Raymond Berthrong, USN
| Born | 9 Oct 1915 | Washington DC, USA | |
| Died | 31 Jul 2005 | (89) | Logan, Utah, USA |
| Ranks
Retired: 1 Jul 1968 Decorations |
Warship Commands listed for Raymond Berthrong, USN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| USS Searaven (196) | T/Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 20 Oct 1944 | 6 Jan 1945 |
| USS Cero (225) | T/Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 6 Feb 1945 | 30 Jul 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine USS Searaven (196)
1 Nov 1944
Around 1500Y/1, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), departed Midway for her 13th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the northern part of the South China Sea as a member of a coordinated attack group which was furthermore made up of USS Pampanito (T/Capt. F.W. Fenno, Jr., USN), USS Pipefish (T/Cdr. W.N. Deragon, USN) and USS Sea Cat (T/Cdr. R.R. McGregor, USN).
Around 2100Y/1, she joined USS Pampanito and USS Pipefish which had departed Midway later in the afternoon.
They were to proceed to Saipan first before proceeding to their patrol area.
Around 2000L/5, USS Pipefish parted company to proceed at best speed to Saipan with a case of appendicitis on board.
Around 0700L/7, USS Pampanito and USS Searaven were joined by USS Archerfish (T/Cdr. J.F. Enright, USN).
At 2030L/7, USS Searaven suffered a fire in the maneuvering room which was quickly brought under control. She briefly had to stop but was able to rejoin the other two submarines shortly afterwards. (1)
9 Nov 1944
Around 1330K/9, USS Pampanito (T/Capt. F.W. Fenno, Jr., USN), USS Archerfish (T/Cdr. J.F. Enright, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) arrived at Saipan. They were escorted in USS Swanson (T/Lt.Cdr. W.K. Ratliff, USN) by which had joined around 0630K/9.
The three submarines were then all taken in hand for voyage repairs by USS Fulton (T/Capt. A.A. Clarkson, USN). (1)
11 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1330I/11, USS Pampanito (T/Capt. F.W. Fenno, Jr., USN), USS Pipefish (T/Cdr. W.N. Deragon, USN) and USS Sea Cat (T/Cdr. R.R. McGregor, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), which were to operate as a coordinated attack group, departed Saipan to proceed to their patrol area in the northern part of the South China Sea.
With them were also USS Archerfish (T/Cdr. J.F. Enright, USN) and USS Scabbardfish (T/Cdr. F.A. Gunn, USN). These two submarines parted company with the others around 1900I/12.
On leaving Saipan these six submarines were escorted by USS Candid (Lt. C.B. Hinton, USNR). (1)
16 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) arrived in her patrol area. (1)
18 Nov 1944
USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) is bombed by an enemy aircraft to the east of Hainan Island. She sustained some minor damage.
During the night of 18/19 November USS Searaven made two torpedo attacks on what is thought to be a small Japanese tanker but no hits were obtained.
At 0944H/18, In position 19°32'N, 112°23'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) sighted a Japanese Mavis aircraft (Kawanishi H6K) at short range. Crash dived.
0945H/18, Received one bomb while passing 90 feet which caused some minor damage. USS Searaven would patrol submerged for the remainder of the day while repairs were being made.
1840H/18, Surfaced.
1930H/18, Received a contact report from USS Pipefish. Changed course to intercept the reported convoy.
2107H/18, East of Hainan, in position 19°07'N, 111°46'E, obtained radar contact bearing 325°(T) at a range of 22000 yards. Commenced tracking which gave the convoys course as 220°(T) at a speed of 11 knots. Commenced working ahead of the convoy to cross its bow and get on the starboard bow between the convoy and Hainan Island.
2210H/18, Temporary lost contact with the convoy to get clear of USS Pampanito which was also closing to attack.
2222H/18, USS Pipefish discontinued her attack and USS Pampanito commenced hers.
2225H/18, Regained radar contact on the convoy at a range of 23000 yards. Closed to 15000 yards while getting into position on the convoys starboard bow.
2340H/18, USS Pampanito completed her attack and ordered USS Searaven to start hers. USS Pampanito reported one ship on a course of 315°(T). This ship had not been picked up by radar yet.
2350H/18, Obtained radar contact at a range of 13000 yards. Targets course was tracked as being 295°(T) at 9.2 knots. One escort was on the port bow of the target. Crossed ahead and commenced attack from the starboard bow of the target.
0034H/19, Sighted the target which was an engine aft ship of about 250 to 300 feet in lenght.
0038H/19, In position 19°06'N, 111°13'E, fired four bow torpedoes for a torpedo run for 2000 yards. On completion of firing changed course left to clear the escort.
0041H/19, No hits were obtained.
0042H/19, The escort closed the target, crossing ahead of him and then gradually dropped back on the starboard quarter. The target was seen to sent a visual message to the escort.
0043H/19, Commenced reload forward and having decided that the target must be a small tanker, empty, and that the torpedoes must have run under so shortly afterwards commenced an end around to make another torpedo attack.
0120H/19, Searaven was now in position to commence a second attack but only three torpedoes had been reloaded forward up till now. Decided to fire these three torpedoes with a depth setting of three feet.
0123H/18, Commenced second attack.
0138H/18, Target now in sight. Unable to see the escort who was now on the port quarter of the target.
0144H/18, In position 19°04'N, 111°05'E, fired three bow torpedoes with a torpedo run of 1900 yards.
0145H/18, The target turned away and steadied on course 180°(T). Searaven meanwhile worked up to full speed to get clear. Due to this course change the torpedoes missed. (1)
25 Nov 1944
At 1444H/25, east of Hainan, in position 19°16'N, 111°20'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), sighted two ships through the high periscope bearing 186°(T) at an estimated range of 30000 yards. They could not be identified due to the slight haze on the horizon. They were tracked zigzagging on a base course of 340°(T). Took position ahead and sent out a contact report.
1555H/25, Dived and commenced approach.
1730H/25, Identified ships as patrol or fishing vessels with two masts and a deck house amidships. Estimated them to be around 500 to 600 tons. Broke off the approach with the range down to 7000 yards. (1)
26 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1840H/26, east of Hainan, in position 19°17'N, 111°21'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), obtained radar contact bearing 210°(T) at a range of 8800 yards. This were small vessels possibly the same as seen the day before. Avoided. (1)
1 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1430H/1, east of Hainan, in position 19°18'N, 111°57'E, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN), obtained radar contact on an aircaft at a range of 9 miles and closing rapidly. Dived and changed course left after having submerged.
1436H/1, A bomb was dropped but not close.
1440H/1, Two more bombs were dropped, closed but they caused no damage.
1515H/1, Two more bombs were droped, even closed but again they caused no damage. It was subsequently noticed that when submerged USS Searaven was leaking air causing bubbles to rise to the surface. (1)
3 Dec 1944
The coordinated attack group made up of USS Pampanito (T/Capt. F.W. Fenno, Jr., USN), USS Pipefish (T/Cdr. W.N. Deragon, USN) and USS Sea Cat (T/Cdr. R.R. McGregor, USN) and USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) attacked the Singapore section of the Japanese convoy HI-83 which was made up of the tankers
Akashi Maru (10045 GRT, built 1944),
Eisho Maru (6888 GRT, built 1944),
Harima Maru (10045 GRT, built 1944),
Kyokuun Maru (10045 GRT, built 1944),
Miri Maru (10564 GRT, built 1943),
Seishin Maru (5240 GRT, built 1943) and
Toa Maru (10038 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the escort carrier Kaiyo, patrol boat PB-102 and the frigates Kaibokan 35, Kaibokan 63, Kaibokan 64 and Kaibokan 207 (all links are offsite links).
In the attacks by the pack of submarines the Seishin Maru is damaged and the Kaibokan 64 is sunk.
0013H/3, In position 19°25'N, 112°24'E, USS Searaven obtained radar contact bearing 120°(T) at a range of 21000 yards. She then changed course to close and commenced tracking. Several pips were seen but the exact number could not be determined yet at this range. The convoy was tracked on course 225°(T) at 13 knots.
0036H/3, USS Searaven sent out a contact report to the remainder of the attack group. USS Searaven then commenced to cross the convoys bow and take up a position on the port bow of the convoy as it was thought the three other submarines were to starboard.
0307H/3, USS Searaven was in position to commence an attack from the port bow of the convoy.
0312H/3, While about to start the attack, USS Searaven, was hit by a sea that broke over the bridge. Sea water entered the conning tower causing some flooding and damage.
0336H/3, After some quick repairs had been made, USS Searaven commenced her surface attack. Although the moon was nearly full it was completely overcast with light passing rain squalls. The convoy consisted of at least seven ships arranged in two columns. Distance between the columns was 2000 to 3000 yards. One escort was ahead, one on the port quarter of column. Other escorts were to starboard. The convoy did not have radar, at least none was detected. The leading ship of the port column was chosen as the target and it was decided to fire ahead of the nearest escort which was fairly close to the column. The convoy had been zigging between 230°(T) and 200°(T) making 12 knots.
0400H/3, Target, with escort ahead and on its quarter were clearly in sight when the quarter escort turned toward about 45° ending with about 10° starboard angle on the bow at a range of 4900 yards.
0403H/3, Range to the escort was now 4200 yards. It was though he had just sighted Searaven or as about to do so. He could be seen without binoculars. Angle on the bow now zero. Searaven came left as fast as possible and went ahead flank.
0406H/3, Escort now astern, range 1950 yards and opening slowly. Started tracking the original target again. She had zigged towards giving an angle of the bow of 30° port.
0408H/3, Searaven slowed to one third speed to set up for an attack with the stern tubes.
0410H/3, In position 19°06'N, 112°03'E fired four stern torpedoes from 3700 yards. Following firing the last torpedo Searaven went ahead flank and continued to watch the closest escort vessel who was now at a range of 2800 yards.
0413H/3, Sighted two hits, first between stack and bridge, which caused a cloud of smoke higher then the targets masts. The second hit was forward of the bridge. The target swung to his right showing beam silhouette and the dull red spots abaft the first hit along the waterline. Range to the escort was still 2800 yards.
0415H/3, Heard a loud rumbling explosion which was though to be an internal explosion on the ship that had just been hit. The escort ahead of the target turned on a green over white light at which time the escort abeam of the target turned right and closed the target. The target was a large ship of about 500 feet with a long superstructure, relatively high bridge, short stack and two thick masts [This does not realy fit in with the ships which were in this convoy though]. It is thought this ship was sunk as it disappeared from sight at a range of about 5000 yards and it had originally been sighted at a range of 8000 yards.
0418H/3, Heard what is thought to be an end of run torpedo explosion but it could also have been a depth charge.
0420H/3, Heard what is thought to be another end of run torpedo explosion but this too could also have been a depth charge.
0429H/3, Range to the convoy was now 10000 yards. Slowed down and continued tracking. Reported this attack to the Pack Commander in USS Pampanito.
About 0444H/3, much 20MM fire in the direction of the convoy was seen.
0445H/3, The reload of the torpedo tubes was completed. The convoy was tracked on a course of 170°(T) at a speed of 11 knots. Nothing had been heard of the other three boats of the pack so decided to attack again and reported this to the pack commander.
0448H/3, Two explosions were heard 17 seconds apart.
0449H/3, USS Pipefish commenced an attack on the starboard flank.
0450H/3, The order of the convoy was now somewhat disrupted. All escorts had deserted the port bow when the 20MM fire was sighted. Searaven again picked the leading ship of the port column as the target for the bow tubes and the ships astern of this one as the target for the stern tubes.
0455H/3, Sighted the first target which was a large modern tanker of nearly 600 feet.
0459H/3, The target zigged away to 20° to course 190°(T).
0503H/3, In position 18°42'N, 111°54'E, commenced firing the bow tubes at the large tanker from 3300 yards. On completion of firing swung left and got setup on the second ship in the column which was another large modern tanker.
0506H/3, Commenced firing the stern torpedoes from 3400 yards. On completion of firing went to full speed.
0507H/3, Heard and saw a hit on the first target followed shortly afterwards by two more hits in the first target followed by a great explosion. Flames, smoke and burning pieces were thrown nearly a thousand feet in the air. The SJ radar operator stated, 'first target looks like a rain squall'. When the 'rain squall' subsided the target was no longer in sight or on the radar screen at 6000 yards. This large tanker is considered to have sunk.
0509H/3, Heard two more hits , believe one of these may have been an end of run from the bow shot but it was thought the other explosion was a hit in the second target. Tracked this target as slowing rapidly from 13 knots to about 1 or 2 knots immediately after hearing these two explosions.
0513H/3, Heard another explosion believed to be an end of run explosion from the stern torpedo attack. Reported the second attack completed to the remainder of the pack.
0514H/3, Heard more explosions thought to be depth charges which were dropped for the next five to six minutes. Commenced tracking the remaining ships but at the same time retained contact on the damaged tanker to the northward which was making about 3 knots on course 205°(T).
0530H/3, Lost contact on the cripple but sure we can locate him again after we give the dope on remaining ships to the rest of the pack. Believe that USS Sea Cat and USS Pipefish were in contact with them but will wait until USS Pipefish had completed her attack before sending the contact information [this is called 'dope'].
0547H/3, Received word that USS Pipefish had completed her attack. Heard two explosions at a ten second interval. Continued to track the convoy between 16000 and 18000 yards.
0550H/3, The radar screen indicated three ships and two escort. Tracked them in course 220°(T) at a speed of 13 knots. Forwarded this information to the pack commanded four minutes late including these ships position.
0555H/3, Came to a northerly course to search for the damaged tanker. Informed the pack commander that Searaven had only one torpedo remaining and that we were searching for the damaged tanker to the northward.
0558H/3, Regained contact on the damaged tanker and commenced getting into position to attack. The cripple was now doing about 4 knots on a course of 190°(T).
0615H/3, Having gained position on the port bow of the crippled tanker at 9500 yards dived for a submerged dawn approach. At this time it was beginning to get light in the east behind Searaven as seen from the target.
0630H/3, Picked up pinging on the starboard bow.
0647H/3, Sighted tanker bearing 320°(T) at a range of 4600 yards with an angle on the bow of 35° port. Changed course left to close the track.
0702H/3, Tried to have a look around but could see nothing but the escort who came up the starboard side at a range of 2500 yards. She disappeared into the rain and mist. Searaven meanwhile nearly broached four or five times.
0704H/3, Heard the first of a series of explosions and depth charges probably from the southward. A total of 14 were counted.
0714H/3, Changed course right to 300°(T) putting the sea on the beam to permit better depth control.
0726H/3, Sighted the damaged tanker bearing 237°(T) at a range of about 5000 yards but then lost him in a rain squall. Decided to track him as long as possible and trail submerged while further repairing damage from the water that had entered early in the day. Intended to attack before moonrise tonight.
0755H/3, The escort dropped two depth charges but these were not close.
0800H/3, The damaged tanker was now on base course 200°(T) at a speed of 4 knots. Went to 200 feet, came to 200°(T) and set speed to 4 knots so as to trail the damaged tanker.
1020H/3, Heard screws on the hydrophones bearing 040°(T) but no pinging. Considered this to be another escort joining the damaged tanker after having picked up survivors. He passed nearly overhead. Went to periscope depth but found nothing in sight. Distant pinging was heard on bearing 200°(T).
1052H/3, Went back to 200 feet making 4 knots. Heard pinging several times during the day on bearing around 205 °(T).
1825H/3, Surfaced and changed course to 180°(T), to coverthe southerly position in case the target had zigged left at sunset.
1905H/3, Obtained radar contact bearing 270°(T) at a range of 25000 yards. Tracked target on course 200°(T) at a speed of 4 knots. Quite sure this was the damaged tanker. Sent a contact reported to the pack. Commenced getting into position to attack.
1926H/3, Sea Cat reported commencing attack. Asked her if she was attacking the cripple and received a reply that she was attacking a very slow target. Decided to wait to attack until Sea Cat had completed hers. Noticed that Sea Cat was attacking from the port bow so took position to attack from the starbord bow.
2152H/3, Received a message from Sea Cat to attack if ready.
2158H/3, Commenced attack. The moon had come up but was behind a cloud bank in the east. The night was reasonably dark. Both escorts could be seen, one ahead and one on the port bow. The target was now on course 230°(T) still at 4 knots.
2200H/3, The escort ahead of the target changed course towards Searaven, so came right to keep the bow pointing towards him. This escort gradually drew left and finally took position on the starboard beam of the target. The moon was now out at intervals between clouds so decided to fire the last remaining torpedo from fairly long range.
2210H/3, Range now 6000 yards.
2215H/3, The communications between the conning tower and the bridge fouled up resulting in the last torpedo being fired too soon at 2216H/3 for a torpedo run of 4800 yards instead of the intended 3700 yards. Position was 17°48'N, 111°20'E.
2217H/3, Went ahead at flank speed and changed course to put the target group astern.
2219H/3, The target was seen to zig towards.
2225H/3, Heard one explosion believed to be the end of run explosion for the torpedo fired.
2301H/3, Reported the results of the last attack as well as the position, course and speed of the damaged tanker to the remainder of the pack. (1)
4 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1249H/4, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) is ordered by the pack commander to return to base. (1)
21 Dec 1944
At 0920Y/21, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) arrived at Midway from her patrol area in the northern part of the South China Sea. She was then taken in hand for some minor voyage repairs and fuelling by USS Aegir (T/Capt. A.L. Prosser, USN).
At 1430Y/21, USS Searaven departed Midway for Pearl Harbour. (1)
25 Dec 1944
At 1030VW/25, USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong, USN) ended her 13th war patrol at Pearl Harbour. She was escorted in by USS PC-603 (Lt. S. Powel, Jr., USNR) which had joined at 0613VW/25.
USS Searaven was then taken in hand for a post patrol refit to make her fit for training duties to which she was now assigned. (1)
Submarine USS Cero (225)
31 Mar 1945
With her overhaul completed USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. Raymond Berthrong) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 7th war patrol, and was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters off Honshu and Hokkaido.
19 Apr 1945 (position 30.42, 136.42)
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) sank the Japanese guard boat Isuzu Maru no.3 (74 GRT) with gunfire south of Honshu, Japan in position 30°42'N, 136°42'E.
22 Apr 1945 (position 31.38, 139.00)
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) sank the Japanese guard boat Aji Maru (107 GRT) west of Tori Jima in position 31°38'N, 139°00'E, and damaged guard boat Takamiya Maru No.9 in position 30°04'N, 136°43'E.
29 Apr 1945 (position 39.15, 141.58)
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Taishu Maru (6925 GRT) off Kamaishi, Japan in position 39°15'N, 141°58'E.
4 May 1945 (position 39.28, 142.04)
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Shinpen Maru (884 GRT) off Yamada Bay in position 39°28'N, 142°04'E.
13 May 1945 (position 39.06, 141.57)
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Shinnan Maru (1025 GRT) off Todozaki, Honshu, Japan in position 39°06'N, 141°57'E.
20 May 1945 (position 38.06, 142.24)
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant whaler Seki Maru No.5 (377 GRT) east-south-east of Kinkazan, Japan in position 38°06'N, 142°24'E.
27 May 1945
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) ended her 7th war patrol at Guam.
27 Jun 1945
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) departed from Guam for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to perform lifeguard and picket duty off Honshu, Japan.
15 Jul 1945
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) rescued three survivors of a downed bomber and bombarded the Japanese lighthouse and radio station at Shiriya Saki, Honshu.
18 Jul 1945 (position 45.14, 148.41)
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. Raymond Berthrong) is damaged by a bomb from a Japanese aircraft off the Kurile Islands in position 45°14'N, 148°41'E. Due to the damage the patrol is aborted.
30 Jul 1945
USS Cero (Lt.Cdr. R. Berthrong) ended her 8th war patrol at Pearl Harbor.
Sources
- Patrol report of USS Searaven for her 13th war patrol
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