John Raymond Moore, USN
| Born | 11 Oct 1905 | Sharon, Tennessee, USA | |
| Died | 10 Jun 1985 | (79) | Birmingham, Alabama, USA |
| Ranks
Retired: 1958 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for John Raymond Moore, USN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| USS S-44 (155) | Lt. | Submarine | Oct 1940 | Sep 1942 |
| USS Sailfish (192) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 9 Sep 1942 | 17 Jul 1943 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine USS S-44 (155)
16 Jan 1942
USS S-44 (Lt John Richard Moore) arrived at Balboa, Panama Canal Zone from the US east coast.
5 Mar 1942
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) departed from Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone for Brisbane, Australia.
15 Apr 1942
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) arrived at Brisbane.
24 Apr 1942
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) departed from Brisbane for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the New Britain / New Ireland area.
12 May 1942 (position -5.06, 152.30)
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) torpedoed and sank the Japanese repair ship Shoei Maru (5644 GRT) about 15 nautical miles south-west of Cape St. George in position 05°06'S, 152°30'E.
23 May 1942
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) ended her 1st war patrol at Brisbane.
7 Jun 1942
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) departed from Brisbane for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Guadalcanal.
21 Jun 1942 (position -9.00, 160.00)
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary gunboat Keijo Maru (2626 GRT, built 1940, offsite link) about 12 nautical miles west of Gavutu, Solomon Islands in position 09°00'S, 160°00'E.
5 Jul 1942
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) ended her 2nd war patrol at Brisbane.
24 Jul 1942
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) departed from Brisbane for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the New Britain / New Ireland area.
10 Aug 1942 (position -2.28, 152.11)
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) torpedoed and sank the Japanese heavy cruiser Kako (offsite link) near Kavieng in position 02°28'S, 152°11'E.
23 Aug 1942
USS S-44 (Lt. J.R. Moore) ended her 3rd war patrol at Brisbane.
Submarine USS Sailfish (192)
10 Sep 1942
USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) is to depart Brisbane for patrol. While backing away from the dock her port screw was fouled and while getting back alongside her dock the starboard propeller hit the dock bending one blade. She was then unable to depart for patrol and the damaged blade was removed for repairs by divers from USS Griffin (T/Capt. W.B. Throp, USN). (2)
12 Sep 1942
Around 1700K/12, USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) departed Brisbane, Australia for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Solomon Islands area. (2)
17 Sep 1942
USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) patrolled to the south-east of the Faisi anchorage (Shortland Islands). Nine Japanese destroyers and an unidentified vessel were seen during the day but no attacks were made. The area was also heavily patrolled by aircraft. (2)
18 Sep 1942
USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) still patrolled to the south-east of the Faisi anchorage (Shortland Islands). Numerous Japanese destroyers were seen throughout the day. Also a 4-stack Japanese light cruiser was seen. This must have been the Sendai (offsite link) which left for operations in the Solomon Islands with four destroyers on this day. Again no attacks were made.
On surfacing after dark it was decided to proceed around the Treasury Island during the night and then approach the Shortland Islands western entrance to try our luck there. (2)
19 Sep 1942 (position -7.00, 155.20)
USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) attacked, most likely, the Japanese minelayer Wakataka (offsite link) with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained. The attack was in approximately 07°00'S, 155°20'E.
0930K/19, Sighted smoke. Commenced approach and saw masts of a ship passing ahead at a range of 16000 yards.
1000K/19, Again sighted smoke but now on a steady bearing. Again started to close.
1117K/19, Fired three torpedoes from the stern tubes at a vessel which was identified as the minelayer Shirataka which was proceeding at 7.5 knots apparently on A/S patrol. Range was only 900 yards. No hits were obtained and it was not understood why. The target then turned towards and dropped 11 depth charges quite close causing some minor damage.
1330K/19, Returned to pericope depth. Nothing in sight. The area was heavily patrolled by aircraft for the remainder of the day. (2)
22 Sep 1942
Around 1115K/22, while patrolling to the south of the Faisi anchorage (Shortland Islands), USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN), sighted two enemy transports on a southerly course. Two escort vessels, one on either side were also seen. An aircraft was also seen patrolling overhead.
Around 1120K/22, they were seen to turn to course 260°. Sailfish then also turned to close.
Around 1130K/22, when about to have another look through the periscope three depth charges exploded though not extremely close. These must have been dropped by an aircraft. Heard the escorts stopping and starting as well as pinging. Two aircraft were now overhead and both had dropped depth charges.
Around 1220K/22, USS Sailfish returned to periscope depth and not long afterwards a depth charge was heard exploding. The targets were meanwhile gone. (2)
23 Sep 1942
At 1800K/23, after another day of submerged patrol to the south-east of the Faisi anchorage, USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN), departed the area to patrol between Vella Lavella and Choseul Islands. (2)
25 Sep 1942
At 1801K/25, on surfacing, USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN), departed the area off Vella Lavella to patrol to the north / north-west of Bougainville Island. (2)
29 Sep 1942
USS Sailfish (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) patrolled in Buka Passage. As on most of the days of the last week the enemy was sighted but passed out of range. This time the enemy passed ahead at a range of 6000 yards. It was a large destroyer proceeding at 17 knots. On receiving the message that this area had been assigned to USS S-43 (Lt. H.D. Sturr, USN), USS Sailfish vacated the area to return to the Shortlands area. She arrived in the area to the south of the Faisi anchorage on 1 October 1942. (2)
3 Oct 1942
While patrolling submerged to the south of Faisi, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN), sighted a big vessel approaching at 0828K/3. She was zig-zagging and making about 16 knots on a base course of 150°. When the range was 9000 yards the target changed course to 080° and she passed ahead at a range of 5000 to 6000 yards. Three destroyers were seen as escor, two on each bow and one astern. Also two aircraft were seen to be patrolling overhead.
The ship sighted was most likely the seaplane tender Nisshin which departed the Shorlands for Tassafaronga escorted by the destroyers Maikaze and Nowaki. It appears that a third destroyer was present when USS Sailfish sighted her.
Later that morning four destroyers were seen proceeding to the south-east and in the afternoon one destroyer was seen proceeding northwards. All passed well out of range. (2)
5 Oct 1942
After a few days of patrolling to the south of Faisi, seeing Japanese ships pass out of range on almost every day spent there, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) switched patrol to the western entrance to the Faisi anchorage. (2)
8 Oct 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) had shifted patrol once more, she now patrolled to the North of the Buka Passage. (2)
10 Oct 1942
At 1815K/10, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) surfaced after a days submerged patrol about 8 nautical miles to the north-west of Queen Carola harbour, Buin Island.
At 1820K/10, a signal light was seen on the port quarter and a destroyer was seen. USS Sailfish submerged.
At 1824K/10, four depth charges were dropped followed by one more at 1028K/10. These were all not very close. 8 ships could be heard on the hydrophones, three of which appeared to be transports. Nothing could be seen through the periscope as they passed between Sailfish and the land in very limited visibility. (2)
15 Oct 1942
At 1605K/15, when patrolling off the Buka Passage, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN), sighted smoke which developed into a convoy made up four small transports, two in each column, with an escort in the center in front of the two columns. Commenced approach selecting the two ships in the left column as targets. Enemy course was 310°, speed 8 knots. When the range was 8500 yards the leading ships in each column turned round and the range did not change for 10 minutes. Around 10 minutes later three depth charges exploded fairly close. They were heard to hit the water and three seconds later they exploded. USS Sailfish then went deep and was hunted by enemy patrol craft until 1930K/15 but no more depth charges were dropped. Contact with the convoy was obviously lost. (2)
16 Oct 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) shifted patrol towards the vicinity of the Treasury Islands. (2)
17 Oct 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) proceeded to patrol off the southern entrance to the Faisi anchorage once more. (2)
19 Oct 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) shifted patrol to the west of the western entrance to the Faisi anchorage. (2)
21 Oct 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) shifted patrol to the north-west of Vella Lavella Island. (2)
22 Oct 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) patrolled to the south of Fauro Island. (2)
24 Oct 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) patrolled to the west of Bougainville. (2)
25 Oct 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) patrolled off the Buka Passage. (2)
26 Oct 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) patrolled on the Rabaul - Faisi route. On surfacing after dark she left patrol for Brisbane. The patrol had been in a busy area with numerous contacts but most of them passed out of range [not all contacts are listed here]. The area had been found to be heavily patrolled by A/S ships and aircraft. (2)
1 Nov 1942
Around 0900K/1, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) ended her 6th war patrol at Brisbane. At Brisbane she was initially taken in hand for a tender refit by USS Griffin (T/Capt. W.B. Throp, USN) but after about a week USS Fulton (T/Capt. E.C. Bain, USN) took over. Sailfish also spent two day in dock during which the bottom was cleaned and painted. Also one blade on the starboard propeller was renewed. (3)
24 Nov 1942
Around 1400L/24, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) departed from Brisbane for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol south of New Britain and to proceed to Pearl Harbour on completion of the patrol as she was to proceed to the USA for a major refit. (4)
1 Dec 1942
Around 1400L/1, when 10 nautical miles to the south-southeast of Gasmata, New Britain, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN), sighted masts to the southwards. Three ships, thought to be destroyers, passed 18000 yards to the southward on course 260° at a speed of 20 knots.
A group of four Japanese destroyers had departed Rabaul for a transport run to Buna, New Guinea earlier that day, these were the; Asashio, Arashio, Inazuma and Isonami. (4)
2 Dec 1942 (position -6.30, 150.23)
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) attacked but missed a Japanese destroyer with four torpedoes to the south of Gasmata, New Britain. A counter attack followed but no damage was done to USS Sailfish. The two destroyers sighted were probably tow out of the four sighted yesterday.
0943L/2, When in position 160° - Gasmata - 22 nautical miles (approximately 06°30'S, 150°23'E), sighted two destroyers proceeding on course 070°. Commenced to close to attack.
1000L/2, Fired four torpedoes at the second destroyer in line from 2800 yards. The targets were proceeding at 27 knots. Considered afterwards it had probable been better not to fire from that range at a small high speed target.
1006L/2, depth charging started. Until 1010L/2 eight depth charges were dropped but these were not close. (4)
21 Dec 1942
At 0304L/21, still on patrol near Gasmata, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) sighted a ship thought to be a submarine. Sailfish then submerged. Got two bearings on high speed screws but then the screws stopped. At 0430L/21, the screws were heard again and a dim shape was sighted but it was too far away to start an attack. The contact was considered to be a Japanese submarine which submerged soon after Sailfish had done so. The enemy should normally have seen Sailfish first as visibility was much better for the enemy then for Sailfish.
This may well have been a Japanese submarine as the I-32 (offsite link) had departed Rabaul on 19 December for a supply run to Buna, New Guinea, where she arrived on 24 December.
25 Dec 1942
While still on patrol near Gasmata, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) attacked a contact which is thought to be a Japanese submarine. A hit is claimed but this seems not to be the case. If this was indeed a Japanese submarine this may have been I-121 (offsite link) which had departed Rabaul for Buna on 23 December 1942. Position of the attack had been around 24 nautical miles to the southwest of Gasmata.
2345L/24, Sighted a ship ahead, small angle on the bow. Submerged. Sound bearings kept Sailfish on the target until it could be seen through the periscope at a range of 7000 yards.
0001L/24, Fired two torpedoes from the stern tubes. The first torpedo hit at the after edge of the conning tower fairwater of an I 168-class submarine. Firing range was only 400 yards. The subs screws stopped and she was seen to settle. The hydrophones then picked up a second set of screws but nothing could be seen on that bearing. Sailfish then went deep to clear the area. The screws were heard to fade out rapidly.
Sailfish remained deep and Christmas dinner was served to the crew at 0330L/25. (4)
27 Dec 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) is ordered to patrol further northwards between Massau and Manus Islands. Course was set for Vitiaz Strait. She arrived in her new patrol area on 30 December 1942. (4)
30 Dec 1942
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy in approximate position 02°00'S, 149°00'E. A total of four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.
0500L/30, A convoy was sighted which developed into three medium seized transports and three smaller vessels thought to be escorts. On sighting the convoy Sailfish submerged as the moon was very bright. Enemy course was estimated as being 330°.
0615L/30, Fired three bow torpedoes at a transport estimated of being around 5000 tons. Range was 2700 yards. Around one and a half minute later a fourth torpedo was fired at one of the other transports. A total of three explosions were heard but it is thought none of these were hits on the targets. No counter attack followed.
31 Dec 1942
When still patrolling midway between Massau and the Admiralty Islands (approximately 02°00'S, 149°00'E), USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN), attacked, what appeared to be, a Japanese older type destroyer or destroyer converted to patrol boat with four torpedoes. No hits were obtained and Sailfish was depth charged following the attack.
1420L/31, Sighted a ship proceeding on a base course of approximately 250°. Commenced approach. The target was seen to be zig-zagging 20° to either side of the base course.
1443L/31, Four bow torpedoes were fired at the target from 1000 yards. Estimated speed of the target 16 knots. No hits were obtained and the target counter attacked with depth charges some of which were close but no damage was sustained. (4)
2 Jan 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) proceeded to patrol further to the eastwards, to the north of Kavieng. (4)
3 Jan 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) returned to her earlier patrol area, midway between Massau and the Admiralty Islands. (4)
4 Jan 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) again proceeded to patrol to the north of Kavieng. After dark she left patrol to proceed to Pearl Harbour.
8 Jan 1943
Around 0800L/8, when south of the Marshall Islands and west of the Gilbert Islands, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN, was attacked by a Japanese aircraft. She crash dived and when she passed 90 feet an explosion was heard which caused some minor damage Sailfish remained submerged from the remainder of the day. (4)
15 Jan 1943
Around 1200VW/15, USS Plunger (T/Cdr. D.C. White, USN), USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN), USS Halibut (T/Cdr. P.H. Ross, USN) ended their 4th, 7th and 3rd war patrols at Pearl Harbor. They were escorted in by USS Litchfield (T/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Campbell, USN) which had joined them around 0700VW/15. (5)
20 Jan 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) departed Pearl Harbour for the Mare Island Navy Yard. (6)
27 Jan 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) arrived at the Mare Island Navy Yard from Pearl Harbour. She was then taken in hand for a major refit. (6)
22 Apr 1943
With her refit completed, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN), departed the Mare Island Navy Yard for Pearl Harbour. (7)
30 Apr 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour from the Mare Island Navy Yard. She was then taken in hand for voyage repairs and some alterations at the Pearl Harbour Submarine Base and then commenced a training period which lasted until 17 May 1943. She was also docked in YFD 1 at the Pearl Harbour Navy Yard for some repairs. (7)
7 May 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) and USS Finback (T/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Tyree, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Boggs (T/Cdr. F.P. Mitchell, Jr., USN). (8)
8 May 1943
During 8/9 May 1943, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) and USS Finback (T/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Tyree, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Boggs (T/Cdr. F.P. Mitchell, Jr., USN) and USS Seagull (T/Lt. F.L. van Camp, USN).
On completion of the days exercises on the 8th, USS Sailfish and USS Seagull returned to harbour but they rejoined the following morning. (8)
12 May 1943
During 12/13 May 1943, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Dorsey (T/Cdr. W.R. Loud, USN) and USS Seagull (T/Lt. F.L. van Camp, USN). USS Seagull only participated in the exercises on 12 May though. (9)
15 May 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour with USS Litchfield (T/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Campbell, USN). (10)
17 May 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters off the east coast of Honshu but she was to proceed to her patrol area via a short call Midway and short patrol in the Kurile Islands area first. (7)
21 May 1943
Around 0800X, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbour.
She departed for her patrol area, initially of the Kuriles, around 1300X/21 after having topped off with fuel and having embarked fresh water and some provisions. (7)
29 May 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) arrived in her patrol area of the Kuriles. (7)
1 Jun 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) departed the Kuriles area and proceeded southwards to patrol off Honshu. (7)
2 Jun 1943
At 1100K/2, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) sighted an armed trawler in position 40°40'N, 145°50'E. She had a 3" gun forward and two smaller guns or machine guns aft and was proceeding on course 160° at 10 knots. She passed ahead of USS Sailfish at a range of 5000 yards.
USS Sailfish arrived in the north-east corner of her patrol area later the same day. (7)
4 Jun 1943
At 2210K/4, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) obtained a radar contact off the east coast of the northern part of Honshu in position 39°27'N, 142°09'E. Range was 7800 yards and Sailfish tracked the target at 11 knots on a mean course of 030°. When the range had decreased to 3600 yards the target could be see. She was small but could otherwise not be identified. The hydrophones heard the sound of high speed screws so most likely it was a patrol vessel. Sailfish then dived as she was leaving a brilliant phosphorescent wake. (7)
6 Jun 1943
At 1500K/6, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) sighted a convoy of three merchant vessels escorted by what is thought to be a minesweeper in position 39°24'N, 142°25'E. The merchant vessels were thought to be ore carriers, one of 6000 tons and two of 3500 tons. Enemy course was 160° at 9 knots. Commenced closing but they changed course and passed ahead at a range of 10000 yards. (7)
8 Jun 1943
At 0600K/8, in position 39°16'N, 142°13'E, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) sighted, what is thought to be a W 1-class minesweeper. The enemy was proceeding on a course of 060° at 12 knots and appeared to be on patrol using her A/S equipment. Her nearest range was 8000 yards. (7)
15 Jun 1943 (position 39.18, 142.05)
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant vessel Shinju Maru (3617 GRT, built 1943) off Hakozakicho, Honshu, Japan in position 39°18'N, 142°05'E.
1200K/15, Sighted smoke and soon after made out two ships zig-zagging widely. The leading ship was zig-zagging wider then the second and was estimated to be making 11 knots. Commenced approach on this ship. Both looked the same size, about 5000 tons but the leading ship appeared more modern. When the range was 2500 yards, the leading ship turned giving an angle on the bow of 3°. Went deep, crossed the track and came back up to set up an attack on the second ship which was seen to be heavily laden. Fired three torpedoes from the stern tubes from 2500 yards. One hit was obtained. Two depth charges exploded close by, most likely from an aircraft. Meanwhile some breaking up noises were heard. Also fast screws were heard and soon after three patrol vessels were heard to be hunting overhead. They obtained contact for the during of three hours during which 36 depth charges were counted, all fairly close. (7)
17 Jun 1943
At 0936K/17, when off Funakoshi, Honshu, in position 39°28'N, 142°07'E, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) sighted, what is thought to be a minesweeper on patrol using her A/S equipment. Her nearest range was 4500 yards when she turned and headed for the shore.
At 1015K/17, smoke was sighted which developed into a convoy made up of three merchant vessels, one estimated to be 1800 tons and two of 1200 tons. The bigger ship was zigging widely and making 12 knots. The other two were proceeding on more steady courses. An attack was started but when nearing the position to fire on the leading, bigger ship, she turned 90° to the right so did not fire. (7)
23 Jun 1943
At 1630K/23, off Hakozakicho, Honshu, Japan, in position 39°20'N, 142°03'E, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) sighted a convoy of six medium seized (3000 to 4000 tons) merchant vessels escorted by an older type destroyer with an air escort overhead. The convoy was southbound and was proceeding at a speed of around 9 knots. USS Sailfish closed but the convoy passed out of range 7000 yard ahead and the chase was abandoned at 1800K/23.
1815K/23, Sighted smoke to the southward. This developed into a convoy of three medium seized transports (older type) of around 4500 to 6000 tons escorted by an older type destroyer. No aircraft was seen overhead. The convoy was northbound at a speed of around 9 knots. Started attack. When about to open fire at one of the transports from a range of 1400 yards the destroyer was seen to turn towards and approach at a speed of around 16 knots. She passed 400 yards ahead. When she had closed to within 1000 yards she started pinging. An attack was expected but did not develop. The approach of the destroyer spoiled the attack and the convoy passed the submarine. USS Sailfish surfaced at 2040K/23 and commenced tracking the convoy with radar but contact was lost against the background of the land. (7)
24 Jun 1943
At 0900K/24, off Omoe, Honshu, Japan, in position 39°33'N, 142°06'E, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) sighted smoke to the northward which developed into a southbound convoy of eight merchant vessels, one of which was thought to be a tanker of around 6000 tons. The merchant vessels were thought to be between 2500 and 5500 tons. Two minesweepers were seen to be escorting them as was an aircraft overhead. Commenced closing to attack and selected the leading ship in the outboard column as the target. The convoy however turned towards the shore and entered Yamada Ko only to turn back out later close inshore and then proceeded southwards along the coast. The attack meanwhile had been spoiled and no suitable attack position could be obtained.
At 1700K/24, a convoy of three transports (one of 5000 tons and two of 3500 tons) and one armed trawler was sighted proceeding northwards in position 39°29'N, 142°04'E. One again they passed out of range. It was now decided to patrol closer inshore then before in the hope of more luck if more convoys would show up. (7)
25 Jun 1943 (position 39.04, 142.06)
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant vessel Iburi Maru (3291 GRT, built 1938) off the northeast coast of Honshu, Japan in position 39°34'N, 142°06'E.
At 0930K/25, a convoy made up of three transports, between 4500 and 6000 tons escorted by an armed trawler and an aircraft overhead. Started attack. Selected the leading ship, which appreared to most modern and biggest, as the target.
At 1015K/25, three torpedoes were fired from the stern tubes from 1200 yards. Almost a minute after firing the last torpedo a hit was heard and shortly afterwards followed by breaking up noises.
At 1021K/25, the escort commenced dropping depth charges. By 1030K/25, three patrol craft were heard to be hunting in the area. By 1126K/26, a total of 26 depth charges had been counted some of which had been close but the later ones were getting further and further away.
At 1154K/25, an aircraft must have spotted Sailfish at periscope depth as a depth charge was dropped close aboard causing some damage. Two depth charges more followed soon afterwards. This brought the surface vessels to this area and around 1212K/25 they started hunting and dropping depth charges. By 1602K/25 a total of 61 depth charges had been counted but the latest one were further and further away and by 2000K/25 the last depth charge explosion were heard far away. A total of 71 had now been counted. (7)
27 Jun 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) departed her patrol area to proceed to Midway. (7)
3 Jul 1943
USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) ended her 8th war patrol at Midway. She was then taken in hand for a tender refit by USS Sperry (T/Capt. R.E. Blue, USN). Refit was completed at on 14 July 1943. A four day training period was conducted before she was ready to proceed on her following patrol. Following these exercises there was a two day delay in her being ready for patrol due to defects that had developed. (11)
Sources
- http://www.homeofheroes.com/members/02_NX/citations/03_wwii-nc/nc_06wwii_navyM.html
- Patrol report of USS Sailfish for her 6th war patrol
- Patrol report of USS Sailfish for her 6th war patrol + Patrol report of USS Sailfish for her 7th war patrol
- Patrol report of USS Sailfish for her 7th war patrol
- Patrol report of USS Plunger for her 4th war patrol + Patrol report of USS Sailfish for her 7th war patrol + Patrol report of USS Halibut for her 3rd war patrol
- War diary ComSubPac for January 1943
- Patrol report of USS Sailfish for her 8th war patrol
- War diary 14th Naval District for May 1943 + War diary USS Boggs for May 1943
- War diary 14th Naval District for May 1943 + War diary USS Dorsey for May 1943
- War diary 14th Naval District for May 1943 + War diary USS Litchfield for May 1943
- Patrol report of USS Sailfish for her 8th war patrol + Patrol report of USS Sailfish for her 9th war patrol
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