ICARUS                                                                                             15 May, 1942
 
                                                                                                            Key West, Florida
  
 
 
 
From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ICARUS.
To: Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.
   
Via: Commandant, Seventh Naval District.
   
Subject: Report of action of 9 May, 1942, on Enemy Submarine.
   
Reference: (a)        Article 712, U.S. Navy Regulations.
   
Enclosures:

(a)        Report of Executive Officer, U.S.S. ICARUS, on subject action 9 May, 1942.  (600-CONFIDENTIAL).
  (b)        List of Prisoners of War taken in subject-action.
 
 
 
 
        1.         U.S.S. ICARUS was proceeding south of Cape Lookout on the afternoon of the 9th of May, 1942, on course 2380 P.G.C., speed 14 knots, enroute from New York, N.Y. to Key West, Florida.  The Commandant of the Sixth Naval District had been advised of the passage of the U.S.S. ICARUS into the Sixth Naval District.  Lieutenant (j.g.) E.D. HOWARD, U.S.C.G.R., was officer of the deck.  At 1620, an echo was picked up 1900 yards on the Port bow.  The contact was mushy but was only 150 wide.  At 1625, the Commanding Officer was called and came on the bridge.  The sharpness of the contact improved and as the contact drew abaft the beam, an explosion of a torpedo was seen and heard on the Port quarter.  General quarters were immediately sounded and the Commanding Officer relieved the deck.  The course was changed to 0700 P.G.C., and headed toward the contact which was drawing toward the west in the direction of the wake made by the ICARUS previous to changing course.  Propeller noises were heard.
  
 
 
 
        ATTACK NO. 1
  
 
 
 
        Contact was lost at 180 yards and at a calculated interval thereafter, a pattern of 5 depth charges was laid.  This consisted of a diamond with 1 charge in the center.  (one charge was dropped from the rack, followed by 2 from the “Y” gun, one from the rack, and later another from the rack.)   It was later learned that this attack destroyed the submarine’s periscope and killed the Conning-Officer.  The course was reversed.
  
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 - 2 -
 
 
 
U.S.S. ICARUS                                                                                  15 May, 1942
  
 
                                                                                                            Key West, Florida
  
 
Report on action of 9 May, 1942.
  
 
 
 
        ATTACK NO. 2
  
 
 
 
        The submarine was still moving to the west.  The course was changed to lead the apparent track and at 1645 a “Y” pattern was laid by dropping one charge from the rack followed by 2 from the “Y” gun.  Large air bubbles were observed coming to the surface.  It was later learned that the submarine attempted to surface after this attack but the Engineering Officer had been killed and the “machinery” had been disabled.  It is believed that this reference to the performance of the “machinery” did not apply to the propulsion machinery as noises were heard later.  It probably referred to the diving mechanism.  The course was again reversed.
  
 
 
 
        ATTACK NO. 3
  
 
 
        One charge was dropped on the spot where the bubbles were seen.
  
 
 
 
        ATTACK NO. 4
  
 
 
 
        The course was again reversed and at 1708, one charge was dropped to the right of the bubbles.  It was later learned that this attack blew the submarine to the surface and the ascent was so rapid that members of the crew complained of pains in the head for a considerable period thereafter.  At 1709 the submarine surfaced, down by the stern.  The ICARUS immediately opened fire with those machine-guns which were bearing and then turned to the right to head for the submarine.  The 3” gun and all other machine-guns opened fire as they could be brought to bear.  The first round from the 3” gun was short but ricocheted through the conning tower.  The next round from the 3” gun was over and thereafter, all shots were either hits or close misses.  14 rounds of 3” 23 caliber, common projectile, bursting charge of TET & Black Powder were expended, and including the ricochet, 7 hits were observed to have been made.  At 1711 the submarine crew was observed to be abandoning ship.  At 1714 the submarine sank and firing was ceased.  The submarine sank at Latitude 34012.5’ North, and Longitude 76035’ West.  The ICARUS continued to circle the spot, depth of water at scene being 19 fathoms.
  
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 - 3 -
 
 
 
U.S.S. ICARUS                                                                                  15 May, 1942
  
 
                                                                                                            Key West, Florida
  
 
Report on action of 9 May, 1942.
  
 
 
 
        ATTACK NO. 5
  
 
 
 
        A further contact was made, propellers heard, and a large air bubble similar to that made by a submarine surfacing was observed.  One charge was dropped on this contact and no further sounds were heard.
  
 
 
 
        The ICARUS continued circling and at 1750 stopped and picked up 33 prisoners of war including 4 wounded, one of which had lost his left leg and died at 2250; another had lost his left arm.  The other two were only slightly injured.  At the time, the man had lost an arm and another of the prisoners who was believed to more seriously injured, was placed under guard in the crew’s head.  Prisoners were brought aboard over the Starboard gangway and were thoroughly searched.  All belongings were gathered for delivery to the district Intelligence Office.  All men were equipped with life jackets and escape lungs of excellent quality.  All appeared to be in good physical and mental condition although undoubtedly suffering from shock.  Thirty of the prisoners were placed under guard in the forward crew’s compartment and the man who lost a leg was placed in a litter and kept on deck as it was believed better to give him as little handling as possible and to keep him in the air which was warm.
  
 
 
        At 1805 the course was resumed for Charleston, South Carolina, 2380 p.g.c.,  speed, 14 knots.  The crew of the submarine was reported by the Commanding Officer, Kapt-leutnant Helmuth Rathke, to have consisted of four officers and 41 men.  He further stated that this had been a 500-ton ship. The prisoners and the body of the dead man were delivered to the Commandant of the Sixth Naval District, at 1130 10 May, 1942, at the Charleston Navy Yard.
  
 
 
 
        The contacts were developed by Commanding Officer from the ranges and bearings given by the sound operators, not by means of a plot, but by his seaman’s eye.  U.S.S. ICARUS is not equipped with a sound range recorder.
  
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 - 4 -
 
 
 
U.S.S. ICARUS                                                                                  15 May, 1942
  
 
                                                                                                            Key West, Florida
  
 
Report on action of 9 May, 1942.
  
 
 
 
        2.         The Commanding Officer wishes to commend the Executive Officer of this unit, Lieutenant (j.g.) Edward Douglas Howard, U.S.C.G.R., for the efficient and cool manor in which he carried out my commands in this attack.  This officer’ is excellent material for command of Patrol units, and he should be given consideration for promotion to the next higher grade in Commissioned Officer’s rank.
  
 
 
 
        The other officers of this unit carried out their duties in an efficient and satisfactory manor.
  
 
 
 
        The engineering department functioned very satisfactorily.  Warrant Machinist Henry J. Cookson is deserving of praise for the manor is which this department functioned.
  
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 - 5 -
 
 
 
U.S.S. ICARUS                                                                                  15 May, 1942
  
 
                                                                                                            Key West, Florida
  
 
Report on action of 9 May, 1942.
  
 
 
 
        3.         The performance of the entire crew in action, and throughout the night, while all hands were kept either at stations or on guard over the prisoners, deserves the highest praise.  All stations were manned promptly, and without confusion.  Their conduct throughout was manifested by enthusiasm, alertness, and devotion to duty.  It is believed that the following deserve special commendation.
  
 
 
 
        FORD, Harry R. (103-616) C.B.M.  This man is a natural leader of the crew and by his example and leadership, contributed to their steadiness and effectiveness.  He has been previously recommended by the Commanding Officer of this unit for appointment as an Ensign.
  
 
 
 
        MUELLER, Charles E. (205-391) B.M.1c.(Pro)  This man is a fine, clean-cut young man.  He is the gun pointer who scored seven hits.  He is very cool in any stress and is a leader.  His promotion to Chief Boatswain’s Mate is recommended.
  
 
 
        QUINONES, Saltiage P. Jr. (224-869) B.M.2c.(Pro)  He is a very alert and has a keen mind which grasps and understands technical problems promptly and thoroughly.  He operated the sound-equipment during the attack.  It is recommended that he be promoted to Boatswain’s Mate, first class.
  
 
 
 
        RABICH, William L. (237-067) SOM 3c(Pro) first picked up the contact.  He is alert and progressing rapidly.  It is recommended that he be promoted to Sound-man, second class. 
 
 
 
 
        LASKOWSKI, Arthur J. (203-826) SOM 3c. (Pro) assisted Quinones in the attack.  He is a very good operator and his promotion to Sound-man second class is hereby recommended.
  
 
 
 
        4.         There were no casualties or damage to the ship.
  
 
 
 
        5.         All ordnance performed satisfactorily with the exception of a few minor adjustments to the machine-guns.
  
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 - 6 -
 
 
 
U.S.S. ICARUS                                                                                  15 May, 1942
  
 
                                                                                                            Key West, Florida
  
 
Report on action of 9 May, 1942.
  
 
 
 
        6.         The wind was from the East, force –1.  Sea was calm with slight swells from the North.  Visibility – 9, Sky – overcast.
  
     
 
 
 
                                                                                                     M. D. JESTER.
  
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
Copies to:
  
 
        Commander-in-Chief U.S. Fleet (Readiness section)
 
        Commander-in-Chief U.S. Atlantic Fleet
  
 
        ASW Unit, 1st Naval District, 150 Causeway Street,
  
 
                Boston, Mass.
  
 
        Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard
  
 
        File.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

     
     
  Serial: 064
  A16-3:GSF-27  
  CLCA:iwb  
 

HEADQUARTERS GULF SEA FRONTIER
KEY WEST, FLORIDA
May 22, 1942.
 
FIRST ENDORSEMENT on letter of
C.O. U.S.C.G.C. ICARUS of
May 15, 1942.
 
     
 
From: Commander Gulf Sea Frontier
To: The Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet
   
Via: Commander Eastern Sea Frontier
   
Subject: U.S.C.G.C. ICARUS – Report of Action of May 9, 1942, on Enemy Submarine
 
     
          1.         Forwarded, concurring in the recommendations as contained in the basic report.  
     
          2.         The Commander Gulf Sea Frontier recommends that the Commanding Officer of the U.S.C.G.C.. ICARUS, Lieutenant M.D. Jester, U.S.C.G., be awarded appropriate recognition.  
     
          3.         The Commandant, SIXTH Naval District, has been furnished a copy of the basic report.
     
     
     
     
                                                                                                            R. S. CRENSHAW  
     
     
  Copy to:  
          Commanding Officer, U.S.C.G.C. ICARUS  
          District Coast Guard Officer, Key West, Fla.  
     
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
ICARUS                                                                                  Charleston, S.C.
 
                                                                                                10 May, 1942
  
 
 
 
From:   Executive Officer, ICARUS.
To: Commanding Officer, ICARUS
   
Subject:  Action of 9 May, 1942.
   
Reference: (a) Article 948, U.S. NAVY Regulations.
 
 
 
 
        1.         At 1620, 9 May, 1942 U.S.S. ICARUS was proceeding on course 2380 p.g.c., speed 14 knots, enroute from New York, N.Y. to Key West, Florida.  Lieutenant (j/g.) E. D. Howard, U.S.C.G.R., was officer of the deck.  A sound contact was picked up on the Port bow which was rather mushy but was only 150 wide.  1625:  The Commanding Officer was called.  1629:  As the contact drew to the quarter, the explosion of a torpedo was seen, felt, and heard on the Port quarter.  General Quarters.  Changed course to 0700 p.g.c., heard propellers.  Submarine attempted to hide in our previous wake.  Fired 5 depth charges in a diamond pattern, 1 from rack, followed by 2 from “Y” gun, one from rack, and later, another from rack.  (It was later learned that this attack destroyed submarine’s periscope, and killed the Conning Officer.).  Reversed course.  Submarine was moving to right.  Lead submarine and at 1645 dropped 1 charge from rack and followed with “Y” gun (V pattern).  Large air bubbles observed.  (learned that submarine attempted to surface at this point, but that “machinery” had been disabled.)  Reversed course.  1702 Dropped 1 charge, reversed course and dropped 1 charge at 1708.  1709:  Submarine surfaced, down by the stern.  Opened fire with 3” gun and all 6 machine-guns.  Opening range 1000 yards, headed directly for target.  Expended 14 rounds, and scored 7 hits on conning tower.  1711  Submarine crew seen to be abandoning ship.  1714 submarine sank.  Ceased firing, and continued circling spot.  1734 dropped 1 charge on contact later believed to be wreck of submarine.  1750  Stopped and picked up 33 prisoners, including 4 wounded (one lost leg, and died later at 2215, one had lost an arm, one had a fractured wrist and possible bullet in side, and one had slight wound on hand)  Each man was searched as he came aboard.  All were equipped with life-jackets and lungs of excellent quality.  Thirty of the prisoners were placed under guard in the forward crew’s compartment; two of the wounded in the crew’s head, and the badly injured man on deck.  1805  Resumed course for Charleston, S.C., at 14 knots, zig-zagging.  (The crew of the submarine was reported by Kapt-Lieut. Rathke the Commanding Officer, to have consisted of 4 officers, and 41 men)  One of the men stated that the submarine had been in the vicinity for four days.  The commanding officer stated it was a 500-ton ship.  Submarine sank at 34012.5’ North and 760 35’ West.
  
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
ICARUS                                                                                  Charleston, S.C.
 
                                                                                                10 May, 1942
  
 
 
 
Report on Action of 9 May, 1942
  
 
 
 
        The conduct of all the officers and crew was marked by alertness, enthusiasm, and coolness.  The contact was first picked up by RABICH, William L. (237-067) som 3c(Pro), and the machine was effectively operated during the attack by QUINONES, Saltiage P. Jr. (224-869) B.M.2c.(Pro), and LASKOWSKI, Arthur J. (203-826) SOM 3c.(Pro).  The marksmanship of MUELLER, Charles E. (205-391) B.M.1c.(Pro) on the 3” gun is commended.  The skillful handling of the ship by Lieutenant M.D. Jester, U.S.C.G., made the success of the attack possible.
  
 
 
 
        3.         There were no casualties or damages to the ship except the temporary deafness of the left ear of HALLORAN, James J. (233-331) Sea.1c.
  
 
 
 
        4.         All ordnance performed satisfactorily except for jams on one .50 caliber and one .30 caliber machine-gun.
  
 
 
 
Depth charges expended
11
Arbors
4

3” 23 caliber common projectile, bursting charge, TNT & Black powder
14
.50 Caliber machine-gun bullets
300
.30 Caliber machine-gun bullets
50

“Y” gun propellant charges (1½  lb black powder)
2
 
 
 
        5.         The wind was from the East, force – 1, Sea was calm with slight swells from the North.  Visibility – 9, Sky – overcast.
  
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                     E. D. HOWARD
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
                            PRISONERS OF WAR TAKEN ON BOARD
 
                            U.S.S. ICARUS ON 9 MAY, 1942
  
 
 
 
1.
   RATHKE, Helmuth – Kapitanleutnant – Kommandant (Commanding Officer)
2.
   BERNHARD, Oskar – Steuermann R.O.A. II W.O.
3.
   GRANDKE, Walter – Obermaschinist – U.O. 56/31T
4.
   BOLLMANN, Heinrich – Obermaschinist – (Wounded)
5.
   KAMMEREH, Ernst – Fahnrich 2. SEE
6.
   KRUGER, Kurt – Funkmaat – U.O. 801/35T
7.
   SORO, Ludwig – Funkmaat – U.N. 464/39T
8.
   SCHRARZENBERGEN, Heinz – Maschinenmaat – U.N. 3053/37T
9.
   BRAND, August – Maschinenmaat – U.N. 3390/37T
10.
   WESCHE, Martin – Maschinenmaat – U.N. 290/37T
11.
   NESSOLY, Lother – Maschinenmaat – U.O. 117/37T
12.
   THONNISSEN, Kurt – Maschinenmaat – U.N. 591/40KS
13.
   RICHTER, Helmuth – Bootsmaat – U.N. 247/37KS
14.
   KREKELER, Seigfried – Bootsmaat – U.N. 2616/38S
15.
   NEITSCH, Hans – Bootsmaat – 1217/38S
16.
   DEHN, Arthur – Bootsmaat – U.O. 120/37ES
17.
   STENGEL, Otto – Masch. 06. GEFR – U.O. 1819/39T
18.
   RUSCH, Gerhard – Masch 06. GEFR – 3107/40T
19.
   THIELE, Rudolf – Mech. Gefr. – U.O. 6099/40S
20.
   RICHTER, Heinz – Gefr. – U.O. 6099/40T
21.
   NUEZKER, Johan – Masch. Gefr. – U.O. 6043/40T
22.
   RICHTER, Gerhard – Funkgefreiter – U.O. 3454/40T
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
                            PRISONERS OF WAR TAKEN ON BOARD
 
                            U.S.S. ICARUS ON 9 MAY, 1942
  
 
 
 
23.
   MATTIZ, Heinz – Funkgefreiter – U.O. F395/40T
24.
   TWIRDY, Heinrich – Masch. Gefreiter – (Wounded)
25.
   KEUSSEL, Gerhard – Masch. Gefreiter – (Wounded, later died)
26.
   HEINZE, Hans – Matrosengefr. – U.O. 7905/40S
27.
   HENSCKKE, Otto – Matrosengefr. – U.O. 9709/40S
28.
   KOMINEK, Franz – Matrosengefr. – U.N. 1240/40S
29.
   HERING, Gerhard – Matr. Gefr. – U.O. 9710/40S
30.
   HERRSCHAFT, Edgar – Matr. Gefr. – U.O. 1736/40S
31.
   PICKEL, Erhard – Matr. Gefr. – U.N. 12049/40S
32.
   LINK, Willy – Matross – U.N. 9897/40S
33.
   STARON, Edmund – Matrose – U.O. 22226/41S