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From:
LCDR. James D. Cox
To:
CMDR. Greg Turner
Cc:
ComSubPac
Date:
30 January 1942
Subject: Patrol
Report, USS-Pompano ( March 02 - Patrol # 1 )
Remarks:
1st War Patrol, USS-Pompano
Date: 29 January, 1942 Patrol Area: Palau
Islands
Sub: SS-181 , USS-Pompano Class: P
Crew: Green Status: Operational
Hull Damage:
(0 %) System Damage: (0
%)
Total Patrol Time: 18.
3 Days Repair Time: 0
Days
Fuel Used: 67, 677 (71
%) Realism Rating: 95%
Ships Sunk: 1 Tonnage: 42,540 / (14,180)
Pilots Saved: 0 Photo Recons: 2
Weather: Partly Cloudy Seas: Moderate
Patrol Mileage:
Ordnance Remaining: 0
-Mk-14's, 95 -Deck Gun Rounds
(Medals
Awarded - Navy Cross, Silver Star, Unit Citation)
Date Time
Location Ship
Type(Class) Tonnage Status
1). 08 Jan. 1942 04:53 07-32N,
135-11E Photo Reconnaissance N/A O.K.
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2). 15 Jan. 1942 14:25 07-32N,
135-11E Photo
Reconnaissance N/A O.K.
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3). 17 Jan. 1942 06:33 07-32N,
135-10E A6M2
Zero Fighter N/A Shot Down
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4). 21 Jan. 1942 18:44 07-01N, 135-26E
KAGA ( CV ) 42,540 SUNK
Total: 42,540
Raw / 14,166 Adjusted
Damage Sustained: NONE
Aircraft Shot Down: 1-A6M2 Zero Reconnaissance Aircraft,
Possibilly from Koror.
Commander's Comments: Arrived on station at PI-2. Started looking
for Jap's. Came across some fishing boats around Koror. Headed South, Southeast
from Koror to patrol that area of ocean, when we got a radio message for a
Photo Reconnaissance near Koror for the 8th of January, by 04:53. Patrolled
Southeast of Koror again. On the 15th, got another Photo Reconnaissance mission
for the same harbor again. "I guess the brass didn't get enough Photo's
the first time." So we headed in again. Completed the mission by 14:25.
Headed Northeast of Koror to move around to the other side of the Island when
we got it from one of the lookout's at 07:16 am "Aircraft spotted"
and before we made 35 feet we were straft 2 time's before are anti-aircraft
gun's got him, In the action Seamen J. D. Buckley was killed, and 1 other's
wound in the action. For which, I as commander of the USS POMPANO, I'm putting the 2 men in question in for a Purple Heart when we get back.
The other 2 planes’ came over for a look-see. But, by that time we were down to
65 feet and moving away at standard speed.
Headed back South, Southeast; When on the 21st of January at 16:30 hrs.
Came the prettiest flattop, as the SUN was setting, with 1-CL, 3-DD's escorting it
North, Northwest toward Koror. Moved in front of them when the CV made a turn
to port putting my 6 tubes dead on him. Fired 2 torpedo's at a depth of 20ft.,
2 at 15ft., and 2 at 10ft. @ a range of 800 yds. scoring 4 hits, with 2 of them
running to deep. It turned to starboard and came to a speed. of 9 kts. and
slowing down more, I got a bearing on him heading North at 5 kts. at this time
the escort's moved West, after depth charging us for 20 minute's or so, They
headed for the CL that was making 27kts. Leaving the CV to fend for itself.
Fired the other 10 torpedo's at different times, depths, and angles, ONLY!
to come up with 3 more hit's, or a 33% for the torpedo's fired. NOT GOOD!
Something is wrong with them, or the Crew. One thing's for sure; "I'll
find out what the problem is." The crew was able to repair all light
damage on the way back too PH, Please have Shipyard ready for a good look over
of the POMPANO.
Heading back to PH on the 25th of January after holding burial service for
Seamen J. D. Buckley at sea. It's a SAD day for the POMPANO. "But, One
we'll learn from! It's just sad it has to be the hard way."
LCDR. James D. Cox
CO: USS-Pompano, SS-181
U.S. Navy
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