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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUSS Tilefish History L' \ ......../ U 5 5 TlLEFJSH 55301 Battle .Flag ,FIRST PATROL: - Roger M. .KeitbJy 10 command 04/0311944 to OS/29/1944 (57days) Pearl Harbor to the Northern Marianas Island SUNK Transport (KSUGA MARU Class) 17,100 Tons Destroyer (WAKATAKE CLASS) 900 Tons 18,000 Tons j '-./ , SECOND PATROL: 0612211944 to 08115/1944 .(54 days,) .Majuro(MarsbaU 15..) to the.Luzon Strait SUNK Destroyer (FUBUKI CLASS) 1700 Tons (TOT. 19700 TONS) . THIRD PATROL: 09/10/1944 to 10/2411944 (44 days) Pearl Harbor to Okhotsk Sea - Kuriles Island SUNK 3- Small AK (eC) 7000 Tons 1- PYc (EC) 1000 Tons 1-Tra~er (eC) 100 Tons 81 00 ions DAMAGED 1- Med. AK (EC) 5000 Tons -(T-oT AL SUNK J DAM. 32800 TONS) .J FOURTH PATROL: 11/15/1944 to 01/0211944 (48 days) Midway Island to Kuriles Island & South of Honshu SUNK Cruiser (FURUTAKA CLASS) 9000 TONS (TOTAL SUNK I DAM. 41800 TONS) FIFTH PATROL: - Walter F. ScbJech, JR In command 01/3111945 to 0410411945 (64 days) Pearl Harbor to Nansei Shoto area & south of Honshu SUNK Destroyer (CHIDORI Type (EC) Wooden Lugger Trawler 600 Tons 90 Tons ~ Tons 710 Tons .(TOTAL 5UNK.lDAM 42510 TD.NS Also took one prisoner and rescued Ltjg William J. Hooks, USNR v SIXTH PATRD.L: 0810211945 to 09/07/1945 (35 days) Midway Island to Sakishima Gunto area NO Enemy Ships contacted - only friendly ships - assigned Life Guard Duty Returned to Guam enroute to Pearl Harbor. ~ PG#l '. ~ u S S TILEFISH #307 revised 1/2/02 ~~ .\ Preface: . ,J ~ This is an account of the exploits of the "TaEFISH" United States Submarine #88307 as remembered by Harry Duncan Irving (653-50-06). Note, information taken from my log which was written during my tour of duty on board the submarine through six war patrols will be in ITALIC . , ,t . Biulio Gang- US S TlLEnSH ,.j ~ Name Rate Adv. Arrived Left '--' R E Dorltty CRM (CRE) 12/15/43 10/23/44 B Browning RM2/C(RM2/C) 12/15/43 08123/44 G McCutcheon RM2/C(R.~I/C) 12/15/43 OS/29/44 08/15/44 OS/23/45 D Wallace RM3/C( 12/15/43 01109/46 B Worthington S2/C (S2/C) 12/15/43 02121/44 A P Day SI/C (RM3/C) 12/15/43 06/12/44 H Irving S2/C (;ilM2/C) 12/15/43 09/24/45 C W Roderick RM3/C(RM2/C) 06/12/44 04/13/45 C Cook RMl/C 06lxx/45 09/19/45 L Masek RM2/C, 07/17/45 R Marler RM3/C 07/31/45 T Kaszuba RM3/C(RM2/C) 07/31/45 1 O/??/46 .' J Cow.munication Officers Mr. Drake, Lt. Jg 1st Run Mr. Lathem, Ens 2nd Run Mr. Doriny, CRE 3rd Run Mr. Ward, LL4th Run " 5th Run " 6th Run Trans. to USS Kete (Lost) Trans. to USS Escolar(Lost) TileflSh (88307) was built at the Mare Island Navy Yard at Vallejo, Ca. Lt. Comdr. Roger Myers Keithly was the first in command. The Tilefish was built to accommodate sixty-six (66) individuals, but the crew numbered more than eighty (80). There were eleven (11) seamen on board and I was one of them (Seamen l/C) and I was without a bunk. I was assigned two bunks, which I could sleep in providing a higher ranked sailor, was not.in them. This arrangement, (called hot bunking) was all right while at sea but when in port I bad to search for an empty bunk or sleep topside. ~ J .;J PG#2 THE GOOD ZIP LULL Y POP USS TILEFISH ,>j ~ Commissioning Shake-Down--in SanDiego Left Marie Is. for Pearl Arrived at Pearl Harbor Dec. 15, 1943 Feb. 3 to 21, 1944 March 5, 1944 March 13, 1944 J On March 7th 19441 became 20 years old. Although I was no longer a teenager, I was still just an inexperienced, (and somewhat gullible, wavy redhead) kid. I could not wait to reach Hawaii to see the grass huts and the natives (especially the ones wearing only grass skirts) Imagine my disappointment when my first view of Pearl and Honolulu was the modern high rise buildings and not a grass hut or native In sight While at Pearl, our Executive Officer, J. L. Jordan, accepted command of another boat and Lt. Charles W. Styer became our new Executive Officer. Left Pearl for first War Patrol Refueled at Johnston Island April 3, 1944 April 5, 1944 This tiny Coral Atoll was located about 800 miles from Honolulu and covered about half a square mile until the Navy enlarged it to make space for an airfield and fuel storage. Even with it being larger we had a difficult time to see it and the dock must of been a mile long in order to reach deep enough water for a boat or ship to tie up. o Left five hours later (5 PM) Crossed International Date Une April 9, 1944 On Station east of Honshu April 15 1944 Left Patrol Area May 15 1944 Extended Patrol through Marianas Is May 18th to 21st 1944 Arrived at Majuro, in the Marshalls May 29, 1944 Tilefish was designed for speed on the surface of 20.25 knots per hour (nautical mile= 6075 ft). When submerged speed was only 8.75 knots per hour. Prior to reaching the Patrol Area we traveled on the surface as much as possible and only diving to trim the boat or hide from approaching aircraft. J Once on station the mode of operation became more rigid, precise, and enduring. At dusk after 1800 hours (6:00 pm) the Klaxon would hoot "aooga--aooga- aooga" and all hands on duty would respond to bring the boat to the surface. As soon as the surface was reached, many task had to be started and finished quickly because there was always the potential of danger and the urgency to make a rapid dive. The diesel engines were started immediately to turn the electric generators housed beneath them. Generators would begin turning to power the main motors and charge the batteries located in the forward and after battery compartments. Above the forward battery compartment was the officers quarters and above the after battery were bunks for the crew. On the surface the diesel engines provided '--' the power to move and operate the boat. When submerged storage batteries J provided the power and it was imperative to acquire a full charge because when the Klaxon sounded "aooga--aooga" diving procedure would be set in motion and the time frame for surfacing would be unknown. ~ ~ .Pg.#3 Fired first torpedoes at a 17,150 ton KSUGA MARU (passenger Liner) off of Kii Siudo on May 11, 1944 at 9:20 A.M. and sank it. One torpedo missed the Maru and hit and sank a destroyer (WAKATAKE class, 900 tons) Received depth charges (a bomb capable of exploding under water) 30 seconds after our first hit Depth charging destroyer had our number. The boat survived the depth charging for over two and a half-hours. During this first time depth-charging encounter, I experienced two audible sounds. First, the "CLICK - CLICK" of the detonators making contact to ignite the depth charges. Second, the gigantic blast of the exploding bombs that cause the boat to shake, tremble, and groan. I was assured if I did not hear the "click" the explosion would not be lethal as it would be to far away. But, if I did hear the "clickll then the inevitable explosion could cause serious damage. Click or no click - click, I was scared and I was glad God heard my Mother's Prayers. And then I realized that there were no Atheists on board. L While under the destroyer's barrage, we rigged for silent running and even stopped completely. We were down for an awful long time. Actually we had submerged at 0427 on the eleventh and did not surface until 1940 that evening. We were down over fifteen hours. During this time we stripped some of the bunks and spread crystals of lithium hydroxide over the sheets to absorb ttle carbon dioxide out of the air so that we could breath better. It made you itch and man did it get HOT. The destroyer stopped his attack because of killing survivors in the water or because he thought he got us. My duties when diving was manning the Water Manifold (opening and closing valves to permit water to be pumped or blown to various tanks located in and around the boat). At a later date I found out that our boat had taken on to much water and dove to an extremely dangerous depth of 580 feet which exceeded test depths. The following is a segment taken from the deck log on that day. IIAt 0940 ship started settling. At 475 feet, in attempting to blow #1 auxiliary with 225 pound air, we took on about 1500 pounds of water. By the time the 225 relief valve could be gagged and enough water blown from #1 auxiliary to check down way, control room depth was 530, after torpedo room 580 feet. II What I didn't know didn't hurt me. On May 23, 1944 a Japanese Airplane Pilot more than likely reported the sinking of one American Submarine. For it was on that day, while we were snooping around Pagan Is. in the Mariania' s, we received a (too) close for comfort, aerial bomb. We were on our way to Majurio at the time. (The following is an excerpt from a letter written by Bob Grinde after the reunion held at Salt Lake City:---lIlt was good to see Harry and Anita Irving. Bill Thomas had some things to say about him, most of them good. Harry stood Watches on the radar, a protege of Bill at the time. Bill told of the time our radar officer didn't listen to Harry about an aircraft contact and we got a bomb dropped near us as we dove, very near). The following was entered into my Service Record, "5-23-44: Qualified for submarine torpedo boat duty this date" Before we completed this patrol on May 26 th, George McCutcheon, RM 2/C, became ill. Problem was diagnosed as appendicitis. The Doctor from the U.S.S. "-.,., Paterson was brought aboard to review George's condition. Decision was made to operate and he was transferred over to the U. S. S. Patterson. ~ J \ J ~ o ~ -P.G.#4 Being my first patrol and being only a Second Class Seaman my duties while on the surface was a "LOOKOUT". From up in the periscope sheathing (the structure surrounding and protecting the periscope) I would look through binoculars to scan the horizon and the surrounding waters for any object that might turn out to be a ship. One never sees a ship at first sight, but a puff of smoke or a slim toothpick (a mast or smoke stack) sticking above the horizon. While on the surface Lookouts (three up in the periscope sheathing at all time) would rotate by relieving the person at the Helm and then a short rest in the Control Room, and then back up to the super structure to search the horizon. If we were patrolling on the surface at night, We were required to wear "red night vision goggles" while at rest in the Control Room and prior to going up to the Bridge. The reason for the goggles was to keep our eyes acclimated to the darkness. Radar was always in use while on the surface but it was the Lookouts trained eyes that were trustworthy. While heading for our patrol area we constantly trained making dives. Getting down from the periscope shears, through the hatch to the conning tower and through another hatch to the control room had to be accomplished in a matter of seconds. Once submerged the Lookouts would rotate manning the helm, bow I stern planes, and the manifold:. Since I was a Radio Striker, I spent my leisure time in the Radio Shack observing and performing work under supervision. One of my (ordered) leisure duties was Movie Operator and responsible for the care and return of the films back to the Base Library. While at sea movies were frequently shown in the forward torpedo room. In port movies was shown topside. When subs were moored side by side, some evening sailors had the luxury to view a movie of their choice. I guess one could consider this patrol the maiden voyage of the Tilefish. Although there was a shakedown and a long trip to get on station, the boat had some mechanical problems. The fathometer failed, the periscope fogged up, rain squalls and whales showed on the radar as enemy contacts and the bow planes would bind up and break loose with a thud. If we were submerged and under attack by a destroyer, a thumping noise would bring disaster. Seaman (radio striker) A. P. Day went over the side and lubricated the planes to solve the problem. First Patrol run lasted 57 long days. The patrol was completed at Majuro in the Marshall Islands on May 29,1944. It was a successful patrol, and also a hair raising or losing one at that. We tied up along side (AS15) Bushnell a Sub-Tender. First thing on the agenda was a complete physical examination. Half the crew boarded a launch and went to the island for a week of recreation. Standard procedure was half the crew (starboard watch) would stay on board to work and help repair or retrofit the boat while the other half (port watch) relaxed. I was supposed to go but I failed the Tooth Physical (gingivitis or pyorrhea of the gum). About six of us had the same problem and so we were allowed to go to the island providing we ate our meals away from everyone and the utensils were scalded and kept separate from others. Also, every morning bright and early we had to go down to the dock, and take a motorboat out to the Bushnell just to rinse our mouth out with some foul tasting blue liquid. This activity took all morning. By the time we would get back to the island all the recreation equipment was distributed, and everyone had their beer and selected who was to play .on what-teams. v J J ~ ~ ~ PG#5 We were not happy with the situation and so after the third day we decided to miss the motorboat That afternoon we were rounded up by the Shore Patrol. Went before the Captain. Because of our teeth we almost went to the Brig. Lt. Commander Keithly, assume we did not miss the motorboat on purpose and decided to let us return to our R & R. The next day we were declared safe to mingle with others. Hurrah, I finally was assigned a bunk of my own. When entering the Forward Torpedo Room through the watertight door, hanging from the overhead was two racks with a plastic covered mattress on them. About a foot above was a hydraulic valve that always leaked pungent smelly oil. In fact, when the boat was submerged a mixture of all the different oils, battery fumes, sweat, head (toilet) and mess cooking caused a smell beyond description. Here is an excerpt from the control report, "At the beginning of the patrol the flushing valves to the head began to leak slightly necessitating leaving head flappers open during dive. This resulted in a constant bad odor in the boat. Several flushing of both sanitary tanks during the night and the use of deodorant did not eliminate the foul smell". You learned to live with it and didn't know how bad it was until the boat surfaced and foul air was pulled throughout the boat into the intake of the main engines and replacing the stench with fresh sea air. Just below my bunk against the bulkhead was a metal sink and mirror. Every time I shaved someone would always razz me about shaving hair that wasn't there. Pfeiffer, the Gunnersmate had a black beard with flecks of gray. Browning the Radioman had a brownish beard. So, I decided to stop shaving and grow a red beard -and -stop the -r-azzing. J o I J PG#6 J Second Patrol "-' U..Jg. Drake, who was our Communicat.ion Officer on the first patrol was transferred to J the U55 Kete, 55367. Ensign Lathem became our new Communication Officer. Left Majur.o for the 2nd P.atr.ol Arrived on Station Made..some Hits.and Misses June 22, 1-944 July 3, 1944 July 1-8, 1-944 J This P~tr.ol Run turned -out t-O be aImoStjust~s~xdtJ49~sthe:fliSf.._J-IqWf1V~,'jt~" ..' quite different from the . first The main difference. was the fact tbat we went in a Wolf Pack~ , The US S R-OCk, SS-274. U S ~ SawfjshJ~276)iv.<<:-e,~,partnf#s In,,~.,The.,~W8$.,., called "Wilkin's Wildcats" for Captain W. D. Wilkin, COM5UBDIV 42 (he sailed on the Tilefish as Task Group Commander)~. Our ~ol-ar~ ~ m,~~,~~.'~~.:~r~~,~~~"... and Bashi Channel. . . . The -Only def-ect in thisr-Ul1 was tiie.~irJg,.q(r,#lJs.:upQIJ..9Uf.9V(lt$hi~~:" It is:.~.fUfl!1Y," thing to be making an attack o".a ship,.and aJew ~econds before firing.findout that the ship is y.our own sidekick. Many:~ .ti#ui.w"w~-e~, perf~,$fJtllPt-OfthJl.Sawl!$.h... O.n.this run,.) ., was now a Radioman 3/C and. my off duty assignment was the Radio Room while on the surface. Radia play-ed aniltJpQrliint pag'~.tltisJUI'I~.... ..\fV-e, \f-er.(;J.iIIwaY$iltf~::COJl~_wi#1:;- J each other and many times we stopped oneotollrown~()ats from attacking us. The' Patrol Report contains the foltowing statement, "Sptit~...~ .was"~Opd,~NI?M.:~Ild, YiQlf.,... . pack frequency. NKN was received by loud speaker. The proverbiaione armed paper .. \......... hanger with the itch had nothing on our ra<Uomen." J Made -an -attack on a ~v.oy and made~~on.a<O,Fr~ig~~t:.. .Purne~*v.;i(;ti~.Jhi$.rUlJ,{:, was a (1700 ton) destroyer, which at the time was in its glory tossing depth charges at the . J .uss Rock. It seems the Rock had fir.ed and hit ~ Jap Mer.chant Ship and the -escorting Destroyer didn't want to let them get away with it The destroyer found their position and started thr-Owing h-eIJ aII-Ov-er. Knowing the Sawfish was Mt-er -another ship, and the Rock was on its last legs, we decided to give the Rock a much-needed helping hand. We closed in on the -destr-Oy-er just -as she w~s r.eady t-O dr.op some mor-e -Charges. W-e fir.ed f-OUf t-arpedoes - the destroyer saw them coming but did not turn away fast enough. Only one of them hit and it was .enough t.o Jcnock the bow -Up -Ov.er the bridg.e. The DO could -StiJI make knots -and started heading for shallow water. We then fired some more this time hitting it And sending -Ship -and -erew down to Davey Jones. While tracking and attacking the -COnvoy various aircraft were flying overhead. Just prior to firing torpedoes at the destroyer a bomber headed right for .us and dropped one aerial bomb. He was dose but did not win the cigar. After the sinking of the destroyer additional aircraft filled the air and we received five more bombs. Also.on this r-un, the Wolf P-ack was given the job ta -Sink -a Jap SubJ-29 which was on its way to Formosa carrying some German Technician. All other submarines had failed to.stop it, -and jf we didn't IJ-O one would. All three -subs spr-ead out in front d the harbor. About two in the afternoon I heard screws (propellers) on the sound gear. The Exec. \.-t ran -up the scope ta investigate. He looked just in time t.o see Jap Sub go -Up in ~ bang. The Sawfish was the one to see them first That night we received a radio msg. from the SawrJSh -Saying-Sight-ed Sub Sank Same-. J J J J PG#7 '-' Left Patrol Area Arrived Midway Is. Left next day R6aChed Pearl Harbor Aug. 3, 1944 Aug. 10, 1944 Aug. 11, 1944 Aug. 1-5, 1-944 v J 2nd Patrol run lasted 54 days. On this Patrol I was assigned to man the sound gear while submerged. The Tilefish made another successful patrol. A two weeks rest was the reward for our patrol. This two weeks was spent at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The other boats received the same. It was a common thing to receive the hearty thanks from a member of the Rock's crew. A war patr.ol tast between fifty .and sixty days. Being.at sea that .long coukI become ve.ry dull and depressing but there were battle actions and drills that kept you on your toes. Then there was the .crew's mess. We had the best of food. The.coffee .urn never went dry. Twenty-four men could dine seated around four tables and on eight padded box benches. The benches held the dishes.and .other eating tools. Besides being.a dinmng room, it was .a recreation room .and library. Cribbage and poker were the main card games. I could never grasp the skill for cribbage and never played poker for fear of losing my money. Money was never on the table. Somehow it was part of the game. There were books and other reading material such as studies for promotion and the boats newspap~r. J "The Tillieboat Tattler" was the name given to the boat's newspaper. Chief Doritty and Elrowning were the main editors and a number of the poems printed can be attributed to them. G wever, Electricians Mate L. Carlisle had been known to sit in a corner of the maneuvering room making rhymes about his shipmate mundane happenings. Each evening when the boat surfaced, the radio operator would instantly tune in comsubpac to receive the code messages addressed to the captain. Non-military broadcasts were received next and would be in plain language and transmitted at a high rate of speed. I marveled at the typing and deciphering skills of Doritty and Browning. The news consisted of boat scuttlebutt, sport box scores, and some current events. The Tattler was a moral booster and the crew were always eager for the publication. J J McCutcheon came back on board. With him, Roderick, Lusk (Lusk was a radio tech.) we took in the sights and sound of Honolulu. It seemed that the sailors that worked to together went on liberty together. Hannon, McCarthy and Nettleton were Electrician Mates and when you saw one you saw the others. I don't know how it happened but Nettleton and I had a picture taken together. At Honolulu's ocean resort area was the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Prior to December 7th 1941 it was a vacation retreat for big spenders. The hotel was located at a beautiful spot on Waikiki beach with an unobstructed view of Diamondhead the famous extinct volcano jutting into the ocean. The Navy acquired control of the hotel for the duration of the war to be used as Rest and Relaxation for military personnel. Sometimes called "R & R". It was more like Rock & Roll. There was very little rest but it was party time day and night J Submarine Division 43 accomplished refit of the boat. While at Pearl, a 4O-millimeter gun was installed. The Tilefish had a 4" inch gun forward of the conning tower. On the platforms fore '-" j aft of the bridge there were two 20 millimeters and two .50 caliber machine guns. J J J PG#8 Third Patrol J I o Ensign H. C. Latham, our Communication Officer on the 2nd patrol was transferred to the USS Escolar, 55294. Chief Radioman R. E. Doritty was promoted to Warrant Officer and became our new Communication Officer. With the addition of the 40 MM gun and some 0 training the boat and men became ready to conduct more aggressive battle surface attacks" 'Electric torpedoes were loaded on the boat for the first time. These torpedoes were quite an improvement. It also curtailed the production of torpedo juice. Torpedo juice is the product from distilling the substance that was used as a reagent (alcohol and a greenish-blue liquid) to propel the torpedo. Some sailor called it Gilley (it was pure alcohol). Left Pearl Harbor for 3rd Patrol Arrived and left Midway same day Sept 10, 1944 Sept 14, 1944 Y.eS, we.left t-hesame day. W.e did hav.e ttme to give.our sldppef' -a Commandef' Cap and a littler help over the side to celebrate his promotion This patrol run was also a successful one. To make writing short & because I can't remember everything in detail I will say very little about this patrol. Our area was (in the Sea of Okhotsk and off the Kurillslands) up North by Russia. The first target was a (100 ton) Sampan (a small boat with a stern oar). We battle surfaced and used all our deck guns to blast it out of the water. We were credit with---J hitting and destroying a partly beached ship (5000 ton Freighter, west of Shimushiru Island) We also hit bottom while trying to get that certain ship. The most damage was to one I sound head (the other was not being used). We hit and sank a merchantmen (3000 ton \..../ Freighter). The escorting destroyer did not stay but left a P. C. to pick up survivors. As a J result the Japs are also minus a, (1000 ton) Patrol Craft. Also we sank two more merchantmen, (equated to 5000 tons). We fired at the largest and the explosion was so great that the ship beside it was damaged and sank also. J T-he -af'.ea -Of pat-r.ot in -and .around Russia -Cf'.eated the possmiUty -Of sinking Sov-iet ships. Also, there was the possibility of a Japanese ship traveling in the Russian Sea Lane. Three -contact-and tracking were carried -OUt-and. halted short -Of firing torpedoes when. the ships were identified as Russian. During the evening of October 13th we were very close to land when a large OWL decided to rest on the deck. In the early morning we slowly headed back out to deeper waters. The owl took off, started to fly toward land, but he circled around and flew back to the boat. He did this numerous times and in the meantime the Tilefish is going further away from land. Alas, the owl fell to the deck exhausted and the Captain had the bird taken below just before we submerged. The crew named the owl "BORIS KOZOTSKI" Some of the waters in this area were quite amazing, as luminous waves on occasion would flow over the bow of the boat The following is an excerpt from the report of third patrol; "During the night we passed through about ten phenomenally bright pools of phosphorus. These pools were as much as a mile in diameter and when seen from about ten J miles away the reflection on the low hanging fog bank resembled the glow from a large searchlight. Plowing through these poolS gives one the same feel as walking through an antiquated grave yard at midnight holding hands with Bela Lugosi, Frankenstein and the "-" Wolf Man". J J ~ PG#9 I don't recall the length of this run but I do know that we left station three days early but reached Midway Island two days late. Records show that we left the patrol area on October 18th. The third patrol ended on October 24th 1944 The reason for this was due to a typhoon. That was the worst weather I was ever in and the worst I ever hope to be in. One wave hit us broadside and the boat rolled over and I swear the periscopes hit the water. I don't know what happened down below but I thought I was going to drown and hung on to the rails for dear life. One -day we -dove because.the boat was just staying -in.one spot The record states that on one occasion the sea built up to about 40 feet from trough to -er-est-and the T-iIef!sh r-Ode for two -days -by heading .dir.ect~y into the seas.and making 80 rpms. Down at sixty-five feet the boat still rocked and rolled. Most people talk about the joys of the South Pacific. Let me tell you there is no joy in the North Pacific. ~' After r.eaching Midway the -er-ew spent.a tw.o w-eeks r-est.at Gooneyvjlle. The greatest entertainment on Midway was drinking "Torpedo-juice") and watching "Gooneybirds". A Gooneybird is the name sailor gave to the Albatross a sea bird with long wings and a portly body that used Midway as a nesting area and did their mating ritual near the landing field. Their mating dance was remarkable but all their other activities were down right hilarious. When they wanted to fly they would attempt a take off by flapping their wings and running as fast as possible. Sometime they became airborne and sometimes they would trip and fan on their beak. All of their landing end up as three pointers with their beak bring them to an abrupt halt. The chicks were a sight for sore eyes, with their long beak, protruding eyes and bare wings sticking out from a layer of fuzzy soft feathers. OH--while our Russian Feathered Friend was being displayed to the island personnel, the tether around his feet became untied and Boris flew off to mate with Gooney. -Not -long -after -reaching Midway, wor~ was r-e-ceived that the ESCOLAR was overdue and assumed lost On October 17th, eighty men including Ensign Lathem went down with the S S 294. ~ J J J J J J J J J J PG #1-0 ~ v Fourth Patrol Chief Doritty was transferred and Lt. Ward became the new Communication Officer# / ----- Left Midway for 4th Patrol Nov. 151 1944 On Nov. 18th, just after crossing the International Date Line (18Oth meridian) the unthinkable happened. A Hot Run in #8 torpedo tube was a frightening experience for the men in the after torpedo room. Wilken Nesbitt recalled the Hot Run and once when they couldn't close outer doors. He told Smith, "This will peel back like a banana if it goes off". When it was all over, there was no damage to the torpedo tube and no reports of injuries. This is -another patr.ol J -can r-emember v.eI}' little -about. W.e-Started.the rmt by going nor-th, near the Kurile Island and in the Okhotsk Sea. It was bitter cold and it was not safe to be on the surface. While up there we battle surfaced on a Jap fishing boat not far from the spot where we ran aground on our last run. Actually we surfaced while it was snowing and visibility was very poor. A target was only faintly sighted and after a duration of three hours, and three torpedo attacks the weather became clear and the target was identified as a wooden hull boat floating high on the waves and every torpedo went under the boat. Poor sea conditions prevented using J deck guns. \ Business was poor at this time of year. No enemy ships were sighted. Two Russia freighters were tracked before identification was confirmed. It was very cold and it stormed often. Weather and seas were as bad as on our previous patrol. The water was found to be much calmer at 150 feet. We radio for a change of area. It was given to us. We were sent south of the Empire to do life guard duty off Najima Saki. This ruined our chance to add tonnage "-..../ to our score, which so far was very good, but we were there for a purpose. That was to pick up any 8-29 flier who had a mishap while on a bombing mission. J For some reason or other, on this patrol the boat did not carry the encoder I decoder machine. It was a highly secret machine similar to a typewriter. By inserting certain discs and typing in plain language the machine's printout would be in code format. Conversely, if you type the coded or scrambled messages the output would be in plain language. This machine in the hands of tile enemy would be disastrous. Befor-e -entering .our new patr-Ol-ar-ea, we met w.ith the submar.ine that was .leaving the ar-ea. The following is from the Tilefish log recorded on December 14th. Time: 2000 (8 o'clock in the evening) "Rendezvous with U.S.S. Scabbardfish. There is an eight to ten foot swell which will make handling of rubber boat difficult; holding position close aboard to Scabbardfish is touch and go. Sent our five movies wrapped in rain clothes and tied in waterproof bag; received back three movies and E. C. M.; movies damp and E.C.M. completely flooded. Time: 0040 (12:40 am) Rubber boat back aboard, parted company with Scabbardfish set course 270 degrees. Inspection of cargo revealed that E.C.M. will require complete disassembly, baking, etc. Key list C all days except 17 th to 23rd inclusive not useable because of moisture" J ----./ ---..-/ PG#11 Well, that's what the log said. And, what we did subsequently was against regulations. ~. We opened up the Electric Code Machine, as we dismantled a diagramed was made showing how the components linked to each other. After drying and lubricated the contents, all the parts were put back based on the diagram. Now, we were able to receive and send coded messages. Back in Pearl, (Comsubpac) superiors were wondering how we were able to use the machine. It was around this time that the battle in the Philippines was going on. We spotted a Heavy Cruiser (9000 ton) making all the speed possible in that direction. We got ahead of him an~ let him have three of our torpedoes (eight torpedoes were fired and three hit). Result one less Cruiser to fight in the Philippines and us with a bigger score than before" There were three aircraft circling overhead dropped bombs but did no damage. A patrol craft dropped depth charges about an hour as we cleared the area and headed for deeper water. Received radio message of a down 8-29. Arrived at the point of ditching and searched the area but we were unable to locate the aviators. It was presumed the flyers were picked up by a Japanese Flying Boat. We covered the search area twice and were dishearten when the rescue mission was called off. Although this search was a failure, there is consolation in the fact that United State Submarines picked up over 550 pilots during the war. This was the first time I celebrated Christmas and welcomed the New Year while at sea and I guess I handled the circumstance reasonably well. A few days after (December ~ 24th 1944) we headed for Pearl stopping at Midway to refuel. Arrived at Pearl Harbor on ~ January 2nd 1945 for refitting by Orion, AS-18. There was an inquiry concerning the opening and cleaning the E.C.M. Lt. Ward took the brunt of the questioning and accepted full responsibility for the action. We spent two weeks at the Royal Hawaiian and then made ready for the next patrol. This is the second time we had the opportunity to stay at the swanky retreat. Sorry to say there was no maid service or room service of any kind. It was still a pleasure to be there. The last time we were in Pearl, John Lusk and I had pictures taken together to show off our beards. The picture was low quality. This time Glen Rose and I found a barber who trimmed our beards ever so lightly. Then we had our pictures taken by a professional photographer giving us an unforgettable memento of our hair growing achievement. ~ PG #12 \...." J Fifth Patrol Left Pearl far the 5th Patral Jan. 31, 1945 A new Captain was in command (Comdr. Walter F Schlech, Jr.). We headed for the Marianas with the Thresher (SS200) Peto (SS265) and Shad (SS235). En route we participated in exercises and searched for survivors of a downed American plane. Refueled at Siaea!1. Tilefish Left Siapan F~~~,,11,.191-5, Feb. 12,1945 The Thresher, Peto, and Shad became a wolf pack named "Middleton's Lobsters". On Feb. 16th the pack went their way and we continue toward our patrol area. This run is ane I will never forget To begin with we were given lifeguard duty around the Ryukyus.. Some believe that "Lifeguard Duty If was a snap and a pleasure. Not so, in fact it was a distinct danger. It involved running on the surface, in bright daylight and in enemy waters. We also had to send weather reports every so often. On this run thirty-one enemy aircraft were recorded while we were on station. No attempt was made to engage planes in combat. If a plane came within a certain distance we would submerge. If an aircraft was considered friendly and did not exchange recognition signals we dove. G February 17th, the Gun Crew had fun (target practice) shooting floating mine out of J the water, until a plane approached within five miles and we made an emergency dive. When we surfaced the Gun Crew had more fun cleaning all the guns after their salt-water bath. February 18th we arrived in the Nansei Shoto Area and stayed in the area until March 10th. During this time we sent many weather reports, radar positions and other information considered helpful for invading aircraft.. Had numerous sighting and tracking of small Sampans and Fishing trawlers. The Captain decided to "Battle Surface" and take on a Sampan before leaving the area. February 28th, We battle surfaced on a fishing boat, (90 ton cargo ship). The idea was to take some prisoner to get information. After we fired our first barrage orders were shouted loud and clear lIaim for the bow all itls crew are hiding aft". As if by accident all guns aimed astern of the boat and shot the boat out of the water. We did the job to good- -We sank the boat and thus, killed the men. About an hour later we had to dive because of an airplane. Just before surfacing we saw a Jap sub. heading for us (on tlte surface). We fired (six) 6 torpedoes and missed (actually six were fired fwd and four aft). He got out of that area in a hurry. An hour later we surfaced and were on our merry way when a lookout spotted a torpedo. We went right full rudder and all ahead emergence. Two torpedoes ~ w~ whizzing by -US. J PG #1-3 It was not long after this that the prelude to the invasion of Okinawa was staged. G During this first fleet raid a fighter pilot was shot down. Luck was with us and we were J able to rescue him. The date was March 1st, when three friendly planes flew toward us and one was in trouble. The damaged fighter hit the water 500 yards off the starboard bow. The plane sunk in twenty seconds. But the pilot was able to escape. Shrapnel was embedded in his arm and he suffered cuts when his plane hit the water. He was having trouble staying a float and was unable to assist in his rescue. Chief Commissary Steward; Captain (his first name) Satterwhite (Whitey, his nickname) a member of the rescue team, realized the pilot's predicament and jumped over the side to bring him aboard. Chief Pharmacist Mate Bauer, assisted by Whitey attend his wounds and days later they had to surgically remove the shrapnel. Lt. William Joseph Hooks was the pilot's name. He had completed a bombing run over the island Amami 0 Shima when his plane was hit by Japanese anti-aircraft fire. He was able to fly a good way off shore before his plane hit the water. Joe has stated in his talk at the Norfolk Reunion in 1994 --"I was in the water, kicking, and close to drowning. I felt like I was swallowing all of the Pacific Ocean, one gulp at a time. I looked around me and saw a submarine. It was the USS Tilefish. Over the years I have often thought of, and been very thankful for, the wonderful crew of the USS Tilefish submarine who fished me out of the sea and saved my life. II Next day we found ourselves another fishing boat This time we did the job right. Giving us another fishing boat (20 tons) to our score plus one prisoner. It took about ~ twenty minutes to destroy the boat and it took an hour and half too finally get the pitiable J little man on board. While Ll Hooks had the use of the officers quarters our prisoner was stowed in the empty magazine located in the forward torpedo room. One day we spotted three small destroyers. Luck wasn't with us- We only hit one. One D D kept us down with depth charges while the other towed his damaged buddy. After the depth charging stopped we eased up to take a peek; and saw the three of them going over the horizon. We followed. They were going to beach the damaged D D, so they could salvage it later. Just as they were finishing their little task-We finished the job we started by putting two more fish in the damaged one (600 tons). This brought on an avalanche of depth charges from the other two D.O. God only knows why I am sitting here writing this. On another date an airplane did his best darnest to shoot our periscope out of the water. Lucky for us he was a fighter and didn't carry bombs or charges. Another day found us firing at and missing a Merchant ship. ~ J PAGE #14 March 7th 19451 celebrated my 21st birthday. Although it had nothing to do with my \.J birthday, during the evening recognition signals were exchanged with USS KETE, SS 369. J little did we know that in thirteen days (March 20th) the Kete would be lost and another of our former shipmate, Lt Drake, would be dead. Received instructions to change area to south of Honshu. Stayed in the area from March 11th to March 23rd to carry out lifeguard duty for 8-29 strikes against Nagoya and Kobe. No incident took place requiring a resc.~'. This patrol was a successful one but to me it was something else.--- We battle surfaced twice-captured a prisoner-rescued a pilot-destroyed a destroyer-shot at by an airplane--had two torpedoes thrown at us--and received more depth charges than the total of the four past runs. After the run we headed for Midway to receive our much need two weeks rest We arrived there - March 31, 1945. Next day we were given the word that our reduction gears were in need of repairs. The States was the only place that could fix them - We started for the States. April 1, 1945. On the way to U. S. we had to stop at Pearl. Had to shave off the beard. My face was white as a ghost and expected some color by the time we reached the states. The following was entered into my service record: "You were serving on board the U.S.S.TILEFISH during the FIFTH WAR PATROL G during which the Commanding Officer received the award of a Gold Star in lieu of a second J Silver Star Medal. Your conduct during this patrol was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service and contributed to the successful completion of this patrol. The commanding Officer wishes to emphasize that the above award was make for a job done by the Ship and that he holds this in trust for you and your shipmates. Received Promotion to RM 21C Reached Pearl . Left,!,,!,,!:.':!. April 1 , 1945 April 4, 1945 AptiI6,1945. ,.-,.,.",, ," . ~ \.J PAGE #1-5 Reached States Apri/13, 1945 I I ~ It is hard to describe the joyful feeling that went through my body and mind as the J Golden Gate Bridge came into view. Also the excitement as we passed under the bridge and glanced up at the magnitude of the structure. We headed for the Bethlehem Shipyard and later into drydock. Spent a Wonderful time in States. - On April 15th I started authorized leave until May 16th. Was able to visit my home (Turtle Creek, Pal but more important went back to Bridgeport, Ct. where I had made all my liberties while I was in submarine training at New London, and had dated Helen Jackobsky. Helen and I became man and wife on May 3, 1945. We spent our honeymoon in New York City and while there, I went to Penn. Station to get my tickets and schedule to reach San Francisco by May 16th. Sitting up in a rickety railroad car for five days was quite the ordeal, but I made it back in tim~,. Can you imagine my shock when I found out that the Navy had set up quarters for the married personnel. Whitey Satterwhite and his wife, Gloria, had a two bedroom accommodations which was arranged in one-half of a Quonset Hut. He offered to share the space with Helen and I. When Helen heard of the offer, she immediately braved the long trip to California. Helen and Gloria enjoyed each other's friendship. Six weeks flew by, but we were able to take in the sights and sounds of the San Francisco area. Major alterations were made to the Radio, Radar and Sound equipment. Other section had new equipment plus major modifications to the Conning Tower. When I returned from '-" my leave, I was amazed, seeing the boat in the dry dock and could not understand why large J electric cables encircled the boat from bow to stern. "DEGAUSS", I learned a new word. Electrical current was flowing through the cable and in the process it was neutralizing any magnetism within the boat Thus the hull became uninviting to floating mines. During the next four days, after the overhaul was completed, we held trials to assure the boat was sea worthy and ready for action. While we were in San Francisco, Lt Cdr. J. R. Anderson became our new Executive Officer. Charles W. Styer subsequently was promoted to Lt Commander and given command of USS Mackerel 55204. Left the U. S. Arrivec1'Pearl Left Pearl Arrlvec{Midway JL.f!Y.~, 1945.,., July' 12, 1945 J'l!Y..J3~J945 July' 16,' 1945 Before leaving Pearl, I went to the Film Library and withdrew several film over and above the approve quota and with the intent to return them the next day. Well the next day we left. Waiting on the dock at Midway was several Shore Patrolmen. One was waiting for me and wanted the return of the movie films. Standing before Commander Schelech was no .pi.cni.c. J guess you could.caU -ita barbecue. \..,.. ~ L PG #16 o Sixth Patrol At Midway we welcomed aboard three Radiomen Larry Masek, R. Marler and Ted Kaszuba. At last, I was no longer the movie operator. Ted inherited the job and a few other goodies like keeping the Gun Access Hatch dean. Left Midway for 6th Patrol Aug. 2, 1945 While in route, ----- August 6th the first A-BOMB was dropped on HIROSHIMA, and on August 9th the second A-BOMB was dropped on NAGASAKI, almost completely destroying both .ciP-s. Arriv-ed Siapan to r.eftlel.& r.epair Aug. 11, 1945 We moored in nest along side USS ORION and our captain took a fast trip to GUAM. He returned the next day (Aug. 12) and apparently the mode operation had changed. Left Siapal!. A,l!g.~:~13,,1~45 ..'. . "., . : -. - ." COM5UBPAC announced the surrender of Japanese Aug. 1411945 ~ J Larry Masek RM2IC was on watch in the Radio Room and received the "surrender message". He gave the message to Quartermaster, Charles Newman, who in turn gave it to the Chief in the Control Room. The Officer of the Day woke the Captain, the Captain woke the Crew and each man was given a shot of whiskey. I don't recall receiving any whiskey. Maybe I was asleep again. We were one of the last submarines to leave patrol area. We left on Sept. 3, 1945 and headed for Guam. We started the run to go on lifeguard duty. But had to stay on area in case the Japs decided to pull a stab in the back. Our Patrol Area was in the Sakishima Gunto area in and around the Ryukyus Islands. Each day hundreds of planes coming from Philippine Islands to Okinawa flew over us and at times we had to dive because of diving planes coming to close for comfort. TlJi$~an"bfi! call~d_ a, ~~r~atrpl, and th.en. it can.'t be, for peace \1{a.$. declfJred. Aug. 14, but the papers weren't signed. This is one for Ripley-The "only' sub to make a peace time War Patro/--believe it or not Although I held the opinion we were the last, ther~:W(!~.,Q~'i'<.: submarines still on duty during August 14th until September 2nd. For example, on the 14th.Torsk 55423 has the distinction of being the submarine to fire its torpedo and sink the last ship of the war. On September 2nd Japan surrendered unconditionally. At 1040 (10:40 AM) we listened to the broadcast of Japanese surrender as it happened on board the battleship U. 5. Missouri while anchored in Tokyo Bay. We were stationed at Latitude 24 degrees north and Gngitude 125 degrees east. J '--' p.G .#17 J August 30th at 0217 in the morning, an unexpected radar contact was made on a large ship at 20,000 yards. The ship was challenged. The target was the USS NEW JERSEY and the Log states. "Greetings were swapped with her navigator who was formerly our skipper Roger Keithly". C. J. Newman had this to say about the happening, " The Skipper of the New Jersey was an ex submarine skipper and he said he wanted a navigator that had command of a submarine. He reasoned that if a person could navigate a sub under such terrible conditions he would be a good navigator. If you recall some days we went a long time on dead reckoning because when we were on the surface the skies were overcast When the New Jersey challenged the Tilefish it was by searchlight. Evidently Keithly was notified about us and the signal man returned the msg. stated in the patrol report". "When we were in Norfolk the year before I located you we were told this story by (Torpedoman) M. E. Beland. When we came to the states for overhaul Beland was sent to the Hospital for treatment for fungus treatment After we left he went to Tokyo for duty on, I think, a floating dry dock. He knew Keithly was on the Jersey so he asks the signalman to make contact with him. Keithly sent a Captains gig over and brought Beland to the Jersey and they had dinner together. Beland -said -his -stock -really went-up -on .that-dry .dock." One nice thing about the sixth patrol a substantial amount of time was spent on the ~ surface in what could be considered as friendly environment However, operations became J dull and predictable. Spit and polish became the order of the day. Somebody got the bright idea to permit off duty personnel to go and spend some leisure up on deck spreading out and lying around to soak up the sunshine. I don't know who started it but those who had a spirit of venture (including me) went into the bow's superstructure by way of the access to the forward torpedo room's hatch. Clinging to the metal supports, riding the bow as it plunged up and down through the salt water was quite the thrill. You had to hang on for dear life and hold your breath for long interval as the water walloped your body. As I look back, we were Nuts. Arrived at Guam Left Guam Arrived Pearl Sept 7, 1945 Sept 8, 1945 Sept. 18, 1945 Because we did not inflict any damage on the enemy or have any occasion to rescue any down pilot, the Tilefish and its crew could only be congratulated (by the Commander Submarine Division 362) for returning to port clean and shipshape. The awarding of the Submarine Combat Insignia was not authorized. The denial causes me to respectfully reflect back to the first patrol when it ended at Majuro. The crew stood at attention aft of the conning tower as each first patrol member of the Tilefish was called to receive his well-deserved Combat Pin. The Dolphin Insignia was G earned by completing verbal and written test about all the systems throughout the boat The J Submarine Combat Pin was awarded for being part of a crew whose boat sunk one or more ships. The decoration had openings to insert a battle star for any subsequent successful patrol. Achieving the coveted award meant you were a positively certified submariner. PG #1-8 I was on duty when the message was received instructing the Captain to take the Tilefish back to the states. So I made a bet with Larry Masek that we were returning to the ~ states. Loser would receive a tattoo. Unbeknown to me, he had sent a message from the -captain -r.equesting .per-mission .to ,stay (had ,something -to -do with -not-enough ,sea -time). ,Of \J course all bets were off when I found out about his transmission. However, on September the 19th, we went to -Honolulu -and were tattooed. ~ had -a female human butterf~y -etched .on -my left leg. Larry went all out and had a little bird put on each shoulder blade. Plus he had a .~petty -girlll -about -twelv-e inches tall perforated -between the shoulder blades. -I-made -my sixth -and -last P-atf:oI Pa!Jn -on the TJlefish. T.uesday, -Sept 24th f-aund me shaking hands and saying good-by to my Shipmates & Pals and so were the other nine men who -had-41 points -ar-cwer,---.t;iwies here -I-come. Transf-err-ed to Relief Cr-ew #1-02 -On -Sept. 24, 1-945 {USS Silv-ersides F!ag) Transferred to the base at Pearl Harbor and because of the transfer I and the others loss Sub -Pay-..SepL 28, 1-945.Receiv-ed.at the -U. S. Submar-ine base, P-ear! -Harbor, Navy #128 for -duty in the reserve pool "V" Division. "V" was a designation used to identify the sailor who were waiting -for transportation -back to -United -States to be honor.ably -dischar.ged. Waiting was not fun .and .games. T.o -keep thesaUors busy, work parties wer-e f.ormed. For example one day sailors from "V" would sweep the area between the barracks and tlnoughout the -compound. The next -day the prisoners from the .Br-ig -did -the same dean sweep. It took us three days to spray paint a Ballpark the color green. A week later we were still -being.ca!1ed IlLittIe Gr.een Men F-I'-Om Marsll. Finally -- -I was .assigned space .on -the '-.t Battleship USS TEXAS for my ride to the States. .P.ostscript: J Honorable discharged from the Navy at Lido- Beach, Long Island, N. Y. Was- authwized to- wear the following campaign ribbons: Asiatic - Pacific Area, World War II Victory Medal, and American Theater w-ith 2 -stars. My -r-ecor-ds note that ~ -am not -r-ecommended for..a .good conduct medal. But -- I was recommended for reenlistment ! SURVIVED, But Th-r.ee Thousand, F~v.e Hundr.ed, .and Flv.e .(3505) Submariner~s who were on board Fifty-Two (52) U. S. Submarines that were lost, did not -surv!ve. -It-shoukl be .noted that O.ne Hundr-ed -and -Nineteen {1 19) -died in .combat, in accidents or in prisoner of war camps. Ther-e -ar.e -quite -a tot.of things! forgot. For example how do you blow the head (flush the toilet)?? In -the .poem, .Boris .is -caUed Kosots.ki -and in the Log -he .is .called Hootske. No matter, he is just a dumb old owl to remember. Tilefish was the -submarine -used in the Warner Bros. film "-UP PER.tSCOPEn staring James Garner. ~ -I wish -to thank -all the-shipmates who jogged my memory. Specia1 thanks to C. J. Newman who supplied me with copies of the Ship Log and other pertinent information. J ~ G '-' As Testiment ... In 1945 I was a fighter pilot assigned to air group VF-80 aboard USS HANCOCK. Early on the morning of March 1st, our flight took off for Arnami Oshima, an island south ofJapa and north ofIwo lima. The Japanese on Amami Oshima were harasing lwo. We had just finished helping to secure Iwo lima. Our bombing run put us over Amami Oshima at about 19,000 feet. I dived, located my target, fired 6 rockets, and considerable rounds of ammunition. As I leveled off and pulled out at about 1,200 to 1,500 feet my plane was hit by Japanese antiaircraft ground fire. I was hit a~ Qfthe engine and forward of the cockpit, also a large hole was blown in my right wing near the flaps, my windshield was cracked badly, my compass was gone, and the left side of my cockpit cover was completely blown away. I took shrapnel in my left arm at the elbow. My engine kept running intermittently for a few minutes, cutting off and on, and filling the cockpit with smoke. Now my dive was toward the ocean. The combination of my initial speed, and the small help that my engine was able to give me in its last bursts allowed me to make it a good ways off shore before I hit the water. One of the pilots followed me out, and once he realized I was going do~ he returned to our air group. I had to land with no flaps because my right flap would not come down. I tried both electrically and mechanically to get it down, to no avail. My left flap was at about 30 degrees, I had to get it back down into position quickly to stabilize the plane. I landed with no flaps. I put the tail hook down, so I would have some warning just before hitting the water. I hit hard. I suffered numerous cuts to my forehead from flying debris. The next thing I remember, I was in the water, kicking, and close to drowning. I still had all my heavy gear on. I felt like I was swallowing all of the Pacific Ocean, one gulp at a time. I looked around and saw a submarine. It was the USS TILEFISH (SS-307), and she was out looking for me. The crew tells me that a rope was thrown to me three times. I was too dazed to take hold of it. I wasn't thinking clearly then, nor would I be for the next few days. I coupld of the crew finally had to fish me out of the sea. Thanks to Captain W.F. Schleck, Lt. Charlie Styer, and crew I was quickly brought aboard. checked in, my wounds were treated, and I was given two uniforms, and assigned a bed for my stay. The entire crew were great to me. Very, very, friendly and helpful. The food was great, and the ice cream couldn't be beat. The first week under the Chief Corpsman's care and my forehead healed well, but a small piece of shrapnel in my left arm started to become infected. The Chief decided that the shrapnel had to be removed from my arm. With permission from the captain, the Cheif corpsman, and the Chief cook, removed the shrapnel from my arm. They did a very professional job. My arm began to heal almost immediately. I stayed on TILEFISH for the next thirty days. I helped out where I could, but mostly I tried to stay out of the crew's way as they went about their daily tasks. I spent a lot of time with Lt. Charlie Styer at his navigation board. Those thirty days were very exciting for us all. On 30 March, 1945 orders were received for TILEFISH to return to Midway. I was real happy when we arrived at Midway. Excep~ this is where I had to leave TILEFISH and my new friends, and report to the senior medical officer. TlLEFISH headed for Pearl Harbor. I spent the next three days on Midway. On 2 April I flew to Pearl where I met TlLEFISH when she arrived, and said hello again to her crew. I was transferred to the senior medical officer at San Francisco, CA where I was awarded the Purple Heart medal. Over the years I have often thought ot: and been very thankful for, the wonderful crew of TILEFISH who fished me out of the sea and saved my life. A recent call from "Jim" Newman after fifty years, was the best call I have ever received. It was great to hear from him and make contact with some of the TlLEFISH crew. In closing I would like to thank those wonderful submariners of the USS TILEFISH who fished me from the jaws of the sea, and saved my life. And a special thank. you is appropriate here for all the submariners everywhere who have executed their duties with such compassion and valor, saving many lives. God bless you all. IssI Joe Hooks Joe'1ci=fthe"serv1ceTIi"1954"an<fbecame 'anTnsurance"agenttn'Lake'W'orth:"FIondi"He'and'tlls'-W1fe~'Kaiy:'moved'-ioN Detroit in 1957 where Joe was Superintendent for Nicholson Terminal and Dock remaining in the Naval Air Reserve. In 1970 Joe and Katy moved back to Lake Worth, Florida and purchased Pit Central Gas Co., which they operated until they both retired in 1984. In 1993, Joe and Katy attended the Norfolk Convention of U.S.SubVets,WWII and were able to meet TILEFISH crewmembers aboard that day so long ago when new friends were made under extreme conditions. J J -....J