TMO + custom mods
USS Drum SS 228
April 28, 1944
Luzon Strait -Convoy College Area.
After several days of foul weather, it cleared. Began seeing more patrol planes than usual. Seems DRUM stirred up a Hornets nest attacking the big convoy on 24/25 April.
On 27 April at 0204 APR-1 detected radar signals and soon had SJ contacts closed to find were two DD's patrolling. Without a favorable setup, decided to save torpedoes for merchants or larger warships. As were backing away at 6000 yards, suddenly heard gunfire, shell splashes were visible, they had detected us on radar/spotted us. Unable to outrun two fleet type DD's, we dove to 375 feet and ran silent. Pinging began and a few depth charges landed, some close but soon they lost us. We slipped away and five hours later came to scope depth to find heavy seas, rain and low visibility. Surfaced and continued patrol.
Squalls cleared that afternoon. At 1621 2 April SJ made contact with convoy in Luzon Strait heading NE. Went to GQ and approaching, diving at 1700.Closed and at scope depth, saw convoy had zigged out of position and its choice targets, two large tankers were on opposite side of convoy. Allowed convoy to pass, surfaced and conducted end around. At 0100 was in position off port column of eight ship two escort convoy. Fired at two GENYO MARU class 11000 ton tankers.
Torpedoes hit the trailing tanker, causing massive explosion after just one hit. Torpedoes hit the second tanker, causing large fire and leaving it dead in water. All bow torpedoes expended, two left in stern tubes.
Escorts chased DRUM but were able to avoid. Waited several hours until convoy moved on and escorts with them. The tanker was dead in water, sinking. Backed in with caution, fired final two stern torpedoes. Last Mark 14 was a CIRCLE RUN. Fortunately, DRUM was able to avoid impact. Other torpedo impacted tanker, which capsized and sunk.
Set course for Pearl Harbor, arriving 17 May. 51000 tons total sunk.
|