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Notable events involving Tilefish include:

The page dealing with the wartime history of USS Tilefish was created in July 2025.

[No deck logs of this submarine are currently available to us so therefore some details, particularly regarding trials and exercises, might be missing on this page.]

25 Jan 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted trials in the San Francisco area.

27 Jan 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted trials in the San Francisco area.

3 Feb 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) departed San Francisco for San Diego. She is escorted by USS Lawrence (Lt. E.R. Hanford, USNR).

5 Feb 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) and USS Lawrence (Lt. E.R. Hanford, USNR) arrived at San Diego from San Francisco.

6 Feb 1944
During 6/7 February 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego with USS Kennison (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Babb, USN) and USS PC-819 (Lt. E.D. Mendenhall, Jr., USNR).

8 Feb 1944
During 8/9 February 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego with USS Kennison (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Babb, USN) and USS PC-819 (Lt. E.D. Mendenhall, Jr., USNR).

10 Feb 1944
During 10/11 February 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego with USS Kennison (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Babb, USN) and USS PC-819 (Lt. E.D. Mendenhall, Jr., USNR).

USS PC-819 participated only on the 10th though.

12 Feb 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego with USS Crane (Lt.Cdr. S.L. Halfon, USNR).

13 Feb 1944
During 13/14 February 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego with USS Crane (Lt.Cdr. S.L. Halfon, USNR) and USS PC-819 (Lt. E.D. Mendenhall, Jr., USNR).

USS PC-819 participated only on the 14th though.

15 Feb 1944
During 15/16 February 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego with USS Crane (Lt.Cdr. S.L. Halfon, USNR) and USS PC-819 (Lt. E.D. Mendenhall, Jr., USNR).

17 Feb 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego with USS Crane (Lt.Cdr. S.L. Halfon, USNR).

17 Feb 1944
During 18/19 February 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off San Diego with USS Crane (Lt.Cdr. S.L. Halfon, USNR).

On completion of the exercises USS Tilefish set course for San Francisco. USS Crane returned to San Diego while USS Kennison (T/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Babb, USN) joined to escort the submarine all the way to San Francisco.

22 Feb 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) arrived at the Mare Island Navy Yard from San Diego.

2 Mar 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises in the San Francisco area.

5 Mar 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) departed the Mare Island Navy Yard for Pearl Harbor.

13 Mar 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) arrived at Pearl Harbor from the Mare Island Navy Yard.

17 Mar 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

18 Mar 1944
From 18 to 20 March 1944, USS Pargo (T/Cdr. I.C. Eddy, USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor during which they were escorted / assisted by USS Wyman (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Parker, USNR) and USS Reynolds (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Adams, USNR).

During 19/20 September exercises were carried out with an incoming convoy. This was convoy 2373 which had departed San Francisco on 11 March and arrived at Hawaii (Pearl Harbor and Honolulu) on 20 March. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Francis Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and John B. Floyd (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942). The convoy was escorted by the minesweeper USS Captivate (Lt.Cdr. B.F. Kocel, USNR).

21 Mar 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

22 Mar 1944
During 22/23 March 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor. These included night exercises.

26 Mar 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Uhlmann (T/Cdr. S.G. Hooper, USN) and USS Wyman (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Parker, USNR).

27 Mar 1944
During 27/28 March 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor. These included night exercises.

29 Mar 1944
During 29/30 March 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor. These included night exercises.

3 Apr 1944
Around 1145W/3, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her first war patrol. Initially she was ordered to patrol to south off Honshu in the Bonin Islands area.

Before proceeding to her patrol area she was to top off with fuel and provisions at Johnston Island. (1)

5 Apr 1944
At 1242WX/5, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) arrived at Johnston Island from Pearl Harbor to top off with fuel and provisions.

At 1610WX/5, USS Tilefish departed Johnston Island for her patrol area. (1)

15 Apr 1944
At 1948I/15, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) entered her patrol area in position 29°40'N, 142°30'E. (1)

17 Apr 1944
At 0240I/17, south-west of Aogashima, in position 31°37'N, 138°54'E, radar contact was obtained bearing 035° at a range of 9600 yards. Commenced tracking and established the course of the target as being 130° at 8 knots.

Tilefish closed to 6000 yards when it was seen that the enemy contact was a patrol vessel similar to a PC-type. No attack was made and evasive action was taken by clearing the area on course 310°. (1)

19 Apr 1944
At 0200I/19 or 0300I/19, [the patrol report gives two different times all zone I (-9).], USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN), south-south-west of Hamamatsu, Honshu, Japan in position 34°20'N 137°36'E, obtained radar contact bearing 240° at 5600 yards. It was only a small pip which turned out to be a PC-type patrol vessel proceeding on various courses and speeds. Used the enemy vessel for a tracking exercise. (1)

19 Apr 1944
At 1917I/19, north-west of Hachijojima, in position 33°22'N, 139°32'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) obtained a radar contact bearing 344° at a range of 11850 yards.

At 1919I/19, it was seen the contact was on three vessels. Commenced tracking them keeping the ranges between 6000 and 8000 yards. The pips were very small and tracking was not possible beyond ranges of 7600 yards. Distance between the emeny vessels was 400 to 600 yards. Enemy course was 180° at 9 knots.

At 1950I/19, blinker lights were seen on Hachijojima and also on the enemy ahips. Closed, hoping to find three Japanese submarines but on closing the range to 3600 yards it was seen that it were three small PC-type patrol vessels. No pinging was heard.

At 2050I/19, the tracking party was secured but USS Tilefish remained patrolling in the area hoping that these PC-type vessels were the advanced patrol for something larger but nothing developed. (1)

8 May 1944
At 1215I/8, while running on the surface, south-east of the Bungo Suido, in position 31°27'N, 133°49'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sighted a periscope bearing 080° relative at a distance of about 1500 yards. The periscope was seen to break the water and remained up for about seven seconds. It was thought the submerged speed of the other submarine was about 4 to 5 knots. USS Tilefish turned away and went to emergency speed.

At 1223I/8, USS Tilefish dived and commenced closing the area at slow speed in which the periscope had been sighted.

At 1349I/8, the sound operators reported blowing and venting sounds which lasted about three seconds on bearing 280° relative. Course was changed to close but nothing more was seen or heard of the other submarine.

USS Rock (T/Cdr. J.J. Flachsenhar, USN) was patrolling submerged to the south of the Bungo Suido and there is a remote possibility that she was the submarine detected. USS Rock reported no contacts on this day and given the fact that USS Tilefish was patrolling on the surface it is to be expected that if the other submarine was USS Rock she would have sighted USS Tilefish.

USS Sawfish (T/Cdr. A.B. Banister, USN) was also patrolling submerged to the south of the Bungo Suido but appeared to be closer to the coast of Kyushu, thus to the west of USS Tilefish. She reported no contact with a submarine either.

The Japanese submarine I-36 arrived at Kure from the south on 9 May 1944 and is thus also a possibility. (1)

11 May 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) attacked an escorted large passenger ship west of the Shionomisaki Lighthouse, Honshu, Japan, in position 33°27'N, 135°38'E. A hit is claimed on the passenger ship. A second torpedo explosion was also heard, thought to may have been a hit on an escorting destroyer.

0902I/11 - Sighted what is thought to be a Wakatake-class destroyer dead ahead. Range was 3000 yards. It was difficult to observe the enemy as both periscopes were very foggy. Started attack. This destroyer subsequently proved to be the starboard flank escort of a convoy.

0917I/11 - Sighted another Wakatake-class destroyer which was seen to be the port flank escort of a convoy which was made up of a large passenger liner. Two more escorts, either patrol vessels or destroyers were seen to be making up the rear of the convoy but these were difficult to distinguish due to the foggy periscope. Started an attack on the large passenger liner.

0920I/8 - In position 33°27'N, 135°38'E, fired four stern torpedoes at the large passenger liner from 1500 yards. One torpedo hit was observed underneath the bridge.

0922I/8 - Went deep as one of the rear escorts was closing. Another torpedo explosion was heard. This may be one of the other torpedoes hitting the escort beyond the target.

0928I/8 - A pattern of five depth charges was dropped followed by a single depth charge which was quite close.

1029I/8 - A pattern of eight depth charges was dropped directly overhead but they exploded above the submarine.

1203I/8 - No more HE of the enemy escort was picked up.

1228I/8 - Secured from silent running.

1940I/8 - Surfaced. (1)

12 May 1944
Between 0630I/12 and 1400I/12, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sighted a total of about ten small auxiliary patrol vessels patrolling the area near Shionomisaki. Honshu, Japan. Most were converted whalers / trawlers.

At 2350I/12, a lookout reported a fluorescent wake crossing the stern of USS Tilefish which was believed to be a torpedo wake. Tilefish turned away at emergency speed. (1)

15 May 1944
Around 1900I/15, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) left patrol to proceed to Majuro atoll. (1)

16 May 1944
Around 2000I/16, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) received an order to extend her patrol. She was now ordered to patrol off the northern Mariana Islands. (1)

21 May 1944
At 0920K/21, a lookout on board USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) reported seeing a periscope on the port beam. The Officer of the Deck and the Commanding Officer could not sight the reported periscope. USS Tilefish turned away at emergency speed nonetheless.

At 2045K/21, west of Pagan Island, in position 17°51'N, 143°57'E, a hospital ship was sighted proceeding on course 150° at 15 knots so possibly bound for Saipan or Guam.

The hospital ship ship sighted was most likely the Tenno Maru (6076 GRT, built 1927, former Dutch Op Ten Noort) which arrived at Saipan on 22 May 1944 coming from Yokusaka which it had departed on 18 May 1944. (2)

28 May 1944
Around 0530L/28, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) made rendezvous with USS Patterson (T/Cdr. A.F. White, USN) which subsequently took of an appendicitis patient from USS Tilefish. The patient underwent surgery on board the destroyer which meanwhile started escorting USS Tilefish to Majuro.

They arrived at Majuro Atoll the following day. (3)

29 May 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) ended her first war patrol at Majuro Atoll.

She was then taken in hand for post patrol refit by USS Bushnell (T/Capt. C.T. Bonney, USN). (4)

22 Jun 1944
Around 1330L/22, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board), USS Rock (T/Cdr. J.J. Flachsenhar, USN) and USS Sawfish (T/Cdr. A.B. Banister, USN) departed from Majuro for her second, third and seventh war patrols respectively. They were ordered to patrol in the Luzon Strait as a coordinated attack group (wolf pack), know as ' Wilkin's Wildcats '.

On departure from Majuro they were escorted until around 1330L/23 by USS Frazier (T/Cdr. F.O'C. Fletcher, Jr., USN). Before parting company submerged attack exercises were carried out by the submarines during which USS Frazier acted as target. The submarines then proceeded independently to their patrol area. (5)

4 Jul 1944
Around 1900I/4, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) arrived in her patrol area. (6)

8 Jul 1944
Around 0430L/8, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) made rendezvous with USS Bang (Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) which was given patrol orders and then join the coordinated attack group (wolf pack), ' Wilkin's Wildcats '.

USS Bang remained with the group until 17 July. (6)

18 Jul 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) attacks a Japanese convoy and torpedoed and damaged the Japanese corvette Kaibokan 17 (offsite link) south-east of Takao, Formosa in position 21°50'N, 119°55'E.

Kaibokan 17 was part of the escort of a large convoy en-route from Japan to Manila which was made up of the transports Aki Maru (11409 GRT, built 1942), Asama Maru (16975 GRT, built 1929), Kachidoki Maru (10533 GRT, built 1921), Kamikawa Maru (6853 GRT, built 1937), Manju Maru (7267 GRT, built 1925), Saigon Maru (5350 GRT, built 1937) and the tankers Hakko Maru (10022 GRT, built 1944), Harima Maru (10045 GRT, built 1944), Kiroshio Maru (10519 GRT, built 1939), Omurosan Maru (9205 GRT, built 1937), Otowasan Maru (9205 GRT, built 1937), Seria Maru (10238 GRT, built 1944), Tenei Maru (10241 GRT, built 1944), auxiliary minelayer Koei Maru (6774 GRT, built 1934) and the escort carriers (in an aircraft ferry role), Kaiyo and Taiyo. The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser Kashii, escort carrier Shinyo and the frigates Chiburi, Sado and Kaibokan 7 (all offsite links).

0325I/18 - In position 22°37'N, 119°30'E, obtained radar contact at a range of 16000 yards. Commenced tracking and five minutes later it was established that the course of the contact was 170° at 13 knots.

0346I/18 - Sent a contact report to USS Rock (T/Cdr. J.J. Flachsenhar, USN) and USS Sawfish (T/Cdr. A.B. Banister, USN).

0350I/18 - USS Rock, which was also in contact, reported the speed of the enemy as being 9 knots while USS Tilefish now tracked the enemy at 14 knots.

0400I/18 - Capt. Wilkins ordered USS Rock to attack from the port flank of the convoy.

0415I/18 - Capt. Wilkins ordered USS Sawfish to obtain a position ahead of the convoy. USS Tilefish would attack from the starboard flank as soon as USS Rock had completed her attack. Enemy course was now 185°.

0458I/18 - USS Rock reported that her attack was delayed.

0511I/18 - USS Tilefish commenced her attack run. Enemy course was now 170°.

0515I/18 - The convoy made a radical zig to port. The SJ radar was giving trouble and the maximum range of the set now appears to be around 12000 yards. USS Tilefish went to maximum speed to try to get ahead of the convoy to start an attack. Speed of the convoy was now reported as being 16 knots. Dawn was approaching.

0530I/18 - It was now apparent that the radical zig at 0515 hours was a change of base course which was now 125°. USS Tilefish was now about 11000 yards on the convoy's starboard beam. She continued at maximum speed on course 160° hoping to get ahead for a submerged attack as it was now too light for a surface attack. It was also hoped that an attack by USS Rock would drive the convoy towards USS Tilefish.

0600I/18 - Submerged because of dawn and the air coverage.

0605I/18 - Sound picked up the propellers of two torpedoes bearing 327° (relative), drawing forward. Sound was lost at bearing 350° (relative). Also the leading target, thought to be a (heavy) cruiser, changed course to the right. A large passenger freighter was seen to be hit by two torpedoes. [USS Rock had fired four stern torpedoes at 0559I/18 and the torpedoes heard must have been from her salvo.]

0609I/18 - Range to the nearest target was now 6800 yards. USS Tilefish came to a normal approach route hoping for a zig to starboard but it did not come in the end.

0650I/18 - USS Tilefish came to the convoy's base coourse as it was impossible to get ahead. It was hoped a cripple may be encountered. It was thought the convoy consisted of the following ships, 6 transports, 3 of which were large, 6 tankers, 2 escort carriers, 1 (heavy) cruiser, 1 destroyer and 1 patrol vessel.

0747I/18 - Decided to head back for a persistent destroyer which is thought to be hunting and depth charging USS Rock. [In fact, USS Rock was clear by now.]

0807I/18 - Went to silent running.

0815I/18 - Range was now 8300 yards. The destroyer had stopped circling. She then turned away and left at 20 knots.

0844I/18 - Recommenced approach on the destroyer which was now again seen to be circling and while she was also pinging.

0902I/18 - Sighted a bomber coming towards from a range of about 2 miles.

0903I/18 - The aircraft dropped a bomb. Range to the destroyer was now 3900 yards. It was expected that the destroyer would now give trouble but again she turned away and opened out high speed.

1027I/18 - Sighted the destroyer again with zero angle on the bow. Range was 12000 yards. Commenced another approach.

1050I/18 - In position 21°50'N, 119°55'E, fired four stern torpedoes from 2000 yards. It was thought the target was a Fubuki-class destroyer of the Hibiki-subgroup.

1051I/18 - Sighted the first torpedo hit underneath the forward turret. The forward turret and bow were then seen to be 'wrapped around the bridge'. Tilefish then turned and three bow torpedoes were fired to finish off the enemy. Tilefish was then driven down by an aircraft and the result could not be observed. A torpedo explosion was heard though.

1121I/18 - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight except patrolling aircraft which dropped a total of five bombs near Tilefish.

Between 1150I/18 and 1207I/18, four bombs exploded, three of which were close. (7)

21 Jul 1944
At 2018I/21, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) received a contact report from USS Rock (T/Cdr. J.J. Flachsenhar, USN). She had attacked a large southbound convoy at 1706I/21 west of the Batanes Islands in position 20°50'N, 122°52'E and had subsequently been depth charged. This depth charging had been heard earlier by USS Tilefish. Course was set to try to intercept and went to four engine speed.

However, heavy weather was encountered, resulting in damage to the gyro compass. Also speed had to be reduced to avoid further damage. The convoy was not sighted. (6)

27 Jul 1944
At 1655I/26, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) sighted a large Japanese submarine in position 20°07'N, 122°09'E. Enemy course was 045° at 15 knots.

Almost immediately after sighting the enemy submarine it was seen to disintegrate on being hit by torpedoes. This was the I-29.

This was the handiwork of USS Sawfish (T/Cdr. A.B. Banister, USN) which had fired four bow torpedoes at 1651I/26 according to her patrol report [the time aboard USS Tilefish seem to have been three minutes ahead of the time kept aboard USS Sawfish]. Position of the attack was given as 20°10'N, 121°50'E by USS Sawfish. (8)

28 Jul 1944
At 2200I/28, off north-west Luzon, in position 18°22'N, 120°19'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) obtained radar contact bearing 257° at a range of 12700 yards. Commenced tracking. The target tracked on a base course of 170° at 10.5 knots. The enemy was constantly zig-zagging. The target was proceeding down the coast of Luzon. Tilefish commenced working around the east of the target for an attack from the port flank. Tilefish background was not very good but by 2245I/28 a land back ground would be behind the submarine.

At 2227I/28, the target turned a searchlight on the submarine which submerged. It is believed the target may be a radar equipped destroyer.

At 2249I/28, Tilefish surfaced and went into pursuit at full speed and soon the target was picked up at a range of 18000 yards still proceeding on the same course and speed.

At 2313I/28, a radar contact was obtained at ranges from 3500 to 5000 yards. As a convoy was expected in this position it was thought it had not been picked up earlier as the SJ radar had been trained on the first target. Tilefish reversed course and commenced tracking the suspected convoy.

At 2318I/28, the new target were seen to be not the expected convoy but a fishing fleet. Decided to remain in the area to await the expected convoy and let the first target go by. No convoy showed up however. (6)

31 Jul 1944
At 1051I/31, off north-west Luzon, in position 18°22'N, 120°19'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) sighed a small southbound enemy convoy made up of a what is thought to be a small tanker and probably four small escorts, two of which were thought to be PC-type vessels. Range on sighting was 14000 yards. Enemy course 185° at 10 knots. All targets were considered to be too small to attack with torpedoes.

At 1632I/31, in position 18°22'N, 120°19'E, what are thought to be two destroyers were seen proceeding northwards on course 000° at 15 knots. The range on sighting was 18000 yards and could not be closed sufficiently to make an attack. (6)

3 Aug 1944
At 1200I/3, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) left patrol to proceed to Midway. (6)

11 Aug 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) arrived at Midway. She departed for Pearl Harbor later the same day. (6)

15 Aug 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN, with T/Capt. C.W. Wilkin, USN on board) ended her second war patrol at Pearl Harbor. (6)

2 Sep 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) conducted post refit trials / exercises off Pearl Harbor.

5 Sep 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN), USS Parche (T/Cdr. L.P. Ramage, USN) and USS Sea Dog (T/Cdr. V.L. Lowrance, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Charles R. Greer (Cdr. A. Jackson, Jr., USNR) and USS Stafford (Lt.Cdr. V.H. Craig, Jr., USNR).

6 Sep 1944
In the morning, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) and USS Parche (T/Cdr. L.P. Ramage, USN) conducted gunnery exercises off Pearl Harbor on a target that was being towed by USS Bobolink (Lt.(jg.) F.G. Reed, USN).

Later the submarines joined USS Charles R. Greer (Cdr. A. Jackson, Jr., USNR) and USS Stafford (Lt.Cdr. V.H. Craig, Jr., USNR) for exercises.

Later USS Chew (Cdr. A.G. Grant, USNR) also joined and exercises were carried out during the night and also on the following day.

10 Sep 1944
Around 1330VW/10, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her third war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Sea of Okhotsk and off the Kuril Islands.

She was to proceed to Midway first to top off with fuel and provisions before proceeding to her patrol area. (9)

14 Sep 1944
Around 0900Y/14, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbor.

After topping off with fuel and provisions she departed for her patrol area around 1700Y/14. (9)

20 Sep 1944
At 2100L/20, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) entered her patrol area in position 43°40'N, 157°50'E. (9)

23 Sep 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sank a Japanese trawler (sampan) of about 100 tons with gunfire in the Sea of Okhotsk in position 51°26'N, 153°57'E.

1545L/23 - In position 51°26'N, 153°57'E sighted a 100 ton sampan. Submerged and closed to inspect the enemy vessel. Neither guns or personnel were sighted. The enemy was dead in the water.

1900L/23 - Battle surfaced and opened fire with all guns.

1903L/23 - The target sank. Radar spotting had been used. The following ammunition was expended; 15 rounds of 4", 54 rounds of 40mm, 120 rounds of 20mm and 300 rounds of .50 cal. (9)

24 Sep 1944
At 0720L/24, off the south-west coast of Kamchatka, in position 52°28'N, 155°41'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sighted the masts of a ship. The target was heading for the coast on course 090° at 10 knots. The target was making a lot of smoke. Commenced an end around to the south.

At 0738L/24, an aircraft was seen coming towards so USS Tilefish submerged and continued to close the coast.

At 0946L/24, USS Tilefish surfaced and continued the end around. The target was now going down the coast.

At 1204L/24, two aircraft contacts were picked up by the SD radar so USS Tilefish submerged. While passing 150 feet two minutes later a bomb was dropped.

At 1300L/24, a Japanese aircraft was still patrolling the area preventing USS Tilefish to surface. Abandoned the idea of chasing the ship as it would not be possible to catch it before it would reach Paramushiru and it may well be Russian, also it was thought it was a transport of about 5000 tons. (9)

3 Oct 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) claims to have sunk two small transports of the east coast of Etorofu.

0914L/3 - While conducting a submerged patrol off the east coast of Etorofu, sighted three small transports coming out of the bay to the south and proceeding north-eastwards. Commenced approach. The enemy vessels were making 6 knots. Also four trawlers and two whale catches were seen which were all thought to be escorts.

1020L/3 - In position 45°02'N, 148°02'E, fired five bow torpedoes from 3400 yards at four overlapping ships.

1024L/3 - Two of the small transports were seen to be hit and both were seen to sink in less than 30 seconds. One of the five torpedoes fired ran erratic. There was no counter attack. (9)

6 Oct 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) fired five torpedoes at four overlapping fishing vessels off the west coast of Etorofu in position 45°13'N, 147°35'E. No hits were obtained as the torpedoes must have run underneath the targets.

0713L/6 - While patrolling off the west coast of Etorofu, sighted seven fishing vessels believed too small for an attack with torpedoes.

0833L/6 - It was noticed that the fishing vessels were bigger as had first been thought. Decided to attack and try to fire at overlapping ships.

0850L/6 - In position 45°13'N, 147°35'E, fired five bow torpedoes from 1350 yards at four overlapping targets. No hits were obtained and the torpedoes must have run underneath. The size of the targets having been overestimated. (9)

7 Oct 1944
At 1010L/7, in the Sea of Ochotsk, in position 46°39'N, 146°04'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sighted the masts of a Russian Liberty-type merchant vessel. The vessel was tracked on course 035° at 10 knots. A submerged practice approach was made on the vessel. (9)

10 Oct 1944
At 1813L/10, in the Sea of Ochotsk, in position 48°05'N, 146°57'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sighted a Russian Liberty-type merchant vessel at a range of 10000 yards. The vessel was tracked on course 045° at 9 knots. (9)

15 Oct 1944
At 0015L/15, in the Sea of Ochotsk, in position 49°15'N, 147°32'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sighted a red light on the horizon. It was closed to investigate and an hour later it was seen to be a properly marked Russian tanker. The vessel was proceeding on course 030° at 10 knots. (9)

16 Oct 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese guard boat Kyowa Maru No.2 (108 GRT) 5 nautical miles north-west of Matsuwa Jima in position 48°07'N, 153°04'E.

0603L/16 - In position 48°07'N, 153°04'E, obtained radar contact at a range of 7200 yards. From the bridge two small ships were seen with a larger one about a mile farther away. Turned towards to attack and submerged with daylight breaking very fast.

0622L/16 - Fired four stern torpedoes, two at an escort believed to be a Chidori-class torpedo boat and two at a small / medium transport of about 3000 tons from a range of about 840 yards.

0624L/16 - Observed two hits on the transport which sank almost immediately. The other two torpedoes missed the torpedo boat which, together with the other, unidentified, escort went to high speed, turned away and commenced an A/S search on the other flank.

0629L/16 - Heard two end of run explosions.

0640L/16 - The torpedo boat returned to the location of the sinking to search for and pick up survivors. Commenced approach.

0702L/16 - Fired three bow torpedoes from 500 yards. All missed as the target got underway at the same time and made off.

0730L/16 - The torpedo boat disappeared to the south-west. At the same time a ship was seen leaving Matsuwa and proceeding in our direction. Commenced approach.

0808L/16 - In position 48°07'N, 153°04'E, fired two bow torpedoes from 400 yards. The first torpedo hit and the wooden-hulled vessel sank. It was some sort of auxiliary A/S vessel as it had depth charge racks aft.

17 Oct 1944
Off the south coast of Shimushiru, Kuriles, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) heavily damaged an already grounded Japanese transport of around 5000 tons.

0308L/17 - North-west of Shimushiru, in position 47°20'N, 151°10'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) obtained radar contact at a range of 7200 yards. On closing to 2400 yards for sight contact it was seen that it were three fishing vessels of about 250 tons each. Decided not to attack them being too small for torpedoes.

0624L/17 - Submerged of the south-west end of Shimushiru.

0737L/17 - Sighted the masts of a freighter. Commenced approach.

0800L/17 - Determined that the target was not underway and that it would take quite a while to close.

1022L/17 - Almost in position for firing. Very dense fog now descended on the area. The target was identified as a 5000 tons transport that was aground. She was still in an excellent condition with the life boats still aboard. Also a gun was seen aft. The ship was on an even keel.

1038L/17 - Surfaced for radar firing but the target blended in with the beach. Breakers were seen from the bridge which was a clear indication that Tilefish was dangerously close to the beach so she backed clear. The target was in a most inaccessible position. The ship should be holed at least once to prevent salvage.

1137L/17 - The fog lifted almost instantaneously so submerged.

1207L/17 - In position 46°47'N, 151°44'E, fired tube no.6 which was the only torpedo left forward. The torpedo hit and caved in the stern of the freighter. Swung the submarine for a stern shot.

1213L/17 - Fired tube no.7 at the bow, no.8 tube amidships and no.9 tube at the stern. Two of the three torpedoes exploded on hitting the beach. Only these two torpedoes were heard to run and explode. As there was no only one torpedo left aboard closed to minimum range without going aground.

1234L/17 - Grounded. Swung left to clear and came up to 55 feet.

1244L/17 - Fired no.10 tube from 900 yards but the torpedo was not heard to run and no explosion followed.

1255L/17 - Battle surfaced.

1300L/17 - Visibility was now almost zero so secured from battle stations and opened out from the beach. If the fog would lift we would try to finish off the freighter with the guns. If the fog would not lift, Tilefish would leave patrol to proceed to Midway.

1935L/17 - Left patrol to proceed to Midway. (9)

24 Oct 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) ended her third war patrol at Midway.

11 Nov 1944
During 11/12 November 1944, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) and USS Razorback (T/Lt.Cdr. C.D. Brown, USN) conducted exercises off Midway with USS Greenlet (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hodgson, Jr., USNR).

15 Nov 1944
Around 1530Y/15, USS Tilefish (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Keithly) departed from Midway for her fourth war patrol. Initially she was ordered to patrol off the Kuril Islands. Later she was ordered to patrol off the south coast of Honshu in Japanese home waters.

Before departure a trial and training period of four days had been carried out starting on 8 November 1944 [no further details available]. (10)

18 Nov 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) suffered a hot run of a torpedo in her no.8 tube. There were no personnel injuries and also no damage to the tube. (10)

22 Nov 1944
At 0724L/22, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) entered her patrol area in position 43°00'N, 157°43'E. (10)

30 Nov 1944
At 2205L/30, in the Sea of Okhotsk, in position 50°50'N, 150°13'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sighted a properly marked Russian transport. It was tracked on course 215° at 9 knots. (10)

3 Dec 1944
At 0852L/3, off the south-west coast of Kamchatka, in position 51°18'N, 156°21'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sighted a properly marked Russian transport at a range of 2000 yards. The ship was sighted only at close range due to the frequent snow flurries. The ships course 350° at 6 knots. (10)

11 Dec 1944
In Nadezhda Strait, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN), attacked a small Japanese engine-aft coastal freighter, thought to be a medium sized tanker, with a total of twelve torpedoes. All missed.

1753L/11 - In Nadezhda Strait (Rashowa Kaikyo in Japanese), USS Tilefish a single target was sighted. Range on radar shortly afterwards was given as 11000 yards. closed to attack.

1850L/11 - The target was thought to be a medium tanker.

1857L/11 - In position 47°48'N, 153°10'E, fired four bow torpedoes from 3400 yards. The Commanding Officer misunderstood the range as being 2400 yards and ordered the firing and the torpedoes thus all missed.

2001L/11 - Fired another salvo of four torpedoes from the bow tubes from 2500 yards. About 20 seconds before the timed hits the target changed course and all torpedoes missed. Most likely the torpedoes had been sighted in the unusual phosphorescent water.

2058L/11 - Fired another salvo of four torpedoes, again from the bow tubes, from 1950 yards. While firing this salvo the target was seen to be a wooden-hulled engine aft coastal freighter of about 600 tons. She was riding high in the water, most likely being empty. Three of the four torpedoes fired were seen to pass underneath the target.

2100L/11 - The target opened up fire with two 20mm guns. It was too dark to make out the target for gunnery action. USS Tilefish then left the area to proceed to a new patrol area to the south of Honshu, Japan. (10)

22 Dec 1944
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese torpedo boat Chidori (offsite link) south-west of Omaezaki, Japan in position 34°33'N, 138°02'E. Cdr. Keithly claimed to have sunk a heavy cruiser.

1146K/22 - Sighed a heavy cruiser of the Furataka-class at an estimated range of 14000 yards.

1200K/22 - Went to silent running.

1206K/22 - In position 34°33'N, 138°02'E, fired four stern torpedoes from 780 yards. One hit was obtained which left the enemy dead in the water.

1216K/22 - Fired four bow torpedoes. Two torpedo explosions were heard afterwards followed by a larger explosion which was thought to be a boiler explosion. Following firing Tilefish had lost depth control.

1219K/22 - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the target with her stern pointing upwards.

1249K/22 - The bow of the target was seen to go under. Tilefish now retired from the area.

23 Dec 1944
At 0328K/23, south of Honshu, Japan, in position 33°34'N, 137°42'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) obtained radar contact on two small vessels. Closed to identify and it turned out to be two patrol vessels proceeding on course 215° at 6.5 knots. Tracked them until 0550K/23.

At 1718K/23, in position 33°20'N, 138°16'E, a periscope was sighted at a range of 300 yards by a lookout, the Officer of the Deck and the Commanding Officer. Evasive action was taken at high speed.

At 1948K/23, USS Tilefish left the area to search for the crew of a ditched B-29 bomber. (10)

24 Dec 1944
At 0750K/24, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) left patrol to proceed to Midway. The crew of the ditched B-29 bomber had not been found. (10)

29 Dec 1944
At 1000Y/29, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) arrived at Midway. She departed at 1500Y/29 for Pearl Harbor. In the meantime some voyage repairs were made by USS Aegir (T/Capt. A.L. Prosser, USN). (10)

31 Dec 1944
At 1516X/31, in position 167°39'N, 22°02'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) sighted a periscope which was evaded and subsquently reproted. (10)

2 Jan 1945
Around 1200XW/2, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. R.M. Keithly, USN) ended her fourth war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

At Pearl Harbor she was taken in hand for a tender refit by USS Orion (T/Cdr. G.L. Shane, Jr., USN). (10)

19 Jan 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

21 Jan 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

22 Jan 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

23 Jan 1945
During 23/24 January 1945, USS Thresher (T/Cdr. J.R. Middleton, Jr., USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with, at least, USS Austin (Lt. W.H. White, USNR). These included night exercises.

26 Jan 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor.

27 Jan 1945
During 27/28 January 1945, USS Peto (T/Cdr. R.H. Caldwell, Jr., USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbor with USS Whitman (Lt. E.A. Sandor, USNR). In the early evening of the 27th, USS Doherty (Lt. W.J. O'Brien, USNR) also joined. The exercises included night exercises.

31 Jan 1945
Around 1330VW/31, USS Thresher (T/Cdr. J.R. Middleton, Jr., USN), and USS Peto (T/Cdr. R.H. Caldwell, Jr., USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for their fifteenth, eight and fifth war patrols repectively. The first two submarines were to patrol in Luzon Strait and USS Tilefish was to patrol in the Ryukyu Islands area. Before proceeding to their patrol areas the submarines were to proceed to Saipan.

On departure from Pearl Harbor they were escorted until 1700VW/31 by USS PC-483 (Lt. D.J. Creahan, USNR) and another patrol craft.

1 Feb 1945
Around 0930X/1, USS Shad (T/Lt.Cdr. L.V. Julihn, USN), joined USS Thresher (T/Cdr. J.R. Middleton, Jr., USN), and USS Peto (T/Cdr. R.H. Caldwell, Jr., USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN). USS Shad had departed Pearl Harbour late and overtook and joined the other submarines at sea.

12 Feb 1945
Around 0300K/12, USS Thresher (T/Cdr. J.R. Middleton, Jr., USN), USS Shad (T/Lt.Cdr. L.V. Julihn, USN), USS Peto (T/Cdr. R.H. Caldwell, Jr., USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) were joined by USS LCI(L)-1054 (Lt.(jg) W.H. Spicer, USNR) which then escorted them to Tenapag Harbor, Saipan where they arrived around 1200K/12.

The submarines were then taken in hand for voyage repairs by USS Fulton (T/Capt. A.A. Clarkson, USN).

13 Feb 1945
USS Tilefish (Lt.Cdr. Walter Frederick Schlech, Jr.) arrived at Saipan

13 Feb 1945
Around 1630K/13, USS Thresher (T/Cdr. J.R. Middleton, Jr., USN), USS Shad (T/Lt.Cdr. L.V. Julihn, USN), USS Peto (T/Cdr. R.H. Caldwell, Jr., USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) departed Saipan for their patrol areas.

They were escorted out until 2320K/13 by USS LCI(L)-371 (Lt.(jg) B.M. Daniel, USNR).

16 Feb 1945
Around 1000K/16, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) parted company with USS Thresher (T/Cdr. J.R. Middleton, Jr., USN), USS Shad (T/Lt.Cdr. L.V. Julihn, USN) and USS Peto (T/Cdr. R.H. Caldwell, Jr., USN). (11)

23 Feb 1945
At 0710K/23, east-south-east of Kuchinoshima, in position 29°55'N, 130°05'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN), picked up echo ranging bearing 075°. It was not possible to see any target in the darkness so continued to close.

At 0712K/23, more echo ranging was picked up on bearing 080°.

At 0746K/23, smoke was sighted as well as masts and a stack. USS Tilefish commenced tracking and went to battle stations. The enemy tracked on course 215° at 9 knots. The targets were subsequently identified as a small freighter, a small oiler and a medium freighter of which only the funnel and masts could be seen. Range to the convoy was 15000 yards. A Chidori-class torpedo boat was escorting the convoy on the starboard bow with two trawlers on either quarter. An unknown escort vessel was pinging on the far side of the convoy.

At 0911K/23 - USS Tilefish secured from battle stations being unable to close any further than 8000 yards.

At 0932K/23 - A float plane was seen to circle the convoy.

At 1040K/23 - USS Tilefish surfaced and commenced an end around.

At 1158K/23 - The smoke of the convoy was lost from sight.

At 1220K/23 - The aircraft apparently sighted USS Tilefish, left the convoy and commenced closing. USS Tilefish submerged to periscope depth. Range to the convoy was now about 5 nautical miles. The aircraft started circling about a mile astern of USS Tilefish but soon returned to the convoy. It was seen that the aircraft had no bomb load.

At 1315K/23 - USS Tilefish surfaced and resumed her end around. 15 minutes later the smoke of the convoy was again seen. The aircraft was still patrolling over the convoy.

At 1416K/23 - The aircraft had now disappeared so commenced to close the convoy.

At 1540K/23 - USS Tilefish sighted two aircraft coming towards at high speed and low altitude. Dived when the range was 6 miles. Contact with the convoy was lost shortly afterwards as the convoy apparently moved to the west side of the island chain. (11)

28 Feb 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) sank a small Japanese vessel with gunfire north of Amami Oshima, Ryukyu Islands in position 29°04'N, 129°39'E.

Later USS Tilefish attacked what is thought to be a Japanese Ro-type submarine with a total of ten torpedoes in three attacks. All torpedoes however missed the north-west / northbound target that was zigging wildly. The only Ro-type submarine that could have been in the area is Ro-109 that was en-route to Kure (arrived 2 March) from operations off Luzon.

Later it was believed that USS Tilefish herself was attacked with at least two torpedoes, that broached, by another enemy submarine [this is unlikely though. Most likely the 'torpedoes' were fish].

0800K/28 - Sighted masts of a small craft bearing 141°.

0846K/28 - Surfaced, manned the guns and commenced to chase the target.

0900K/28 - Identified the target as a wooden cargo lugger of about 90 tons. A small machine gun was mounted on the target.

0921K/28 - The target was manoeuvring to avoid. Opened fire with the 4" gun from 3000 yards. Secured two hits. Closed to 1000 yards and opened fire with 40mm and 20mm.

0940K/28 - The target was now full of holes but not sinking. The engine was still running driving him round in circles. Shifted 40mm fire forward to try to hole him there.

0957K/28 - The target was now on fire and partially awash and obviously in a sinking condition. Broke off the action and retired to the south-east.

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1212K/28 - Surfaced in position 29°08'N 129°51'E, but before the hatch was even open a submarine was sighted through the periscope so immediately dived again and commenced an approach on the target.

1221K/28 - The target was seen to be a Japanese Ro-type submarine on a main course of 325° at 12 knots but zigging wildly.

1238K/28 - In position 29°09'N 129°48'E, fired four stern torpedoes from 1300 yards. Immediately on completion of firing swung round to bring the bow tubes to bear.

1241K/28 - The target had swung left and the torpedoes had obviously missed so fired four bow torpedoes from 1720 yards. All missed.

1243K/28 - Heard end of run explosions from the first salvo.

1247K/28 - The target appears to have steadied. Fired the remaining two bow torpedoes in the tubes from 2565 yards.

1248K/28 - Heard end of run explosions from the second salvo.

1253K/28 - Heard end of run explosions from the last two torpedoes fired.

1310K/28 - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the target zigging away on a base course of 355°.

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1617K/28 - Surfaced and proceeded to the south-east at three-engine speed to take up lifeguard duties in the morning.

1635K/28 - North-east of Amami Oshima, in position 28°50'N, 130°18'E, sighted two trawlers at a range of 10000 yards proceeding on course 090° at 5 knots. Took evasive action.

1640K/28 - Sighted an impulse bubble on the port quarter at a range of about 1000 yards. Turned away and put it astern at high speed.

1649K/28 - Sighted a torpedo broaching, 10° on the starboard bow, at a range of about 800 yards. Came right to parallel it.

1651K/28 - Sighted a second torpedo broaching bearing 110° relative. This must be a second enemy submarine as it was not possible for the first one sighted to have coompleted an end around on Tilefish by this time.

1745K/28 - Resumed course and speed.

1 Mar 1945
At 0859K/1, while performing lifeguard duties to the west of Amami Oshima, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) picked up the pilot of a crashed US fighter aircraft from the sea. (11)

4 Mar 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) sank the Japanese fishing vessel Siko Maru (aprrox. 20 GRT, ships name according to survivor) wih gunfire to the north-east of Agami-O-Shima.

0435K/4 - Obtained radar contact at a range of 7100 yards.

0445K/4 - The target was apparently small and hove to. Closed to identify.

0458K/4 - Sighted the target but unable to identify it yet. Continued to close.

0507K/4 - Range now 3800 yards. The target is small and it was still not possible to identify the vessel.

0520K/4 - Opened out and commenced circling the target at a range of 6000 yards with the intention to close the target at dawn from the westward.

0651K/4 - Submerged to the west of the target keeping in contact from radar depth.

0730K/4 - Sighted the target, indeed a small craft which was seen to be a small 20 tons fishing vessel. Commenced to close.

0958K/4 - Battle surfaced with 40mm and 20mm guns manned and continued to close. The 4" gun was giving trouble since the last action.

1010K/4 - The Japanese apparently sighted the submarine and apparenly mistook it for one of their own as they started waving Japanese flags.

1011K/4 - In position 28°43'N, 130°20'E, opened fire with the 40mm gun which had been giving instructions to fire on the forward part of the vesse however the first hits were aft.

1014K/4 - Ceased fire.

1020K/4 - Passed close aboard trying to convince the Japanese to come aboard but to no avail.

1030K/4 - Opened fire at the bow of the vessel with 40mm and 20mm to sink the vessel and smoke out the Japanese crew which were aft.

1037K/4 - The vessel began to sink. One survivor was seen which, having refused at first, finally came over at 1212K/4 and was taken prisoner.

1240K/4 - The target finally sank. 44 round of 44mm and 120 rounds of 20mm had been expended. (11)

5 Mar 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese minesweeper W 15 (500 tons, offsite link) off Suwanosejima, Japan in position 29°30'N, 129°45'E.

W 15 is run aground but is later declared a total loss.

0953K/5 - Heard echo ranging on bearing 220°. Apparently there were three ships pinging. Also sighted a Jake aircraft circling in that direction.

1016K/5 - Sighted smoke bearing 219°. Commenced approach.

1036K/5 - Went to battle stations. It was thought the convoy was made up of three transports with a torpedo boat ahead. According to the pinging there were, at least, two other escorts which could not yet be seen. The transport in the centre was the largest and was selected as target.

1045K/5 - The torpedo boat was patrolling from side to side ahead of the convoy.

1139K/5 - In position 29°30'N, 129°34'E fired three stern torpedoes at the largest transport from 950 yards

1143K/5 - Heard explosions. While looking at the target a cloud of smoke was seen over his stern but the ship looked undamaged.

1145K/5 - Heard an end of run explosion. Also sound reprorted a torpedo running erratic.

1147K/5 - Saw the torpedo boat appearing of the stern of the largest transport. The torpedo boat was on fire aft and down by the stern. Apparently he had zigged into the torpedo salvo.

1150K/5 - Heard an end of run explosion of the erratic running torpedo.

1153K/5 - Sighted the largest transport turning towards. Went deep.

1158K/5 - Depth charging started. Seven were dropped which all exploded above.

1203K/5 - Two more depth charges exploded, they were not close.

1210K/5 - Three escorts were pinging overhead. Took evasive action while deep.

1220K/5 - A string of three depth charges was dropped.

1241K/5 - Returned to periscope depth. The convoy appeared to have scattered.

1245K/5 - Sighted the torpedo boat dead in the water near Suwanosejima with three escorts circling round her.

1253K/5 - Commenced to close from a range of 10000 yards to finish off the torpedo boat.

1320K/5 - The cripple was taken in tow. One of the escorts proceeded to round up one of the transports of the convoy. Continued to track and trail the cripple.

1605K/5 - Sighted the torpedo boat beached with two of the other escorts patrolling and pinging to seaward.

1631K/5 - Commenced to close. The Japanese crew were seen to be working to try to save the ship.

1707K/5 - In position 29°35'8"N, 129°44'7"E, fired two bow torpedoes from 2800 yards. Two explosions were seen at or near the target [apparently the torpedoes had hit the reef] which afterwards appeared to be deeper in the water and listing more. The Japanese crew cleared the side of the ship. The escorts were meanwhile closing.

1719K/5 - Depth charging started while Tilefish passed 150 feet. More depth charges followed and a total of ten were counted, all close but above as Tilefish had meanwhile gone to 400 feet while retiring the the east and later north-east.

1835K/5 - Returned to periscope depth. (12)

8 Mar 1945
At 1258K/8, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) detected echo ranging to the north-eastward. Closed to investigate.

At 1320K/8, sighted the target, a torpedo boat, approaching from the northward. Range was 8000 yards.

The enemy was seen patrolling near the anchorage where the other torpedo boat had been beached. Started attack.

At 1358K/8, fired three bow torpedoes from 2400 yards but the target was seen to reverse course shortly afterwards.

At 1406K/8, three heavy explosions were heard.

At 1408K/8, rigged for depth charging and silent running at 400 feet. During the next hour a total of 17 depth charges were counted dropped in single and doubles. None were close and all were above.

At 1500K/8, returned to periscope depth. The torpedo boat was well to the north-eastward retiring in the direction he originally came from.

The ship sighted may have been the frigate Kaibokan 68. (12)

9 Mar 1945
At 2225K/9, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) received orders that she was required to carry out air-sea rescue duties south of Honshu for an upcoming strike by B-29 bombers on Nagoya. She left her current patrol area around 0600K/10 and arrived in her lifeguard station at midnight during the night of 10/11 March. (11)

15 Mar 1945
At 0655K/15, west-north-west of the Kashinozaki Lighthouse, in position 33°31'N, 136°04'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) picked up two targets on radar proceeding close to the beach on course 225° at 14 knots. Commenced tracking. Visibility was poor due to rain squalls.

At 0746K/15, the targets appear to have stopped off Oshima Island. It looked like they were circling.

At 0803K/15, USS Tilefish commenced to close to investigate.

At 0805K/15, two destroyers, thought to be of the Fubuki-class, suddenly appeared through the rain at a range of 8000 yards. They challenged the submarine which quickly retired into a rain squall to the eastward.

At 1030K/15, the targets were still circling in the same spot. Visibility was still poor. USS Tilefish commenced closing again.

At 1200K/15, USS Tilefish was in position 33°28'5"N, 135°56'2"E.

At 1230K/15, the two targets were seen again, still thought to be Fubuki-class destroyers, Hibiki-subclass. They were still circling in the same spot and pinging. Continued approach. They were circling at 7 knots, radius 1000 yards.

At 1300K/15, the pinging stopped and the targets retired up Oshima Bay. It was now thought they had been exercising and now returned to base. It was thought an escort base was present at that location. (11)

16 Mar 1945
At 0940K/16, south-east of the Kashinozaki Lighthouse, in position 33°11'N, 136°06'E, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) sighted smoke on the horizon. Tilefish commenced an end around.

At 1155K/16, the target checked on a steady course of 060° at 8 knots. Tilefish submerged with the smoke bearing 240°.

At 1200K/16, Tilefish was in position 33°19'N, 136°10'E.

At 1215K/16, the masts of the target were seen.

At 1250K/16, Tilefish went to battle stations. The target was seen to be a small three-island type ship of about 1000 tons with exceptionally high masts with lookout platforms. No cargo handling gear was visible and there was a gun forward and one aft. It is thought to be an auxiliary A/S vessel, possibly a Q-ship. Commenced attack.

At 1300K/16, range had come down to 3000 yards but now the enemy changed course to 320° and the attack had to be broken off.

At 1815K/16, Tilefish surfaced and left the area to take up a position in which air/sea rescue / lifeguard duties were to be carried out for an upcoming airstrike on Kobe. Tilefish arrived on her assigned station at 0100K/17. (11)

18 Mar 1945
At 0030K/18, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) received a signal that an air strike on Nagoya was coming up and that Tilefish was required for air/sea rescue lifeguard duties.

She arrived in her assigned station at 0200K/19. (11)

19 Mar 1945
While on air/sea rescue lifeguard duties, at 0525K/19, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) obtained radar contact in position 33°59'N, 137°11'E. The contact was a small target on bearing 140° at a range of 6000 yards. Commenced tracking but five minutes later electric power was lost and the radar was thus out of action.

Power was restored at 0540K/19 but the radar contact had been lost. Enemy course had been approximately 230° at 5 knots. It had not been possible to identify the target. (11)

20 Mar 1945
At 0530K/20, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) obtained radar contact in position 33°16'N, 135°40'E on bearing 272° at a range of 10500 yards. USS Tilefish changed course and went to full speed on four engine to close to investigate.

0545K/20, the target was tracking on course 280° at 18 knots or more. The pip on the radar screen was smaller than a destroyer pip so it was possibly another type of escort or perhaps a submarine. Contact was lost at 13800 yards and the end around was abandoned.

1150K/20, In position 33°27'N 135°53'E, USS Tilefish sighted a small harbor tug with an empty lighter in tow proceeding on course 235° at 4 knots. The enemy entered Oshima Bay. (11)

21 Mar 1945
At 1230K/21, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) heard echo ranging in position 34°32'N, 137°37'E on bearing 313°. Nothing was in sight though.

At 1238K/21, it was noticed that the pinging was drawing to the left. USS Tilefish adjusted her course to continue closing.

At 1241K/21, the target was seen. It was a patrol craft proceeding fairly fast. Range was 9000 yards. USS Tilefish continued to close.

At 1340K/21, the approach was broken off. Range had come down to 6000 yards but could not be closed any further. The target had tracked on course 250° at 16 knots. (11)

23 Mar 1945
At 0450K/23, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) left patrol to proceed to Midway. (11)

27 Mar 1945
USS Tilefish (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr.) ended her 5th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She is now sent to the US west coast for a major overhaul.

29 Mar 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) ended her fifth war patrol at Midway. (11)

2 Apr 1945
After having completed some voyage repairs, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) departed Midway for Pearl Harbor.

6 Apr 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) arrived at Pearl Harbor from Midway.

8 Apr 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) departed Pearl Harbor for San Francisco.

15 Apr 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) arrived at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard at San Francisco from Pearl Harbor. She was then taken in hand for refit.

27 Jun 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) completed her refit at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard at San Francisco. She then commenced post refit trials in the San Francisco area.

3 Jul 1945
Having completed her post refit trials, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) departed San Francisco for Pearl Harbor.

11 Jul 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) arrived at Pearl Harbor from San Francisco. It had meanwhile been decided that post refit training was to be carried out at Midway instead of Pearl Harbor.

12 Jul 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) departed Pearl Harbor for Midway.

16 Jul 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbor. She now commenced a training period.

22 Jul 1945
USS Muskalunge (T/Cdr. W.H. Lawrence, USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Midway together with USS Loeser (Lt.Cdr. J. Proctor, USNR), USS Sicard (Lt. A.G. Fenley, USNR), USS PC-778 (Lt. F.J. Whittlessey, USNR), USS ATR-26 (Lt. R. MacLetchie, USNR) and USS ATR-63 (Lt. R.W. Coffey, USN).

23 Jul 1945
USS Muskalunge (T/Cdr. W.H. Lawrence, USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Midway together with USS Loeser (Lt.Cdr. J. Proctor, USNR), USS Sicard (Lt. A.G. Fenley, USNR), USS PC-778 (Lt. F.J. Whittlessey, USNR), USS ATR-26 (Lt. R. MacLetchie, USNR) and USS ATR-63 (Lt. R.W. Coffey, USN).

24 Jul 1945
USS Muskalunge (T/Cdr. W.H. Lawrence, USN), USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) and USS Blackfin (T/Lt.Cdr. W.L. Kitch, USN) conducted exercises off Midway together with USS Loeser (Lt.Cdr. J. Proctor, USNR), USS Sicard (Lt. A.G. Fenley, USNR), USS PC-778 (Lt. F.J. Whittlessey, USNR), USS ATR-26 (Lt. R. MacLetchie, USNR) and USS ATR-63 (Lt. R.W. Coffey, USN).

26 Jul 1945
USS Muskalunge (T/Cdr. W.H. Lawrence, USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Midway together with USS Sicard (Lt. A.G. Fenley, USNR), USS PC-778 (Lt. F.J. Whittlessey, USNR) and USS ATR-63 (Lt. R.W. Coffey, USN).

27 Jul 1945
USS Muskalunge (T/Cdr. W.H. Lawrence, USN) and USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Midway together with USS Loeser (Lt.Cdr. J. Proctor, USNR), USS Sicard (Lt. A.G. Fenley, USNR), USS PC-778 (Lt. F.J. Whittlessey, USNR) and USS ATR-63 (Lt. R.W. Coffey, USN).

28 Jul 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Midway together with USS Sicard (Lt. A.G. Fenley, USNR) and USS ATR-63 (Lt. R.W. Coffey, USN).

2 Aug 1945
Around 0840Y/2, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) departed Midway for her sixth war patrol. She is to patrol off the Sakashima Islands for air/sea rescue lifeguard duties.

Before proceeding to her patrol area she was to proceed to Saipan. (13)

11 Aug 1945
Around 0840K/11, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) arrived at Saipan from Midway. She was then taken in hand for voyage repairs by USS Orion (T/Capt. E.R. Hannon, USN). (13)

13 Aug 1945
Around 1630K/13, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) and USS Tirante (T/Cdr. G.L. Street, 3rd, USN) departed Saipan in company for their lifeguard stations.

They were escorted until 1900K/13 by USS LCI(L)-1054 (Lt.(jg) W.H. Spicer, USNR). (14)

15 Aug 1945
Around 0645K/15, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) and USS Tirante (T/Cdr. G.L. Street, 3rd, USN) parted company with each other. (13)

3 Sep 1945
Around 1600I/3, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) left her lifeguard station for Guam. (13)

7 Sep 1945
Around 0945I/7, USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) ended her sixth war patrol at Guam.

She, and USS Sea Cat (T/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bowers, USN), were escored in by USS Crouter (Lt. C.F. Braught, USNR) which had joined the submarines around 0600I/7.

The submarines were then taken in hand for voyage repairs by USS Sperry (T/Capt. R.J. Ramsbotham, USN). (13)

8 Sep 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) departed Guam for Pearl Harbor.

17 Sep 1945
USS Tilefish (T/Cdr. W.F. Schlech, Jr., USN) arrived at Pearl Harbor from Guam.

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