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Notable events involving Bang include:

The history of USS Bang as compiled on this page is extracted from her patrol reports.

This page was last updated in June 2016.

24 Jan 1944
After a training period off Portsmouth, Maine, USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN), arrived at New London, Connecticut.

26 Jan 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) arrived at Newport Rhode Island from New London, Connecticut for torpedo trials.

29 Jan 1944
With her torpedo trials completed, USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) returned to New London, Connecticut from Newport, Rhode Island.

8 Feb 1944
With her trials and initial training completed USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed from New London bound for Pearl Harbor.

17 Feb 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) arrived at Christobal, Panama Canal Zone.

21 Feb 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed the Taboga Island anchorage, Panama Canal Zone for Pearl Harbour.

7 Mar 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbour. There she underwent final training.

24 Mar 1944
During 24/25 March 1944, USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN), conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Mitchell (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Erdahl, USNR), USS Florikan (Cdr. G.A. Sharp, USN), USS Allen (Lt.Cdr. H.H. Nielsen, USN), USS Salmon (Cdr. H.K. Nauman, USN) and USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN). These exercises included night exercises.

29 Mar 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in Luzon Strait together with USS Tinosa and USS Parche.

For the daily and attack positions of USS Bang during this patrol see the map below. As no deck log is available (for the moment) positions were taken from the patrol report. Unfortunately the patrol report does not give daily noon positions.

2 Apr 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) arrived at Midway.

3 Apr 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed Midway for her patrol area.

16 Apr 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) arrived in her patrol area.

29 Apr 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese army cargo ship Takegawa Maru (1930 GRT, built 1939) in the South China Sea west of Luzon Strait in position 19°26'N, 118°45'E.

Takegawa Maru was part of convoy TAMA-17 that besides her was made up of Hakka Maru (1531 GRT, built 1937), Nissan Maru (???? GRT, built ????), tanker Nittatsu Maru (2859 GRT, built 1943), Peking Maru (2289 GRT, built 1937), Shiroganesan Maru (4739 GRT, built 1943), Tsushima Maru (6712 GRT, built 1914), tanker San Luis Maru (7269 GRT, built 1928), Wales Maru (6586 GRT, built 1921), Yamahagi Maru (5295 GRT, built 1919) and Yashima Maru (???? GRT, built ????) escorted by destroyers Harukaze and Asakaze, minesweeper W-17 and auxiliary gunboat Chohakusan Maru (2120 GRT, built 1928). (All links are offsite links).

(All times are zone -10)
1720 hours - In position 118°47'N, 19°44'E sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 134°(T).

1750 hours - Having determined that the target could not be closed submerged, surfaced. The smoke was visible only through the periscope while on the surface. During the approach it was noticed that at as many as twelve distinct and separate columns of smoke were seen at one time. The TDC showed the convoy to be zigging between 180°(T) and 220°(T). Speed was 11 knots. Decided to make a periscope night attack as soon as possible.

2145 hours - Crossed 11 nautical miles ahead of the convoy.

2215 hours - Dived to radar depth.

2230 hours - Went to 60 feet.

2232 hours - The convoy zigged 50° to the left. Course of the convoy was now 160°(T). The axis of the convoy seemed to be 0-180° in three columns with four or five ships in each column, about 1000 yards between the columns and 1000-1500 yards between the ships in the columns. One escort was patrolling from side to side ahead, escorts in close on bows of the leading outboard ships, one escort about abeam of the third ship in the rear column. These were all that could be seen but most likely there were more. Selected our targets as a large tanker, the second ship in the rear column, and a freighter astern of her. Intended to fire three torpedoes at each then swing our stern around and bring our tubes to bear on the most likely target.

2254 hours - We were now on course 070°(T), closing the track on waiting for the tanker to come on. While sweeping around a fleet type destroyer was sighted bearing 005° relative, angle on the bow 90° starboard, range 1500 yards. Swung right 90° and at .....

2256 hours - In position 19°26'N, 118°45'E fired four torpedoes at this destroyer, then in perfect line with the leading Maru in the starboard column. Then shifted target and fired two torpedoes at the tanker that was originally our target. When the fourth torpedo was fired the destroyer zigged away. Two torpedo hits were obtained on the Maru beyond the destroyer. A third hit was thought to have hit the tanker but this was not observed.

2303 hours - A destroyer had been seen coming towards and dropping depth charges. Bang was unable to fire the stern tubes on this destroyer so in the end decided to go to 400 feet.

2305 hours - Two depth charges exploded right overhead while Bang was passing 300 feet. About 20 more depth charges were dropped during the next 45 minutes but none were close.

2310 hours - Sound heard high noise level and popping noises in the direction of the target group that sounded like a ship sinking.

For the continuation of the events see 30 April 1944.

30 Apr 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) again attacked the same convoy as yesterday and torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant tanker Nittatsu Maru (2859 GRT, built 1943) in the South China Sea off the north-west coast of Luzon, Philippines in position 19°11'N, 119°10'E.

Continuation of the events of 29 April 1944.
(All times are zone -10)
0020 hours - Heaving heard nothing for 30 minutes, carefully reloaded three torpedo tubes while at 450 feet, then planed up to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. Came up to radar depth, no contacts.

0138 hours - Surfaced and began chase.

0150 hours - SJ radar contact bearing 166°(T), range 19000 yards. Began end around to the east. The moon was low in the west.

0210 hours - Second radar contact, smaller pip, 8000 yards astern of the first target. Shortly afterwards sighted a large freighter bearing 160°(T) and a destroyer bearing 260°(T).

0230 hours - Two more smaller radar pips, one 1500 yards ahead and one 1500 yards astern of the freighter. Range to the freighter was now 12000 yards. The situation now seemed to be a large freighter with two esorts in close and with a third escort about 4 nautical miles astern.

0246 hours - The escort well astern headed towards Bang. When the range was 7500 yards she was recognized to be a fleet type destroyer. Angle on the bow was 25° port, she then began signalling, and was answered by a ship on her starboard quarter. This other ship could not be seen except for her signal lights, also no radar pip was seen of this ship. Just after signalling the destroyer went over towards this other ship. The approach on this destroyer was now given up. Changed course to continue our end around on the freighter. Now the rear escort of the freighter proceeded towards the area where the destroyer had been. Shortly afterwards this contact was seen to be another fleet type destroyer. Now started an approach on this destroyer. Range could not be closed to within 4500 yards so resumed our approach on the freighter. Bang however had now ended up almost astern of the freighter so decided to come up from astern. As this freighter was so heavily escorted decided she must be very valuable. Decided to fire all six bow torpedoes at her.

0353 hours - In position 19°22'N, 119°00'E fired six torpedoes at the freighter. Range was 2300 yards. The target unfortunately zigged shortly after firing and all torpedoes missed.

0356 hours - Fired four stern torpedoes. Due to an error in drill these also all missed the target.

0400 hours - Started reload and began an end around. Decided to come in from ahead this time.

0506 hours - In position ahead of the target at a range of 7000 yards. Started our run in.

0518 hours - In position 19°11'N, 119°10'E fired four bow torpedoes from 1800 yards. Two hits were obtained. The first explosion caused a tremendous flash from the center of the target. The second hit casued a ripple of flame throughout the entire lenght of the target. The target soon sank amid a cloud of dense smoke.

0519 hours - Swung hard left to bring the stern tubes to bear on the escort, another fleet type destroyer. She evidently thought the attacker was on the other side of the ex-target because she ran out and dropped a few depth charges, then she came over near where a section of the stern of the ex-target was sticking out of the water and dropped four of what appeared small lights into the water, these were most likely life rafts. The destroyer could not be attacked as she was maneuvering too radically to fire torpedoes against. Range had opened up to 3800 yards when the destroyer came towards at high speed. Bang meanwhile had gone ahead flank but the destroyer soon changed course and the range began to open up again.

0535 hours - Set course 160°(T) to sesrch for the convoy.

During the day Bang shadowed and reported the convoy so that USS Tinosa and USS Parch could attack.

In the evening Bang was detected and attacked by two enemy destroyers.

2110 hours - In position 119°36'N, 118°24'E obtained SJ radar contact bearing 081°(T). Range 12100 yards. Started approach.

2112 hours - Sighted two destroyers coming in fast with 0° angle on the bow.

2114 hours - The leading destroyer fired two rounds from her forward gun. Submerged. Range to the leading destroyer was 7800 yards.

2117 hours - While Bang passed 100 feet two depth charges exploded. Went to 400 feet. 20 more depth charges were dropped during the next three hours. None were very close.

4 May 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Kinrei Maru (5945 GRT, built 1942, offsite link) in the South China Sea west of in Luzon Strait in position 20°58'N, 117°59'E.

Kinrei Maru was in (ore) convoy TE-04 together with Yulin Maru (1874 GRT, built 1914), Shoryu Maru (6498 GRT, built 1919), Daiyoku Maru (5244 GRT, built 1944), Toyohi Maru (6436 GRT, built 1944) and Daibu Maru (6441 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the frigate Kaibokan 1, the minelayer Maeshima and the auxiliary gunboat Hua Shan Maru (2089 GRT, built 1926). They were en-route from Yulin, Hainan to Japan. (All links are offsite links).

(All times are zone -10)
3 May 1944
1204 hours - Received contact report from USS Tinosa. Surfaced and began chase.

1328 hours - Sighted aircraft. Submerged.

1357 hours - All clear. Surfaced.

1425 hours - Sighted aircraft. Submerged.

1510 hours - All clear. Surfaced.

1750 hours - In position 117°00'N, 19°50'E sighted another submarine. Range 9 nautical miles. This must be either USS Tinosa or USS Parche.

1842 hours - In position 117°23'N, 20°13'E sighted four columns of smoke bearing 065°(T).

1952 hours - One ship was seen to leave the convoy and head south. Submerged when the mast came in sight from the bridge. This ship looked like a Maru but she was making fairly high speed. She may have been a Q-ship trying to draw submarines away from the convoy.

2028 hours - The ship was now no longer sighted. Surfaced and began trailing the convoy as ordered by USS Parche.

2230 hours - Sighted the masts of the convoy. USS Parche to attack the port flank. Began an end around. Observed four escorts patrolling from 5000 to 8000 yards astern of the convoy.

4 May 1944
0115 hours - Heard three explosions in the direction of the convoy.

0125 hours - Changed course to open out on an escort who was about 8000 yards on the port side of the convoy. Resumed end around.

0205 hours - In position ahead of the convoy. Range 13000 yards. Waiting for the convoy to close the range.

0210 hours - Heard several explosions. Target soon after spotted as stopped. Started reversing course. Soon after sighted another target to the left of the first. Went over, got in front of her, range 9000 yards and waited for her to come up. When the range was 7500 yards she stopped and engaged in a gun duel with some ship that appeared to be on her starboard quarter. It looked like these ships were firing at each other but there may have been a third ship they were firing at. At this time another target was seen to the left. This target showed a much larger pip on the radar even though the range was greater. Went over and got in front of her at a range of 9000 yards and waited for her to come up. When range had closed to 5500 yards the rain squall that had been sheltering Bang moved away leaving the submarine silhoutted against a clear moonlit horizon. Pulled out and went over to the protection of another squall just to the east of the target. Just as Bang was getting into position to attack two destroyers were seen coming from the north heading towards the target. A second target was now found about 3000 yards on the starboard quarter of the first. The destroyers took a position between the two Maru's.

0332 hours - In position 20°58'N, 117°59'E fired four torpedoes at the nearest Maru and nearest destroyer. All four ships were in line with the nearest Maru at 3400 yards, the nearest destroyer at 4200 yards, the other destroyer at 5500 yards and finally the other Maru at 6200 yards. It is thought three hits were obtained, two on the nearest Maru and one on the nearest destroyer. Both targets sank. After firing Bang changed course to the left and ran at flank speed towards the protection of a rain squall on the port quarer of the target group.

0356 hours - Reported results of the attack and expenditure of torpedoes to USS Parche and received instructions to return to base.

14 May 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) ended her 1st war patrol at Midway.

From 15 May 1944 to 30 May 1944 she was refitted by USS Proteus and Submarine Division 202 Relief Crew.

From 31 May 1944 to 3 June 1944 Bang underwent three days and two nights of training.

6 Jun 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed from Midway for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol west of the Mariana Islands. Later she was ordered to patrol west of Luzon, Philippines.

For the daily and attack positions of USS Bang during this patrol see the map below. As no deck log is available (for the moment) positions were taken from the patrol report. Unfortunately the patrol report does not give daily noon positions.

15 Jun 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) attacked but missed an unidentified tanker south-east of Iwo Jima in position 23°15'N, 143°15'E.

(All times are zone -10)
0508 hours - Just as dawn was breaking, made simultaneous bridge and SJ radar contact on a lone tanker, range 10000 yards, angle on the bow 60° starboard. Came right to put target astern and open out, and commenced tracking while gaining position ahead. Kept the targets tops in sight through high periscope.

0829 hours - Submerged with target bearing 187°(T), angle on the bow 3° port, range 20000 yards. Target was tracked at 11 knots, zigzagging 30° to right and left of base course 10°(T) on thirty minute legs. She was unescorted by either planes or surface ships.

0855 hours - Target on right leg, angle on the bow 30° port. Range 7500 yards. Course 040°(T).

0903 hours - Target obscured by heavy rain. There were numerous rain squalls all around the horizon, which soon closed in until periscope visibility was practically zero. Planed up to radar depth, but there was no pip.

0919 hours - Surfaced in a heavy downpour of rain. Opened out to gain position ahead for another approach when the target could be located. Ran out of the rain storm at about 0940 hours.

0945 hours - Sighted the target coming out of the rain, angle on the bow 30° port. range 14000 yards, on a base course 010°(T). Submerged. Went to 120 feet and for 25 minutes ran at full speed, 8 knots.

1018 hours - Came to periscope depth and slowed. Target range 9000 yards, angle on the bow 90° port. Her course 080°, was further to the right that she had steered all moring. Most likely she had sighted us before we dived. Waited for a while, hoping the target would zig back but the angle on the bow continued to increase. Opened out and at .....

1140 hours - Surfaced and commenced end-around. Sent out a contact report.

1525 hours - Received new patrol assignment from ComSubPac. Bang had almost gained a position ahead of the target and it was decided to continue for two more hours and then approach the target and then we would still be on time in the new patrol position.

1549 hours - Submerged to 150 feet and for 45 minutes ran at standard speed, 6 knots on course 070°(T), to close base course, hoping the target would zig back soon.

1639 hours - Came to periscope depth and slowed. Target range 6500 yards, angle on the bow 30° port, course 010°(T). Closed for 10 minutes at full speed. At the next look the target had zigged away to 45°(T). With a nearly flat battery and no more time available, decided to accept an unfavourable position and at .....

1701 hours - In position 23°15'N, 143°15'E fired three bow torpedoes from 3600 yards. Angle on the bow 120° port. The third torpedo hit just forward of the stack with a run of 2 minutes and 54 seconds. After more then 5 minutes two more explosions were heard, these were end of run explosions for the other torpedoes. The target took a 15° port list and commenced to settle by the stern. She also rigged out her lifeboats. It was thought she would sink but she continued on at 7 knots, zigzagging. Eventually the target righted herself to about 7° port list and down by the stern about 5°. The tanker was in ballast.

1730 hours - Heard a muffled explosion in the direction of the target.

1735 hours - Surfaced and proceeded in the direction of our new station. When last seen the target had her bow up at a 8° angle. It was hard to give up this target but there was no more time to finish her off.

29 Jun 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese fleet tanker Miri Maru (10564 GRT, built 1943), and the Japanese merchant tanker Sarawak Maru (5135 GRT, built 1943) in the South China sea west of Luzon, Philippines in position 17°13'N, 118°24'E. Both tankers were hit in the bow but both managed to reach Manila onder their own power.

Miri Maru and Sarawak Maru were part of Convoy HI-67 that was en-route from Moji to Singapore. Besides the two tankers mentioned above the convoy consisted of tankers Otorisan Maru (5280 GRT, built 1943), Shinei Maru (5135 GRT, built 1944) and Nichinan Maru No.2 (5227 GRT, built 1943), transports Manju Maru (7266 GRT, built 1925), Nankai Maru (8416 GRT, built 1933), Kinugasa Maru (8407 GRT, built 1936), Asaka Maru (7399 GRT, built 1937), Asahisan Maru (4550 GRT, built 1935), Gokoku Maru (10438 GRT, built 1942) and Hakozaki Maru (10413 GRT, built 1922). This last ship reported being missed by a torpedo. The convoy was escorted by the destroyers Asagao and Kuretake, minelayer Shirataka, frigates Hirado, Kurahashi, Kaibokan 2, Kaibokan 5 and Kaibokan 13 and submarine chaser Ch-61. (All links are offsite links).

(All times are zone -9)
0557 hours - In position 18°47'N, 119°07'E sighted smoke bearing 281°(T). SJ radar found 6 pips, range 24000 to 27000 yards on this bearing. Started approach. Stacks and masts soon visible with a small port angle on the bow.

0605 hours - Submerged when the range was 21000 yards. The target group made a large zig to the right - a submerged approach was impossible, so opened out until smoke was barely visible an at .....

0710 hours - Surfaced and commenced an end around. Sent a contact report to USS Seahorse, and again at 0800 hours but received no reply. In view of probable air coverage conducted end-around out of range of visibility of tops, with smoke barely visible. Convoy plotted zigging 40° to right and left of base course 205°(T), speed 14 knots.

1320 hours - Sighted Mavis type plane, range 10 nautical miles. Submerged. Plane was about8 nautical miles ahead of the convoy. Commenced attack.

1508 hours - In position 17°13'N, 118°24'E fired four torpedoes at the second ship in the west column. Range was 1750 yards.

Fired two torpedoes at the leading ship in the centre column. Range was 750 yards.

1509 hours - Fired four stern torpedoes at the leading ship in the east column. Range was 1300 yards.

Heard five hots from the bow tubes while getting set up for the stern shots. After firing aft swept around and saw a big hole that had been blown up through deck in large engine aft Maru (first target). Saw the second target listed 20° to port, port deck line under water and port half of bridge structure blown away. Swept around and saw the second Maru in the east column firing what looked like 20mm tracers at us, causing many splashes all around the periscope. She was swinging towards us, angle on the bow 15° starboard, range 600 yards, so ordered 450 feet. Angle on the bow 0° at the last look at this Maru. Just before the periscope went under the thrid target was seen swinging away. A few seconds later three torpedo hits were heard timed perfectly for hits on her. A depth charge was dropped close above Bang when she passed 200 feet. This depth charge was most likely dropped by the Maru.

1515 hours - Depth charging started. A total of 125 were counted until around 1700 hours. Bang meanwhile had gone to 500 feet.

1834 hours - Returned to periscope depth after reloading the torpedo tubes. Saw two Chidori class torpedo boats (?) meaneuvering around the scene of the attack at a range of 14000 yards.

4 Jul 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) attacked one of the escorts of convoy TA-406. Three torpedoes were fired but all missed. Bang was depth charged several times during the day while trying to attack the convoy.

(All times are zone -9)
3 July 1944
2250 hours - Received a contact report from USS Seahorse, set course to intercept.

4 July 1944
0106 hours - Heard several distant explosions.

0300 hours - Heard two distant explosions.

0328 hours - Sighted smoke, commenced approach.

0410 hours - In position 19°22'N, 115°07'E had radar contact and bridge sighting of one freighter and three escorts. One escort one each bow of the freighter. The third escort was patrolling from side to side ahead of the freighter. Range to the freighter was 15000 yards. It was a bright moonlight night with scattered clouds and visibility was too good for a surface approach but not good enough for a submerged approach. Decided to track ahead and made a surface approach after moonset, which was at 0445 hours. Began closing at 0435 hours, clouds were now heavy in the west,target bearing 120°(T), base course 305°(T), speed 7 knots. Had the TDC set up on the freighter but inside 5000 yards kept bow pointed exactly towards the escort patrolling ahead to avoid being sighted by her. This escort was identified as an older type destroyer, possibly Wakatake-class. Intended to wait until she crossed over to the starboard side of the target and then cut in astern of the near port escort and then fire on a 120° track at the freighter from a range of 1500 to 2000 yards to the freighter. At a range of 3500 yards to the destroyer, when she was on the extreme south leg of her patrol, instead of heading back across target track, she steadied up, giving a 5° port angle on the bow. Shifted TDC set-up to her. Night was now so dark that she could not be seen until she was inside 3000 yards and Bang had better background protection than the target. It was not our intention to fire at this destroyer but when the range was 2500 yards she gave bang 0° angle on the bow and she speeded up so dicided that there was no other choice then to fire torpedoes at her.

0506 hours - In position 19°32'N, 115°28'E fired three 'down the throat torpedoes' from 1300 yards and submerged immediately after firing. Just before leaving the bridge the target was seen to turn to the left but it seemed unlikely she could avoid the torpedoes but no explosions followed.

0510 hours - While passing 350 feet the first of about 20 depth charges were dropped. Many were quite close but no damage was caused.

0745 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

0800 hours - Heard distant depth charging.

0805 hours - Surfaced and commenced approach.

1013 hours - Regained contact, bearing 024°(T). Commenced an end around out of sight of the tops.

1229 hours - Sighted plane coming in, distance 6 nautical miles. Submerged. Continued approach at 200 feet making standard speed.

1330 hours - Heard pinging and fast screws. Went to 400 feet.

1342 hours - First of series of about 20 epth charges. Some of these were very close before Bang went to 500 feet at which depth the enemy could no longer get a contact on her. Continued approach on freighter at that depth with two escorts depth charging astern.

1445 hours - Heard pinging forward of starboard beam. This was the bearing that the target was expected to be on.

1525 hours - At periscope depth. Sighted freighter, angle on the bow 15° port, range 9000 yards. One destroyer (thought to be Wakatake-class) was patrolling from side to side ahead. Commenced approach. At the next look, wen the range was 7500 yards, angle on the bow 20° port, looked good. Fast screws were reported from the bearing Bang had been depth charged and tops could be seen through the periscope. Next few looks at the target showed angles on the bow of 90° starboard, 150° port and 90° port.

1600 hours - Saw two planes over the target. The target was circling at a range of 7000 yards. She was only a small freighter and might be a 'Q'-ship. When taking a last look a plane was seen coming towards. Went deep.

1615 hours - Heard two escorts pinging on short scale, one on each bow in close. They evidently lost contact. Bang left them astern and headed for the target. Started planing up for a look at 1650 hours but the escorts closed in, pinging on short scale and at .....

1708 hours - Received one depth charge, very close. Went back to 500 feet. The escorts were pinging and listening for the next two hours but they did not regain contact. Decided to wait until at least two hours after sunset before surfacing.

2240 hours - Surfaced, 90 nautical miles southeast of Hong Kong. Nothing in sight. Set course to return to our patrol area.

8 Jul 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) was detected and bombed by an ememy aircraft south-west of Formosa in position 20°04'N, 118°59'E. One bom was dropped but it caused no damage.

17 Jul 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed her patrol area for Midway.

29 Jul 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) made a short stop at Midway before she proceeded towards Pearl Harbour later the same day.

2 Aug 1944
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Pearl Harbor. At Pearl Harbour she was refitted by the Submarine Base and a Relief Crew from Submarine Division 42 from 3 to 19 August 1944.

20 Aug 1944
During 20 - 24 August 1944, USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN), conducted training off Pearl Harbour.

23 Aug 1944
USS Bergall (Cdr. J.M. Hyde, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Canfield (Lt.Cdr. P.E. Cherry, USNR), USS Allen (Lt. W.J. Riley, Jr., USNR) and USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN).

27 Aug 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the East China Sea.

For the daily and attack positions of USS Bang during this patrol see the map below. As no deck log is available (for the moment) positions were taken from the patrol report. Unfortunately the patrol report does not give daily noon positions.

31 Aug 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) arrived at Midway to top off with fuel.

1 Sep 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed Midway for her patrol area.

9 Sep 1944
While en route to her patrol area and cruising west of the Bonin Islands USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese troop transport Tokiwasan Maru (1804 GRT, built 1937) in position 28°53'N, 137°42'E, and the Japanese merchant cargo ship Shoryu Maru (1916 GRT, built 1941) in position 28°58'N, 137°45'E. They were both in convoy No. 3905 and were escorted by the Japanese 'light cruiser' Yasojima (former-Chinese P'ing Hai), corvette Kaibokan 4 and auxiliary submarine chaser Fumi Maru.

(All times are zone -10)
1305 hours - In position 29°01'N, 137°37'E sighted smoke bearing 016°(T). Soon afterwards sighted tops of masts through high periscope on the same bearing. Put them astern and commenced tracking.

1325 hours - Submerged, as the bearing remained constant, looking as we were on the target's track. Went off track to avoid plane detection. Continued tracking.

1350 hours - Surfaced. The target had been tracked as making two zigs to his left. Bang was ow too far from the track of the enemy to get in submerged.

1430 hours - Submerged. Target bearing 000°(T), base course 180°(T), zigging on 15 minute legs between course 220°(T) and 140°(T). Commenced approach. When the range was 10000 yards the contact was identified as an escort patrolling ahead of a transport and an oiler.

1616 hours - In position 28°53'N, 137°42'E fired three torpedoes at the transport from 1700 yards followed by three torpedoes at the oiler from 1900 yards. Two hits were seen on the transport and the target was seen to break in half. The oiler was also hit two times. The target was completely obscured by dense black smoke. A third ship was now seen, a transport, about 4000 yards astern of the oiler. Pinging was also reported and Bang was taken deep. Bang was now hunted and depth charged by two escorts. A total of 70 depth charges were dropped, most of them very close causing some damage.

2055 hours - Surfaced. All clear.

19 Sep 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese tanker Tosei Maru No.2 (501 GRT, built 1940) and torpedoed and damaged the Japanese corvette CD-30 (740 tons, offsite link) off the east coast of Formosa in position 24°54'N, 122°23'E. They were part of convoy TAKA-909 which was made up of Keiun Maru (1921 GRT, built 1921), Daihaku Maru (6886 GRT, built 1944), the above mentioned Tosei Maru No.2 and seven other unidentified merchant ships. The convoy was escorted by minesweeper W-15, the above mentioned corvette CD-30, auxiliary minesweepers Takunan Maru No.3, Toshi Maru No.7 and Taihei Maru No.3 Go and auxiliary patrol boat Taian Maru.

(All times are zone -10)
0615 hours - In position 24°59'N, 122°21'E obtained SJ radar contact at a range of 30000 yards. Commenced tracking. Estimated base course 110°(T), speed 7 knots. Six pips were on the radar. Adjusted our position to get ahead on track.

0651 hours - Submerged to 350 feet to get bathythermograph indication. Returned to periscope depth and commenced approach. At 8400 yards selected a large tanker, the second ship in the south column as primary target. Could now count 8 Maru's and 5 escorts. When the range was 3000 yards with the tanker's angle on the bow 30° starboard, the nearest escort had a sharp starboard angle on the bow at about 2000 yards range. This escort was alternately pinging and listening. Rigged for silent running and dropped to 140 feet to get into a negative gradiënt that broke at 120 feet. Commenced tracking by sound. The escort passed directly overhead. Started to come up to periscope depth when another escort was picked up by sound on the port beam, with bearing steady. The setup on the tanker now however failed and two transports were now selected as targets.

0915 hours - In position 24°56'N, 122°15'E fired four bow torpedoes at a transport from a range of 1400 yards. Angle on the bow was 60° starboard.

0916 hours - Fired four stern torpedoes at a transport from 1200 yards. Angle on the bow was 70° port.

Upon firing Bang went to 400 feet. Two timed hits were heard in each target. Breaking up noises were heard through the hull in the direction of the stern target.

0920 hours - Depth charging commenced. Three escorts were heard to take part in the hunt. A total of about 80 charges were dropped but Bang eventually managed to escape.

1730 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

21 Sep 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) attacked an enemy convoy east of Formosa. A total of 10 torpedoes were fired. Several hits are claimed but no sinkings could be attributed to Bang.

(All times are zone -10)
20 September 1944
1648 hours - Picked up pinging on sound bearing 217°(T). Turned towards.

1655 hours - In position 25°07'N, 122°57'E sighted smoke on more or less the same bearing. Started approach. The masts of two ships were soon in sight, later a total of six ships were seen.

2030 hours - Surfaced. Went ahead at full speed. Started a batterry charge.

2041 hours - Obtained contact with SJ radar at a range of 23200 yards. Commenced an end around and started tracking. There appeared to be six Maru's in three columns with an escort ahead on each beam an probably another one astern.

21 September 1944
0015 hours - In position 25°21'N, 123°58'E fired six bow tubes. Swung right with full rudder and flank speed.

0017 hours - Fired four stern tubes at the second ship in the south column. Range on firing was 1700 yards.

Three hits were heard from the bow tubes. Flashes of hits were seen on two targets. The escorts never saw Bang and moved over to the other side of the convoy. Following the attack three radar pips disappeared from the screen.

0636 hours - Submerged.

24 Sep 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed her patrol area for Midway.

29 Sep 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Midway.

From 30 September 1944 to 24 October 1944 she was refitted by Submarine Base Midway and Submarine Division 61 Relief Crew.

25 Oct 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed from Midway for her 4th war patrol. Once again she was ordered to patrol off Formosa.

For the daily and attack positions of USS Bang during this patrol see the map below. As no deck log is available (for the moment) positions were taken from the patrol report. Unfortunately the patrol report does not give daily noon positions.

2 Nov 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed Saipan for her patrol area.

3 Nov 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) arrived at Saipan for minor voyage repairs and to top off with fuel.

23 Nov 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) made several attacks on a Japanese convoy and torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Sakae Maru (2878 GRT, built 1902) and the Japanese troop transport Amakusa Maru (2345 GRT, built 1901) east of Formosa in position 24°21'N, 122°28'E.

(All times are zone -10)
22 November 1944
2128 hours - Received a contact report from USS Redfish. Set course to intercept at full speed.

2207 hours - Received a contact report on the same convoy from USS Shad.

2225 hours - In position 24°16'N, 122°30'E obtained contact with the SJ radar. One pip, range 21000 yards. While closing the range the contact developed into five pips. Adjusted our position to get ahead of the convoy. Had radar contact with Redfish on the port bow of the convoy and with Shad on the starboard side of the convoy. Received message from the CO of Redfish (the Task Group Commander) to attack which we did.

23 November 1944
0032 hours - In position 24°23'N, 122°41'E fired three bow torpedoes at the leading ship in the starboard column from 2200 yards followed by three bow torpedoes at the second ship in the starboard column from 1700 yards. Heard four hits and saw his on two ships while swinging around for a stern shot.

0034 hours - Fired four stern torpedoes at our second target (by far the largest ship of the convoy). The ship had already been hit to make sure she would sink decided to give her some more. The ship however sank before the stern torpedoes reached her. However Bang was lucky as the target was in line with the third ship in the port column and this ship was hit by one torpedo. Opened out to a range of 8000 yards and started to reload while gaining a position for a new attack. There were now five pips on the radar that looked like one escort ahead of two Maru's in column and then an escort astern. Another escort was thought to be well on the port beam. Started another attack intending to fire three bow torpedoes at each of the two Maru's. During the approach the leading escort zigged towards Bang so at .....

0147 hours - In position 24°24'N, 122°45'E fired three bow torpedoes at the leading escort from 1800 yards.

0148 hours - Fired three bow torpedoes at the leading Maru from 2000 yards.

0150 hours - Fired four stern torpedoes at the second Maru from 2100 yards.

No hits were heard from the bow torpedoes and three hits were heard from the stern torpedoes. Bang meanwhile ran out at flank speed. Again opened out to 8000 yards and commenced reloading the last four bow torpedoes for yet another attack. The radar screen showed three pips which looked like a Maru with an escort close on the port quarted and another escort well over on the port beam. Upon closing again for observation they all looked like escorts. The one that was thought to be a Maru looked like a large minelayer. Started approach on her.

0314 hours - In position 24°12'N, 122°53'E fired bow four torpedoes from 2300 yards. Heard two hits and sighted a large flash on the target. She then disappeared from sight and the radar screen. Bang then cleared the area and set course to Pearl Harbour.

5 Dec 1944
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) ended her 4th war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

From 6 December 1944 to 1 January 1945 she was refitted by Submarine Base Pearl Harbour and Submarine Division 43 Relief Crew.

2 Jan 1945
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the East China and Yellow Seas.

For the daily and attack positions of USS Bang during this patrol see the map below. As no deck log is available (for the moment) positions were taken from the patrol report. Unfortunately the patrol report does not give daily noon positions.

14 Jan 1945
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) arrived at Saipan to top off with fuel and for voyage repairs by USS Fulton.

15 Jan 1945
Around 1100K/15, USS Devilfish (T/Cdr. E.C. Stephan, USN), USS Bang (T/Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN), USS Atule (T/Cdr. J.H. Maurer, USN) and USS Spadefish (T/Cdr. G.W. Underwood, USN) all departed Saipan for their patrol areas. They were escorted out until around 1720K/15 by USS PC-1126 (Lt. J.F Carrere, USNR).

10 Feb 1945
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) attacked a small merchant vessel with three torpedoes in the Yellow Sea. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -9)
1319 hours - In position 36°52'N, 124°01'E sighted small steamship coming out of a snow squall, bearing 015°(T), range 2400 yards, angle on the bow 15-20° starboard. Swung left for a stern tube shot.

1326 hours - In position 36°55'N, 124°01'E commenced firing three torpedoes from 1250 yards. The set-up was poor and no hits were obtained. This target was not over 1000 tons and was in ballast.

19 Feb 1945
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed her patrol area for Guam.

24 Feb 1945
USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) ended her 5th war patrol at Guam.

25 Mar 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) departed from Guam for her 6th war patrol, and was ordered to patrol in Luzon Strait. She was escorted out by USS PC-1082.

For the daily and attack positions of USS Bang during this patrol see the map below. As no deck log is available (for the moment) noon positions were taken from the patrol report.

30 Mar 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) arrived in her patrol area.

9 Apr 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) received orders to take up a position to the north-east of Formosa to perform lifeguard duties.

22 Apr 1945
At 0737 hours (zone -9), USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN), picked up Ensign Donald E. corzine from USS Chenango, Hellcat pilot. He had been in the water for 14 hours.

3 May 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) departed her area for Saipan.

8 May 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) arrived at Saipan. She was escorted in by USS PC-1591.

9 May 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) departed Saipan for Pearl Harbour. She was escorted out by USS LCI(L)-1098.

18 May 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) ended her 6th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was escorted in by USS PC-1077.

23 May 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) departed Pearl Harbour for San Francisco.

28 May 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) arrived at San Francisco (Hunters Point Navy Yard). Here she received orders to proceed to the East coast for overhaul at the Portsmouth Navy Yard.

11 Jun 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) arrived arrived at Balboa, Panama Canal Zone.

14 Jun 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) departed Christobal, Panama Canal Zone for the Portsmouth Navy Yard where she was to refit.

22 Jun 1945
USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Bagby, Jr., USN) arrived at the Portsmouth Navy Yard where she was to refit.

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