August 22, 1943
Area "Dunkers Derp"
USS Tambor SS-198
TMO 2.5 w custom mods.
Nice shot from last patrol. One of those intense moments that lead to hours of intense moments.
Located a south bound convoy (likely headed for Truk) in patrol area one day after arriving in area. Dusk was not long away so moved ahead for night surface attack.
Closed in and observed a large tanker (11800 ton GENYO MARU), selected tanker for four bow torpedoes and a large freighter for two. Closed to 2200 yards and fired. As torpedoes were inbound, observed a previously undetected Chidori Class Torpedo Boat/Escort moving into position, not far away. This could complicate an escape as we began the turn away, prepared to dive if needed. Just before torpedoes impact, Chidori spotted Tambor, illuminating Tambor with her spotlight. Just then BOOM....tanker impacted and went up with one torpedo, this one was carrying fuel southbound, judging by the large fireball. Two other torpedoes that hit the freighter was a dud and one missed, only one report of a dud. With Chidori turning towards Tambor, illuminated, merchants firing deck guns as well as Chidori, no time to turn, opted to turn bow towards Chidori to keep minimum profile/target for her gunners, and ordered a dive. We slid under....and endured a intense depth charging.
