March 1943
USS Drum out of Brisbane.
Initial assignment was patrol off Bougainville . Sunk a large troopship and a DD off Rabaul. Moved to attack enemy reinforcement convoy heading from Rabaul to Lae . Made contact March 3 40 /NM east of Lae as convoy rounded Huon Peninsula. While closing USAAF and RAAF aircraft arrived and savaged the convoy sinking six transports and 5 DD. Observed but unable to get into proper firing position.
Currently en route to new patrol area. Truk Rabaul shipping lanes N of Kavieng/Bismark chokepoint.
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