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Career information

USNR postwar

Submarine USS Skate (305)

27 Jan 1944
USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted trials / exercises off Pearl Harbor.

28 Jan 1944
USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted trials / exercises off Pearl Harbor.

29 Jan 1944
During 29/30 January 1944, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

On 29 January exercises were carried out together with USS Trout (T/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Clark, USN) and USS Wyman (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Copeland, USNR).

Later USS Trout parted company and the two remaining ships were joined by USS Rock (T/Lt.Cdr. J.J. Flachsenhar, USN) and USS Chew (Cdr. A.G. Grant, USNR) for night exercises.

On completion of the night exercises, USS Skate was rejoined by USS Wyman for more exercises until USS Wymanwas relieved by USS Litchfield (T/Cdr. H.C. Maynard, USN).

1 Feb 1944
During 1/2 February 1944, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

5 Feb 1944
Around 1300VW/5, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) departed Pearl Harbor for her third war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off Truk but is first to proceed to Midway to top off with fuel and provisions and some voyage repairs if required.

She is escorted out until sunset by USS PC-570 (Lt. A.W. Cocroft, USNR). (2)

9 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015Y/9, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) arrived at Midway.

She departed for her patrol area after topping off with fuel and provisions and having made some minor voyage repairs around 1345Y/9. (2)

16 Feb 1944 (position 10.11, 151.42)
USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese light cruiser Agano offsite link) about 170 nautical miles north of Dublon Island, Truk, Caroline Islands in position 10°11'N, 151°42'E.

The already damaged Agano was en-route from Truk to Japan on two shafts. She was escorted by the destroyer Oite and the submarine chaser Ch-28.

1646K/16 - Sighted the superstructure of an unidentified ship bearing 212°. The ship was hull down, estimated range 12 nautical miles. The ship was heading towards.

1647K/16 - Submerged to commence approach.

1717K/16 - A bomb exploded but not close. As it was thought possible an aircraft had spotted the submarine at periscope depth, USS Skate went to 90 feet.

1722K/16 - The foremast of the ship now could be seen and it was thought to be a Japanese heavy cruiser.

1734K/16 - Another bomb or depth charge exploded but again not close. Two escorts were with the cruiser as was a heavy air escort.

1735K/16 - The cruiser zigged towards. Range was now 5000 yards. The enemy looked like a Kako-class vessel.

1743K/16 - Fired four bow torpedoes from 2300 yards. Three hits were obtained and the sound man reported a fourth.

1746K/16 - Depth charging started and they were fairly close. Skate meanwhile had gone deep.

1830K/16 - The escorts were not in contact. Skate opened out to the northward amid occasional depth charges and pinging by the escorts.

2115K/16 - Surfaced. Found the SJ radar to be defective and also the compass was giving trouble. Decided to clear the scene until repairs had been completed.

0028K/17 - Repairs were completed and both the SJ radar and compass were again functioning normally. Set course to close the cruisers last known position.

0100K/17 - Obtained SJ radar contact on a target at a range of 19000 yards. Set course to proceed to the other side of the cruiser so as to be down moon. The two escorts were soon also picked up by the SJ radar. Both were circling the cruiser remaining within 1500 yards from the stricken vessel.

0105K/17 - Flames and occasional explosions were seen on the cruiser and from time to time dark clouds of smoke arose.

0238K/17 - Made a quick trim dive before closing. The cruiser was now at a range of 14000 yards. During this test dive a loud explosion was heard but as many explosions had been heard during the last hours nothing was thought of it however on surfacing no contact could be obtained with the SJ radar and also no more flames were seen. The escors were between 12000 and 14000 yards away. A dense pall of black smoke was visible where the cruiser should have been. Skate commenced to close but no more contact on the cruiser was obtained.

0317K/17 - As it was now obvious that the cruiser had gone down commenced to clear the area. (3)

17 Feb 1944
At 1453K/17, north-west of Truk, in position 09°06'N, 150°31'E, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted what appeared to be a destroyer or large patrol vessel bearing 250° at a range of about 12 nautical miles.

At 1455K/17, Skate submerged and commenced an approach. The target was seen once through the periscope but could barely made out. She was not seen afterwards and the approach was broken off. Estimated course of the enemy was 070°. (2)

18 Feb 1944
At 1512K/18, north-west of Truk, in position 09°01'N, 150°34'E, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) obtained SJ radar contact bearing 162°. The lookout sighted the ship at the same time. Range was about 23000 yards. The enemy was proceeding to the north-west.

At 1515K/18, USS Skate submerged to make an approach. The ship was subsequently seen to be a hospital ship.

At 1549K/18, two photographs were made through the periscope from 3000 yards. USS Skate then set course to the east.

The hospital ship encountered was the Teno Maru (6076 GRT, built 1927, former Dutch Op Ten Noort) which had departed Truk that day for Saipan. (2)

19 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2245K/19, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) received orders to patrol in the Palau area. She was to reconnoitre Woleai and Ulithi Atolls en-route. (2)

22 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of Woleai Atoll. A patrolling float plane, thought the be a 'Pete' (Mitsubishi F1M) was a real nuisance during this reconnaissance. (2)

25 Feb 1944
At 0930K/25, USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) the mast of what was thought to be a destroyer was sighted bearing 292° at a range of 18000 yards. Position was 10°06'N, 139°40'E.

At 0945K/25, the above ship was positively identified as a destroyer. Shortly afterwards the flight deck of a carrier was seen a few miles further to the north-east. It was first thought that the enemy was about the enter the Atoll but they made off to the north-west and were soon lost from sight. The range to the carrier was never less then 20000 yards. [No Japanese carrier was in this area though.]

USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) then conducted a periscope reconnaissance of Ulithi Atoll which was completed in the morning of the 26th. (2)

27 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Skate (T/Cdr. E.B. McKinney, USN) arrived in her new patrol area, about 80 nautical miles to the north of Babeldaob, Palau. (2)

29 Feb 1944
At 1330I/29, west of Palau, in position 07°04'N, 135°26'E, USS Skate (T/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a ship bearing 088°. Range was about 12000 yards. Commenced to close.

At 1402K/29, USS Skate the ship was seen to be a hospital ship proceeding on course 240° at 8.5 knots.

It was identified as being the same hospital ship that had been encountered on the 18th. It was thought to be the Teno Maru (6076 GRT, built 1927, former Dutch Op Ten Noort). This is however unlikely as this ship apparently arrived at Rabaul on 1 March. The hospital ship sighted may have been the Hikawa Maru (11622 GRT, built 1930) instead. (3)

1 Mar 1944
On 1 and 2 March 1944, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) made three torpedo attacks on a Japanese convoy to the south of Palau. A total of 13 torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

Another approach on 3 March had to be broken off and no torpedoes were fired.

The convoy attacked had departed Palau on 29 February for New Guinea and was made up of the the transports Kwayo Maru (often spelled as Kayo Maru) (4368 GRT, built 1923), Kofuku Maru (1920 GRT, built 1940) and Shoei Maru 2 Go (1878 GRT, built 1939) [This was the engine aft vessel, see below]. They were escorted by, at least, the submarine chaser Ch-34.

0053I/1 - While to the south of Palau in position 06°08'N, 134°12'E, obtained radar contact bearing 346° at a range of 19450 yards. There were at least four targets in this group of ships.

0055I/1 - Commenced tracking and maneuvered to gain a position on the starboard bow of the convoy. There were three medium sized ships in column with an escort on each bow about 1500 yards from the leading ship. A third escort was playing roving guard at the end of the column. The convoy was zigzagging but base course was 180°, speed 9 knots.

0154I/1 - In position 06°11'N, 134°10'E, fired three bow torpedoes at the third ship in the column. Also three bow torpedoes were fired on the second ship in the column. Both ship were of about 3000 tons. Range on firing was a litle over 3000 yards.

The fourth torpedo prematures 18 seconds after firing violently shaking the submarine. The enemy immediately opened fire and turned on searchlights. Skate had swung left on completion of firing the torpedoes and made off at full speed. Depth charges were being dropped it it was not possible to be sure if hits were obtained but it was thought two torpedo explosions were heard.

0429I/1 - Skate was trying to get into position for a stern tube attack. Meanwhile it was seen that all targets were still present.

0452I/1 - Range was now 5500 yards and an attack was started however an aircraft forced Skate to dive and the convoy shortly afterwards passed overhead.

0556I/1 - Saw the convoy disappear through the periscope on bearing 155°.

1135I/1 - Surfaced and set off in pursuit to try to attack again the following night.

1551I/1 - Sighted smoke of the convoy bearing 220°, range 15 nautical miles. Tracked the convoy all afternoon and during the night until moonset.

0005I/2 - Maneuvered to gain a position for a stern torpedo attack. The formation of the convoy seemed to be the same as last night.

0122I/2 - In position 02°48'N, 134°52'E, fired three stern torpedoes at the third ship in the column. An engines aft ship of about 3000 tons. Range was 3500 to 3300 yards. Almost simultaneously the leading ship turned on a red light indicating a submarine to port.

USS Skate went ahead full on course 100° to open out to the eastward. No hits were obtained. The escorts were meanwhile dropped depth charges and had to be evaded while Skate was getting clear of the convoy.

The convoy was now tracked until daylight while Skate obtained a position to attack from submerged at dawn.

0612I/2 - Submerged with two escorts heading directly towards at a range of 14000 yards. This were the port and starbord bow escorts of the convoy.

0638I/2 - Went to battle stations and continued the approach.

0705I/2 - In position 02°03'N, 134°55'E, fired four stern torpedoes from 3500 yards at the third ship of the column. This was the engine aft vessel. Again no hits were obtained.

One of the escorts was seen coming towards so USS Skate went deep to evade. Depth charging started at 0713I/2. They were dropped until 0827I/2 but none were really close.

0830I/2 - Retured to periscope depth.

1011I/2 - Surfaced to send a contact report.

1157I/2 - Submerged to give all hands a rest. Also decided to check the torpedo data computer as 13 torpedoes had been fired for no hits but all checked well.

2057I/2 - After having received a signal that another submarine [USS Peto (T/Lt.Cdr. P. van Leunen, Jr., USN)] was also ordered to intercept the convoy decided to have one last go at it so set a course to intercept it once more.

1753I/3 - Sighted smoke bearing 194° at a range of more then 20 miles. Altered course to gain a position ahead of the convoy.

1850I/3 - Sent out a contact report on the area frequency.

1930I/3 - Obtained radar contact on the convoy on bearing 215° at 28000 yards. Commenced tracking. The convoy was found to be proceeding on a base course of 110° at 5 knots.

2128I/3 - Having almost gained the desired position to commence a submerged radar approach when radar contact was gained on a vessel bearing 175° at 11200 yards which was rapidly closing. Submerged to avoid detection and gain position. Position was now 01°22'0S 138°40'E.

2148I/3 - Went to battle stations and commenced approach. The vessel detected at 2128I/3 had high speed screws and was an escort. This was could not be seen through the periscope.

2218I/3 - The selected target, once again the engine aft ship, commenced to swing to starboard at a range less then 2000 yards. Skate had most likely been detected so the approach was broken off and she went deep but no depth charges were dropped.

2255I/3 - Commenced to return to periscope depth.

2320I/3 - Surfaced and proceeded to the north to return to our patrol area. There was not enough sea room to make another approach on the convoy before it would arrive at Hollandia which was thought to be the convoys destination. (3)

5 Mar 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) makes a failed torpedo attack on a Japanese convoy between the north coast of New Guinea and Palau in position 03°02'N, 136°53'E. Six torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

1040I/4 - Received a contact report of two ships to the north-east. Altered course to intercept.

1538I/4 - In position 02°07'N, 137°36'E, obtained radar contact bearing 150° at 36000 yards. Assumed this to be the targets so altered course to get ahead.

1647I/4 - Sighted smoke bearing 141°. Range was over 15 miles.

1800I/4 - Heard numerous underwater explosions. Assumed that the convoy was being attacked and that the attacker was depth charged. [This was a correct assumption as USS Balao (T/Cdr. C.C. Cole, USN) was attacking and then depth charged.]

1915I/4 - In position 02°08'N, 137°37'E obtained radar contact bearing 204° at a range of 17000 yards. Commenced tracking. The convoy consisted of two ships proceeding on a base course of 315° at 9 knots. Commenced to get in position ahead of the convoy at a range of 19000 yards and then wait for the moon to set to make a surface attack.

0207I/5 - Went to battle stations and commenced an approach on the port flank of the convoy. Three escorts were picked up on the way in, one approximately ahead, on on the port bow of the convoy and one, most likely, on the starboard bow.

0242I/5 - Changed course to make an attack on a 90° port track. Two more escorts had been picked up by radar.

0255I/5 - At the crucial instant before firing the convoy zigged to the right to course 000° and in view of the close proximity of the nearest escort (1700 yards bearing 020° relative) it was decided that the opportunity to fire successfully had been lost and could not be regained without detection. Course was therefore altered to the right and Skate passed between the two port quarter flankers. It was decided to cross astern of the convoy and make an approach from the starboard quarter.

0336I/4 - With the starboard bow escort dead ahead at 2400 yards altered course to the left and came in for a 120° starboard track. Excessive torpedo run made firing here impractical so speed was increased and course was changed to the right to attain a more favourable position. Meanwhile one of the escort on the port side of the convoy had eased around astern of the convoy probably playing roving guard or to attain a better position for a left zig.

0352I/4 - Decided that optimum firing conditions had been attained under the circumstances as it was not possible to make another approach before dawn so in position 03°02'N, 136°53'E fired three torpedoes at each of the two transports from the bow tubes. Range was about 3500 yards. No hits were obtained. Numerous depth charges were dropped after this attack.

As there was now only one stern torpedo remaining left patrol and set course for Pearl Harbor. (2)

17 Mar 1944
Around 1140VW/17, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) ended her third war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

She was escorted in [identity of the escort not given in the patrol report]. The escort had joined around 0855VW/17.

USS Skate was then taken in hand for post patrol repairs / refit by USS Bushnell (T/Capt. C.T. Bonney, USN). She was also docked during her repair / refit period.

2 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted trials / exercises off Pearl Harbor.

4 Apr 1944
From 4 to 6 April 1944, USS Drum (T/Cdr. D.F. Williamson, USN), USS Gabilan (T/Cdr. K.R. Wheland, USN) and USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor. These included night exercises.

Most likely they were escorted / assisted by USS Litchfield (T/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Hollingsworth, USN) during these exercises.

7 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

8 Apr 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) and USS Perch (T/Cdr. B.C. Hills, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Allen (Lt. W.J. Riley, Jr., USNR), USS Mitchell (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Erdahl, USNR) and USS Florikan (Cdr. G.A. Sharp, USN).

11 Apr 1944
Around 1330VW/11, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her fourth war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Bonin Islands. Before proceeding to her patrol area she was to call at Midway to top off with fuel and provisions and to make voyage repairs if required.

She was escorted until sunset by USS PC-483 (Lt. P.R. Phillips, USNR). (4)

15 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0740Y/15, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbor.

After topping off with fuel and provisions and some minor voyage repairs she departed for her patrol area around 1530Y/15. (4)

22 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1132K/22, in position 28°15'N, 152°07'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighed the masts of a sampan bearing 210° at a range of 8 nautical miles. Avoiding action was taken. (4)

30 Apr 1944
At 1132K/22, to the east of Haha Jima, Bonin Islands, in position 26°44'N, 142°15'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighed eight sampans proceeding southwards along the east coast of the island. They were not attacked so as to not give away the presence of the submarine and also gun action would have to take place close to the island which for sure would take the attacker under fire with shore batteries. Also it would intensify the enemy air patrols in the area and these small targets were not worth it. (4)

2 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0740K/2, north-north-west of Chichi Jima, in position 28°07'N, 141°53'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a large sampan at a range of 6000 yards. As it was thought this might be a scout for a convoy she was not attacked but no convoy showed up. (4)

3 May 1944
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) attacked a Japanese convoy to the west of the Bonin Islands in position 29°46'N, 137°03'E. It was throught possible a large transport had been sunk but this was not the case.

The convoy attacked was en-route from Palau to Tokyo and was made up of the transports Noto Maru (7185 GRT, built 1934) and Tosan Maru (8684 GRT, built 1938). They were escorted by the destroyer Satsuki and the frigate Kaibokan 4 (all offsite links).

1232K/3 - West of the Bonin Islands, in position 28°31'N, 137°31'E, USS Skate sighted two ships, hull down, bearing 240° at a range of 28000 yards. They were northbound. Commenced tracking at best speed which was 17.5 knots to obtain an attack position. The targets course was determined to be 342° at 14 knots.

1723K/3 - Submerged for attack.

1800K/3 - Determined that it was a convoy of two large transports and two escorts, thought to be a destroyer and some sort of other escort, perhaps a corvette / frigate type vessel.

1822K/3 - In position 29°46'N, 137°03'E fired four bow torpedoes from 2700 yards at the second transport. On firing depth control was lost. A total of four explosion were heard thought to be hits. Breaking up noises were also heard.

1825K/3 - Depth charging commenced. Until 1946K/3 a total of 27 were counted but no damage was sustained.

1955K/3 - Heard two very loud and two distinct series of explosions. It was believed this was the target sinking.

2022K/3 - Surfaced. Nothing in sight. (5)

6 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1017K/6, north-west of Chichi Jima, in position 27°10'N, 142°03'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a sampan bearing 280° at a range of 3000 yards. The enemy vessel was on a souterhly course. No gun attack was made due to the close proximity of Chichi Jima. (4)

14 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1810K/14, west of the Bonin Islands, in position 28°14'N, 140°27'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a sampan bearing 015° at a range of 14000 yards. Tracked the target and endeavoured to take up a position to the eastward of him in order to silhouette the enemy against the setting sun.

At 2227K/14, fire was opened from 2800 yards and fired 14 rounds of 4" but no hits were obtained. It had been intended to attack from closer range but the enemy could not be seen from 1500 yards so the range had to be opened. (4)

19 May 1944 (position 28.56, 141.38)
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sank the Japanese guard boat Meisho Maru (31 GRT) with gunfire well to the north-north-west off Ogasawara-Gunto, Bonin Islands in position 28°56'N, 141°38'E.

0949K/19 - In position 28°56'N, 141°38'E sighted a sampan bearing 328° at a range of 6000 yards. Enemy course was 100°. Took position for battle surface and gun action.

1103K/19 - Made battle surface. Fired 67 rounds of 4" at ranges varying between 3500 and 1000 yards.

1145K/19 - The sampan was on fire and in a sinking condition. Closed the sampan.

1200K/19 - Picked up three survivors. Eight more survivors were seen to be alive. They were given a rubber boat and some food and then shoved off.

The sampan was not boarded as an enemy aircraft was patrolling not far away and was closing. (4)

24 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1900K/24, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) left patrol to proceed to Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands. (4)

28 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) received orders to proceed to Midway instead of Majuro. Course was set accordingly. (4)

31 May 1944
Around 0845Y/31, USS Skate (Lt.Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) ended her fourth war patrol at Midway.

She was then taken in hand for a post patrol repair/refit period by USS Proteus (T/Capt. R.W. Berry, USN). (4)

18 Jun 1944
From 18 to 20 June 1944, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) conducted training exercises off Midway together with USS Litchfield (T/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Hollingsworth, USN).

During 19 and 20 June USS Greenlet (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hodgson, Jr., USNR) also participated in the exercises. (6)

23 Jun 1944
Around 1520Y/23, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) departed from Midway for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Kuril Islands.

7 Jul 1944 (position 47.43, 147.55)
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese destroyer Usugumo (2000 tons, offsite link) and torpedoed and damaged the Japanese transport Kasado Maru (6167 GRT, built 1900) about 160 nautical miles north of Etorofu Jima in position 47°43'N, 147°55'E.

The other ships in the convoy were the transports Taihei Maru (6285 GRT, built 1928), Umekawa Maru (1931 GRT, built 1939) and the auxiliary gunboat Shinko Maru No.2 (2578 GRT, built 1939). The other two destroyers were the Akebono and Ushio. The convoy was en-route from Otaru to Matsuwa. (all links are offsite links).

1540K/7, In position 47°38'N, 148°00'E, sighted two columns of smoke bearing 250° at a range of about 28000 yards. Commenced tracking and set course to gain a position ahead.

1604K/7 - Dived and commenced a submerged approach.

1645K/7 - The convoy consisted of five transports with two Fubuki-class destroyers ahead and one on the starboard quarter of the convoy. Decided to attack a destroyer and then one of the transports. Enemy course was 045° at 11 knots.

1715K/7 - In position 47°43'N, 147°55'E fired three bow torpedoes at the destroyer on the starboard quarter of the convoy and then tried to get a setup on one of the transports. Range was 2040 yards.

1718K/7 - Fired three bow torpedoes at a large transport from 2800 yards. The ship soon turned away firing her gun in the direction of the attacker.

1720K/7 - The targeted destroyer emerged from a large smoke cloud. He had a 75° port list and a broken back. Cdr. Gruner could look down her after funnel and could see the fires in her boilers still burning. Sound reported the two other destroyers approaching but they could not be seen due to the smoke. Skate went deep.

1721K/7 - Depth charging started. Sound reported a torpedo explosion on the second target. Depth charges were heavier then any encountered until this time and 16 out of the 55 depth charges recorded exploded below 430 feet.

1900K/7 - One of the destroyers left the area.

2005K/7 - The last depth charge exploded. It was quite some way off.

2010K/7 - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing was in sight.

2135K/7 - Surfaced. Set off in pursuit of the convoy. Sent a contact report. (7)

12 Jul 1944
At 0902K/12, in position 47°24'N, 146°15'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a ship bearing 055° at a range of 15500 yards. Tracked it on the surface and then submerged on the ships track. Course of the ship was 208° at 15 knots. The ship was subsequently seen to be a Soviet Liberty-type vessel. Took photographs through the periscope.

At 1315K/12, in position 47°09'N, 146°16'E, sighed another ship. Bearing was 225°, speed 15 knots. Again it was a Soviet Liberty-type vessel. Again photographs were taken through the periscope. (6)

14 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1145K/14, in position 47°34'N, 146°42'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) obtained a radar contact. Skate submerged and the ship passed at a range of about 3000 yards but could not be seen due to thick fog.'

At 1242K/14, USS Skate surfaced and commenced tracking the contact. Shortly afterwards the fog suddenly lifted and USS Skate then closed to 3500 yards. The vessel was Russian and was proceeding on course 225° at 11 knots. It was thought it was possibly the Shchors (Russian, 3770 GRT, built 1921). (6)

15 Jul 1944 (position 48.08, 148.06)
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese fishing vessel Miho Maru (515 GRT, built 1913) in the Sea of Okhotsk in position 48°08'N, 148°06'E.

1437K/15 - In position 48°42'N, 149°13'E, sighted smoke bearing 055° at a range of 25000 yards. Commenced tracking. The contact subsequently tracked on course 225° at 10 knots. Set course to gain a position ahead.

1546K/15 - Submerged to identify and if needed attack the contact. The ship passed at a range of 3500 yards. It was a small freighter. Rust on the hull appeared red and it was possible that the ship displayed the Soviet flag but it could not be seen for sure. Continued to trail the ship.

1820K/15 - Surfaced and continued to trail the ship until dark. The ship did not ignite any lights so it must be enemy.

2150K/15 - In position 48°08'N, 148°06'E fired two torpedoes from 1490 yards. One hit was obtained and the ship sank rapidly.

Numerous survivors were seen in the water. Two were picked up.

16 Jul 1944 (position 48.29, 147.36)
USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport Nippo Maru (1942 GRT, built 1944) in the Sea of Okhotsk in position 48°29'N, 147°36'E.

2352K/15 - In position 48°22'N, 148°27'E, obtained radar contact on a ship bearing 060° at a range of 12350 yards. Commenced tracking. Visibility was only 500 yards due to thick fog. The target needed to be closed to identify it but as it was zigzagging this was too dangerous.

0113K/15 - The target suddenly loomed up out of the fog at 500 yards range. No lights of identification marks were seen so Skate swung to bring the stern tubes to bear. Three stern torpedoes were fired in position 48°20'N, 148°12'E. Range on firing was 880 yards. No hits were obtained. The target sounded three blast and dropped a couple of depth charges. Enemy course had been 235° at 10 knots.

Continued to track the target and worked around for a bow tubes attack.

0150K/16 - Fired three bow torpedoes into the fog from a radar range of 1260 yards. One hit was obtained and the target sank at 0156K/16 according to the radar. Enemy course had been 200° at 10.5 knots. On returning the scene at dawn a lot of debris and survivors were seen in the water.

22 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0451K/22, in position 49°11'N, 149°03'E, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) sighted a ship bearing 288° at a range of 25000 yards. Tracked it on the surface and the ship was subsequently seen to be a Soviet Liberty-type vessel (call sign UUOL). Photographs were taken. (6)

31 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2015K/31, USS Skate (T/Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr., USN) left patrol to proceed to Pearl Harbor. (6)

7 Aug 1944
Around 1000VW/7, USS Skate (Cdr. W.P. Gruner, Jr.) ended her fifth war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

She was escorted in [identity of the escort not known]. The escort had joined around 0530K/7.

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