guns were slightly damaged by the initial DC attack. Repair crews went to work right away and both were in working order before dawn. Tuna resumed her base course, bound for the East China Sea off Shanghai.
July 12 Contact 3
1021 hrs – Tuna went to PD after the SD radar picked up an aircraft closing our position. We remained submerged for the rest of the daylight hours.
July 12 Contact 4
2321 hrs – Lookouts spotted an aircraft at long range. He didn’t close on our position and we remained on the surface.
July 13 Position 29-12N 132-23E
Under the cover of heavy rain and frequent squalls, Tuna was able to maintain our westerly heading on the surface into mid-afternoon.
July 13 Contact 5
1513 hrs - Running in fog and low visibility, we made sonar contact with a fast-moving warship, bearing 330 deg. Tuna submerged and maintained course. The contact soon faded out of range.
July 13 Contact 6
1756 hrs – As the fog lifted we spotted a Jap patrol aircraft at some distance. He never altered course and was soon out of range.
July 13 Contact 7
1942 hrs – Tuna was cruising on calm seas with clear skies when sonar reported slow screws, bearing 149 deg. We reversed course to the ENE and awaited developments.
1957 hrs – At 10,000 yds the lookouts spotted the tops of masts, bearing 345 deg. A sharp AOB required us to maneuver into a better attack position. General Quarters was sounded and Tuna went to PD.
2004 hrs – It was now clear that we had stumbled upon a sizeable convoy, at least 8 marus. Range was 8500 yds. We were positioned off the port bow of the formation. The convoy was making 9 kts on a steady course.
2018 hrs – We had settled on 3 targets, all within 4500 yds. We had also identified at least 2 Mutsuki destroyers, one ahead of the convoy, and another running along the port side. Most likely a third DD was running on the starboard side.
We fired 6 forward torpedoes, 2 at each ship in the port column. All torpedoes were set at 18 ft depth and for magnetic influence detonation. As soon as #6 was away, Tuna reversed course and headed down to 300 ft.
2031 hrs – Sound had reported 4 hits out of the 6 torpedoes fired, hitting each of the 3 targets.
2035 hrs – Back at PD, we could see one ship dead in the water. Another ship was burning, but still moving at about 6 kts. The third damaged ship was listing hard to port and staggering along at around 2 kts. Three DD's were also visible: One looking for us at some distance away, a second attempting to round up the scattered convoy and get them back into formation, and a third who was closely escorting the listing ship.
We decided to attempt to sink the burning ship with 2 stern torpedoes, and fired them at a range of 5000 yds. We then went back down to 250 ft. Both torpedoes missed.
2044 hrs – Sound reported a collision between two of the Jap ships, one a destroyer, but we could not determine if any damage had resulted.
2115 hrs – Back at PD, we surveyed the situation. The burning ship was now back in the convoy, surrounded and protected by other ships running at 6 kts. The heavily listing ship was trailing the formation, but was shadowed closely by one DD. The third ship was left behind, but one DD lingered nearby, looking for a submarine.
2200 hrs – All the ships had gone out of view, save the dead in the water maru, and the 1 Mutsuki still hanging around. We didn’t want to use yet another torpedo on this target if at all possible. We would just have to wait out the enemy.
2248 hrs – The DD finally departed the area and rejoined the convoy, but only after several a/c arrived and were patrolling overhead. Tuna remained at PD, 5000 yds from the target.
2331 hrs – Finally, as darkness fell, the planes departed. Tuna surfaced and finished off the cripple with the deck gun at a range of 3000 yds. As the target sank, we resumed our base course. Two damaged marus had escaped. A report was sent to ComSubPac.
July 14 Contact 8
0041 hrs – With a bright full moon illuminating the area, we could make out a Mutsuki DD 10,000 yds ahead on a similar course. He was changing speeds and using his blinker lamp. General Quarters was sounded and we dove to PD.
0144 hrs – After observing the target, we first thought he might be the DD damaged by collision in our previous attack. He was still using his blinker lights and was only going at between 6-10 kts.
0300 hrs – We could make out Yokoate Island off our port beam, and it now appeared that this DD was simply patrolling the strait between Yokoate and Takarajima. As soon as the moon set, Tuna surfaced and altered course to the NW to run around the DD. This was accomplished without being detected and we then resumed our base course.
For the rest of the day we continued toward our assigned area. Twice we picked up high-speed screws, but both were well off our track and easily avoided. Shortly after daybreak we were forced by numerous a/c contacts to run submerged for the rest of the daylight hours.
July 15-16
We continued toward our assigned area, running submerged during daylight hours. There were no contacts.
July 17
1050 hrs – Tuna reached her assigned area. Fuel remaining was 66%. Updated orders were received to patrol in this area as long as fuel/torpedoes permitted.
July 17 Contact 9
1308 hrs – We made sonar contact with a maru, closing our position. Skies were clear but seas were rough as we commenced an intercept approach.
1312 hrs – The masts of a large freighter were sighted at a range of 14,000 yds. The target was making 9 kts on a steady course. He was unescorted.
1344 hrs – We went to PD when the range had closed to 9000 yds. It was decided to set up the attack using our stern tubes, and with the range down to 3000 yds we were in position to commence our attack.
1346 hrs – Tube #7 and #8 were fired, range 2500 yds, depth 18 ft.
1349 hrs – First torpedo exploded and broke the target’s back. The second torpedo hit the target forward soon after, but the ship was already breaking up from the first hit. The ship disappeared from view in less than 3 minutes. We then surfaced and resumed our planned course.
July 18
The weather turned foul, with high winds, heavy rain and near-zero visibility. A noon fix was taken through a break in the clouds, putting us at 29-46N 127-34E. The weather cleared up later in the afternoon, and we were forced to PD by an air contacts.
July 19
We ran in shallow water for most of the 19th (under 250 ft), encountering one air contact. The weather turned back to rain squalls and low fog. There were no contacts.
July 20 Contact 10
1113 hrs – Running at PD in heavy overcast, we made sonar contact with a convoy, bearing 079 deg. Tuna went to a hdg of 180 deg.
1148 hrs – The convoy was moving out of range, so we surfaced. Lookouts quickly spotted a maru making 5 kts. We ran at standard speed to intercept.
1155 hrs – We submerged and started to set up on a target, but suddenly saw an escort with a bone in his teeth heading directly for us at high speed. As we pulled the plug to go deep, a final scan showed 3 escorts closing our position.
1157 hrs – We reached a thermal layer at 260 ft. Depth charges were heard well distant from us.
1313 hrs – We lost contact after an hour or so and went back to PD for a look. The convoy was now about 9000 yds off and moving away at 9 kts. We had no chance to close the distance.
1350 hrs – The convoy suddenly zigged and was now heading straight for us. Their heading was now 215 deg, while Tuna had moved to a hdg of 110 deg and on an optimal attack course off their starboard bow. Range was 9000 yds and closing fast.
1406 hrs – With the range down to 3300 yds and 2800 yds respectively, we fired 2 torpedoes at each of 2 targets. Depth set at 18 ft. As soon as the last fish was away we went down looking for that thermal layer.
1410 hrs – Sound reported all 4 torpedoes hit, but neither maru had sunk.
1411 hrs – One target then exploded and sank. The other was now reported to be dead in the water.
1413 hrs – Tuna went to silent running at 300 ft. We had no more forward torpedoes to re-load and the escorts were close by and beginning their DC runs. Several charges exploded close by but caused no damage.
1440 hrs – The DC’s were now exploding well astern, so we went back to PD for a look-see.
1447 hrs – An a/c was spotted. One DD was stopped and pinging. Another was close by the crippled ship and looked to be transferring crewmen off her. We went back down to 250 ft and shut down our engines, waiting.
1531 hrs – One escort ran directly overhead but failed to drop any DC’s.
1606 hrs – Another check at PD showed the same DD still stationary.
1854 hrs – As the remnants of the convoy were moving off, we observed the cripple finally keel over and disappear from view.
2336 hrs – Despite one lone DD staying astern searching, we eventually got clear, surfaced and went back to our base course.
2356 hrs – We were forced down to PD by a night aircraft patrolling the area.
July 21 Contact 11
0548 hrs – Skies were clear with no moon. Lookouts spotted a large tanker dead ahead of Tuna and running on a similar course.
0637 hrs – After running at flank speed, we had closed to 5500 yds when the tanker opened fire. We returned the fire and maneuvered closer.
0646 hrs – After repeated hits by our 3” deck gun, the tanker was set on fire and exploded. We cleared the area and resumed our base course. This engagement effectively used up our remaining deck gun ammunition.
July 21 Contact 12
We were running at PD after SD radar picked up an a/c. Seas were high but the weather was clear.
1134 hrs – Sonar picked up multiple contacts, bearing 354 deg.
1143 hrs – At a range of 14,000 yds we sighted masts over the horizon, heading right at us.
1155 hrs – We could now see a large passenger liner, moving toward us at 12 kts. He was escorted by 5 DD’s by our count, an obviously important target. With no forward torpedoes remaining, we turned our stern tubes to bear and waited.
1206 hrs – Range now 6000 yds. Two escorts were within 3500 yds.
1211 hrs – All 4 remaining aft torpedoes were fired, with a 1 deg spread, range 5000 yds, depth set at 22 ft. We immediately went for deeper water after the last fish was cleared.
1213 hrs – We hit a welcome thermal layer at 270 ft. Equally welcome was Sound reporting 4 hits in succession, the final one causing a major secondary explosion.
1217 hrs – The DD’s were searching frantically, but by now they were well astern of us as we continued to move away. The death rattle of the liner was clearly heard through the boat on her way down. We also heard numerous DC’s, but all were distant and astern of us.
1258 hrs – Sonar picked up a 6th destroyer and a/c. We had apparently struck a nerve with the IJN.
1350 hrs – We cleared the area, surfaced, and headed for home. A report was sent to ComSubPac.
July 22-25
We continued eastward in intermittent heavy weather. We made several sonar contacts, but out of all ordnance, we did not attempt to intercept. Fuel was also a consideration weighing against extended pursuit.
July 26 Contact 13
0141 hrs - Running on the surface, lookouts sighted masts over the horizon. It was large tanker moving east toward Sofu Gan. As Tuna ran a parallel course well south of the tanker, we soon spotted several large warships at anchor near Sofu Gan. These ships were apparently waiting to be re-fueled by this tanker. The task force included a Kongo-class BB, 2 Maya-class CA’s, one Mogami-class CA, and several smaller escort vessels. A report was sent to ComSubPac.
July 26 Contact 14
2249 hrs – Running on the surface in very heavy seas, Tuna was surprised by a Japanese a/c. Most likely the bright moon had made it possible to spot us in the darkness. The plane dropped two bombs close by Tuna as we scrambled to get under.
2315 hrs – Safe at 80 ft, we shored up a damaged bulkhead. Hull damage was at 51%. In addition, 7 men topside during the attack were injured or wounded, 2 more seriously than the others. Repair of topside damage to the radio, SD radar antenna, and the TBT would have to wait until we could re-surface.
July 27-Aug 6
All topside damage had been repaired. The wounded men were tended to and in satisfactory condition. Tuna ran on the surface continuously after passing 152 deg E longitude. No more a/c were detected east of that line.
On August 3rd we crossed the 500-mile line and communicated our position to Midway.
We arrived Midway on the 6th. After topping off fuel and fresh water, we departed for Pearl Harbor. None of the wounded men needed to be hospitalized at Midway.
Aug 6-9
Tuna ran at standard speed (16 kts) for the return to P.H. We arrived without incident early on the morning of August 9, 1942.
Remarks
This was a very productive patrol with numerous targets. In fact, Tuna used more than half of her torpedoes before we reached our assigned area. Many attractive targets were encountered on our return leg as well. There was especially heavy southbound traffic in the Sofu Gan area.
Torpedo performance was excellent, with no duds reported and no premature detonations. However, it does require more than 2 hits to sink any but the smallest marus. Two badly damaged marus were able to escape after receiving 2 hits each during our attack of July 13. The passenger liner required 4 hits to sink.
The performance of the officers and crew of Tuna was exemplary in all respects, allowing for a successful war patrol.
Respectfully,
Lt. Jack Reno
Commanding Officer,
USS Tuna (SS-203)
Submarine Squadron 7
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
