U-boat Archive - U-505 - Jenks Report

U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)

FLEET POST OFFICE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK.

File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.

Serial No. 0001 (cl). 9 June 1944.


From:	The Commanding Officer.
To:	The Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet.
Via:	(1) The Commander in Chief, U. S. Atlantic Fleet.
	(2) The Commander Task Group 22.3.

Subject:	Action Report.

Reference:	(a) ComInch Restr. ltr. FF1/A12-1/A16-3, serial 7152, dtd. 29 October 1943.
	(b) Art. 874(4), U. S. Navy Regulations, 1920.

Enclosure:	(A) Action Report.

1. Enclosure (A) is forwarded in accordance with reference (a). It is divided into six parts as follows:

PART I. A general narrative of the action. Pharmacist's Mate's report is Enclosure (A) to Part I.

PART II. Chronological order of events including communications. Diagram of the action participated in by this vessel is enclosed in Part II. It shows the tracks of the U.S.S. CHATELAIN (DE-149) and the enemy submarine and this vessel.

PART III. Remarks on performance of ordnance material.

PART IV. The enemy vessel was captured and this vessel sustained no damage hence no remarks are submitted under this heading.

PART V. Special comments and recommendations.

PART VI. Personnel. The Executive Officer's report is enclosed in Part VI.

J. F. WAY.



	U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)
	FLEET POST OFFICE
	NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
	File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.
	Serial No. 0001 (cl).

	PART I

	ACTION REPORT

	Task Group 22.3 commanded by Captain D. V. GALLERY, USN and composed of the U.S.S. GUADALCANAL (CVE-60) (Captain D. V. GALLERY, USN, Commanding), Commander Escort Division 4 (Commander F. S. HALL, USN) in U.S.S. PILLSBURY (DE-133) acting as Screen Commander, plus the U.S.S. POPE (DE-134), U.S.S. FLAHERTY (DE-135), U.S.S. CHATELAIN (DE-149), and U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) were proceeding on base course NORTH at standard speed of 13 knots on the morning of 4 June 1944. Sky was clear, sun bright and the wind from NNE, force 2. At about 11 the guide (U.S.S. GUADALCANAL) signaled indicating air operations and turned to about course 010°(T). The five destroyers in the screen adjusted to new stations. The U.S.S. CHATELAIN was assigned position George One (relative bearing 26°, 2800 yards from guide). We received a voice radio communication from the CHATELAIN at 1109 saying that she was investigating a possible sound contact.

	The beginning of her marked course change to the right had already been observed and our rudder had been moved to right 20° in order to keep clear of her. At 1113 CHATELAIN reported by voice radio that she was attacking and about 30 seconds later she was observed to have fired a full pattern of anti-submarine hedgehog projectiles ahead. General quarters sounded and all hands manned battle stations. We were ordered to assist the CHATELAIN and commenced turning towards her to close the distance. A plane was observed to be firing her machine guns; obviously to make splashes in the water indicating the position of the hull of submarine as she observed it. The time of the splashes was between 1117 and 1118. At 1118-45 secs. plane again fired her machine guns and the bearing of the splashes was observed to be 275°(T) from this vessel.

	At 1122 the U.S.S. CHATELAIN fired her second pattern of hedgehog projectiles. At 1123 CHATELAIN was observed to be laying a depth charge pattern. At this time her bearing from us was 283°(T), distance 2000 yards.

	At 1125 submarine commenced breaking surface with good way on. She was about 2000 yards on our port beam and on almost parallel course, same direction. This vessel opened fire as soon as it was observed that the submarine was surfacing. 3"/50 cal. guns, 1.1"/75 quadruple mount and 20 MM machine guns all opened fire simultaneously. Slow turn to the left was started in order to close range and keep entire battery trained on target. At 1127 crew members of the submarine were observed on her decks with hands upraised indicating surrender and others were observed jumping overboard to abandon ship. This vessel ceased firing at 1127 having expended 32 rounds of 3" ammunition, plus 67 rounds of 1.1" ammunition plus 562 rounds of 20 MM machine gun ammunition.

	PART I of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 1 of 3 pages.



	U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)
	FLEET POST OFFICE
	NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
	File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.
	Serial No. 0001 (cl).

	At 1139 we were instructed to put our boat in the water to pick up evidence and survivors. At this time we were headed on a course of about WSW maneuvering to pick up a lone survivor on a small inflated life raft. We came dead in the water with the wind on our starboard quarter and the life raft close aboard port side of the forecastle and the man on the life raft was hauled over the side at 1154. At this time he stated that the submarine was known as the U-LANGE. He later stated that he was Oberlieutenant MEYER the Second in Command of the submarine and that his Captain's name was LANGE.

	At 1154 when the survivor came aboard we reported the area to the south of us clear of debris and survivors and at 1209 the area west of us was observed to be clear of survivors and debris.

	At 1254 our boat returned and came alongside our starboard side with two prisoners aboard. A considerable number of bridge publications and other publications had been removed from the submarine by Lieutenant John D. LANNON, USNR and these were taken aboard before the prisoners. The publications all indicated that the submarine was the U-505. At 1312 our motor whaleboat was hoisted clear of the water and we proceeded to rejoin the screen.

	The submarine was observed to be continuing its circling to the right but at slower speed. It appeared that her rudder had been jammed and that her battery was reaching its low voltage limit.

	Lieutenant John D. LANNON, USNR (First Lieutenant, U.S.S. JENKS) having returned from the U-505 reported as follows: "Upon approaching the submarine I asked the U. S. Naval Officer already on board if he needed assistance. I ordered the JENKS boat to stand off and to pick up two survivors who were close by. The submarine was circling slowly to the right. The other destroyer motor whaleboat which was made fast to and riding alongside the submarine cast off and JENK's motor whaleboat came alongside to receive publications. I put one of our prisoners back aboard the submarine to help open the hatch as it was jammed closed. Five 3" shell hits were observed on the starboard side of the conning tower structure. Something had demolished the rail around the gun mount abaft the bridge. The submarine was down by the stern. The deck abreast the conning tower was awash. We cast off from the starboard side of the submarine as the U.S.S. PILLSBURY came alongside her port side."

	PART I of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 2 of 3 pages.



	U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)
	FLEET POST OFFICE
	NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
	File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.
	Serial No. 0001 (cl).

	PART I (Cont'd)

	Our three prisoners were kept separated from each other for about three hours. The officer was kept separated from the two enlisted prisoners until about 1824 on 5 June 1944 when they were all three transferred via our motor whaleboat to the U.S.S. GUADALCANAL. Our Gunnery Officer (Lieutenant Frederick W. SLACK, USNR) has lived in Germany and he talked at length with the German Officer. One of our enlisted men speaks German and he talked with the two enlisted prisoners. One of our enlisted prisoners was very uncommunicative. The other enlisted prisoner talked with TUCHALSKI, Carl Ray, 875 41 82, MM2c, V-6, USNR(SV) and stated that his name was Henrich Brall, that , that he would be 20 years old 19 July 1944 and that he had been home in February and that this was his first cruise at sea. This prisoner was kept in the Ice Machine Room and while our interpreter stood watch and worked on the Ice Machines they conversed. This prisoner stated that the submarine carried a compliment of 4 officers and 60 men, that they had been out of port 85 days, had sighted three vessels and sunk nothing this trip. He also stated that the submarine's displacement was about 750 tons and that she carried 14 torpedoes.

	The best information which we could obtain indicates that the U-505 had been at sea approximately 80 days and that the splendid depth charge attack by the U.S.S. CHATELAIN was a complete surprise.



	J. F. WAY.






	PART I of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 3 of 3 pages.

U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)

FLEET POST OFFICE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK.

File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.

Serial No. 0001 (cl). 6 June 1944.


From:	The Medical Department Representative.
To:	The Commanding Officer.

Subject:	Treatment of Survivors (prisoners) from German Submarine.

1. At 1154 on 4 June 1944, one survivor was taken aboard over the port side from a small inflated life raft. He stated that he had been the Second in Command of the submarine. He had been wounded. At 1303 two additional prisoners came aboard from our motor whaleboat.

2. The German Officer's diagnosis is as follows: WOUND, LACERATED, SCALP, SHRAPNEL. 2. WOUNDS, MULTIPLE , SCHRAPNEL, BODY.

(a) Upon being received aboard this officer was attended by McCOMBS, PhM2c, who examined him for possible concussion of head, fractures and possible internal injuries. The laceration of scalp, which was the most predominant wound was bandaged with a Battle Dressing Small. He was then brought to Sick Bay where the following treatment was administered. Wound was cleansed with tincture of green soap, area shaved; jagged edges were trimmed and cleansed with tincture of merthiolate; sulfanilamide powder was then sprinkled into the wound; two (2) sutures taken with good approximation of edges and again sulfanilamide powder was sprinkled onto the wound. The wound was then covered with a sterile 4 x 4 bandage and recurrent bandage of head was applied.

(b) There were numerous small pieces of shrapnel covering the left hand, forearm, shoulder and just above the apex of the left pelvis, (hip bone). At first sitting there were about twenty-five (25) pieces removed from these areas, ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in diamerter. After removal all places were painted with tincture of merthiolate.

(c) Patient was also given one-half (1/2) cubic centimeter of alum precipitated tetanus toxiod. This patient was given a hair cut, shave, warm bath, clean survivors clothes (which had been supplied by the American Red Cross) and allowed to lie down. He was also offered food but refused stating that he did not have an appetite. He did drink a cup of coffee. Patient was not suffering from exposure and was in good spirits.

(d) On the morning of 5 June 1944, after spending a rather restful night, patient's head wound was again dressed. A few additional pieces of shrapnel were removed at this time. Patient was in better spirits and had a rather good appetite.

3. The other two (2) survivors upon examination showed no injuries, externally or internally. They were given warm baths, shaves and hot liquids. They were also given clean survivors clothes which had been supplied by the American Red Cross.

4. On 5 June 1944, all three (3) of these prisoners were transferred to the U.S.S. GUADALCANAL (CVE-60). All were in good spirits upon leaving this vessel.

O. E. HILTZ, PhM1c, U.S.N.

ENCLOSURE (A) to PART I of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944.

U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)

FLEET POST OFFICE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK.

File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.

Serial No. 0001 (cl).

PART II

CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF EVENTS INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS

VOICE CALLS

Bluejay	-----	Commander Task Group 22.3
Candy	-----	U.S.S. GUADALCANAL (CVE-60)
Dagwood	-----	Commander Escort Division 4
Daisy	-----	U.S.S. PILLSBURY (DE-133)
Jumbo	-----	U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665)
Frenchy	-----	U.S.S. CHATELAIN (DE-149)
Irish	-----	U.S.S. FLAHERTY (DE-135)
Pirtate	-----	U.S.S. POPE (DE-134)
Blondie	-----	Vessels of the Screen

	Diagram of the action is Enclosure (A) hereto.

1109	Bluejay from Frenchy we are investigating possible sound contact (TBS).
1112	CHATELAIN in position George One has sound contact. We are maneuvering to keep clear of her (Ship's Log).
1113	Dagwood from Frenchy we are attacking contact (TBS).
1113-30	(About) CHATELAIN fired 1st Hedgehog pattern.
1115	JENKS sounded general quarters.
1116	JENKS instructed to assist CHATELAIN, taking position bearing 090° relative from her and commencing search on square pattern. Carrier bearing 270(T), distance 5 miles. Plane diving and firing on spot bearing 270°(T).
	Plane diving and firing on spot bearing 273°(T).
1118-45	Plane diving and firing on spot bearing 275°(T).
1122	CHATELAIN fired second hedgehog pattern.
1123	CHATELAIN bearing 283°(T), distance 2000 yards fired pattern of depth charges. Carrier bearing 260°(T), distance 6 miles.
1125	Submarine surfacing to port. JENKS commenced firing.
1127	JENKS ceased firing having fired the following rounds: 3"/50 - 32, 1.1"/75 - 67, 20 MM machine guns - 562. "This is Jumbo. They have their hands up. They have surrendered. They are abandoning ship. We hace ceased firing. Over" (TBS). Crew of submarine abandoning ship; several holding hands above head indicating surrender. Track of torpedo which CHATELAIN reported having fired at submarine never sighted by personnel on JENKS.
1129	Planes making strafing attack.
1130	Ordered guns to "Cease firing until further notice."

PART II of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 1 of 3 pages.

U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)

FLEET POST OFFICE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK.

File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.

Serial No. 0001 (cl).

PART II (Cont'd)

1131	JENKS closing in on submarine.
1132	CHATELAIN reports torpedo fired five minutes ago and said "We have lost track of it."
1132-40	Carrier bearing 300°(T). Submarine bearing 253°(T), distance 1350 yards, circling to right at speed of about 3 knots. CHATELAIN bearing 265°(T), distance 1400 yards. Green dye bearing 252°(T).
1134	Submarine apparently sinking, crew abandoning it.
1135	FLAHERTY ordered to make circle around submarine at two miles radius to search for submarines.
1139	JENKS instructed to put boat in water to pick up evidence and survivors.
1140	Submarine bearing 253°(T), distance 1550 yards.
1143	A motor whaleboat was attempting to put boarding party aboard submarine.
1145	Submarine still afloat going around in tight circles to right. JENKS maneuvering to pick up survivors.
1150	Party from this Task Group observed to be aboard submarine. Planes still circling overhead.
1154	First survivor aboard, Oberlieutenant MEYER, Second in Command. No survivors to the south of us.
1156	Bluejay to Blondie less Daisy patrol around the carrier (TBS).
1157	Carrier bearing 325°(T), distance 7 1/2 miles.
1201	JENKS boat lowered in the water.
1203	CHATELAIN picking up largest group of survivors. Bluejay to Jumbo and Frenchy report on number of prisoners (TBS).
1206	Boarding party reports one dead man found on submarine. Possibility of salvaging submarine.
1209	No survivors to the west of us. JENKS on course 340°(T) and pgc.
1210	PILLSBURY reports name of Captain of submarine as LANGE.
1223	Our boat picking up two survivors and raft.
1226	Dagwood from Jumbo "Fitting in bow of submarine made for towing pendant but no permanent towing pendant attached. Estimated surface displacement 1200 tons." (TBS). JENKS secured from general quarters.
1232	Oberlieutanant MEYER reported submarine had been out three months or more. MEYER was born in Danzig.
1249	JENKS signaled our whaleboat to come alongside to pick up our TBY.
1250	PILLSBURY close aboard submarine's port side.
1253	PILLSBURY has tow line over to submarine.
1254	Our boat alongside our starboard side with two prisoners.
1303	Two prisoners aboard JENKS also large quantity of publications, two life rafts, one life belt, and one can of emergency rations.

PART II of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 2 of 3 pages.

U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)

FLEET POST OFFICE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK.

File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.

Serial No. 0001 (cl).

PART II (Cont'd)

1312	JENKS motor whaleboat clear of the water.
1319	One of the boats alongside submarine is swamped. CHATELAIN instructed to try to salvage it.
1320	Lieutenant John D. LANNON, USNR (First Lieutenant, U.S.S. JENKS) having returned from the U-505, reported as quoted in NARRATIVE.
1330	JENKS course 230°(T) and pgc.
1338	Changed course to 290°(T) and pgc.
1350	Dagwood from Bluejay I understand submarine's rudder was jammed hard over, is that correct (TBS)?
1352	Jumbo this is Bluejay if you hear my messages will you relay them to Dagwood (TBS)?
1355	Jumbo this is Bluejay tell Dagwood we have collision mats if he wants them (TBS).
1401	Jumbo from Bluejay is submarine dead in the water now (TBS)?
1405	Dagwood from Bluejay do you want our collision mats? Acknowledge (TBS).
1420	All Blondie except Daisy patrol around us (TBS).
1429	Candy to Daisy patrol further out (TBS).
1530	Bluejay from Jumbo "None of our three prisoners understands English. We have aboard about twenty of the U-505's bridge publications; all confirm U-505 (TBS)."
1757	Answering your transmission about transfer of prisoners and publications. Wait until later, over. "Bluejay this is Jumbo, Roger" (TBS).

J. F. WAY.

PART II of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 3 of 3 pages.

U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)

FLEET POST OFFICE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK.

File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.

Serial No. 0001 (cl).

PART III

REMARKS ON PERFORMANCE OF ORDNANCE MATERIAL

All ordnance material and equipment and all ammunition functioned perfectly. When this vessel opened fire it was in a very advantageous position and the rapidity of opening fire with all weapons which could bear was most pleasing.

Ammunition expended:

#1 3"/50	-	16	rounds SPDN #3706
#2 3"/50	-	8	rounds SPDN #3706
#3 3"/50	-	8	rounds SPDN #2899
1.1"/75	-	67	rounds service projectiles
20 MM machine guns	-	562	rounds service projectiles

J. F. WAY.

PART III of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 1 of 1 page.



	U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)
	FLEET POST OFFICE
	NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
	File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.
	Serial No. 0001 (cl).

	PART V

	SPECIAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

	The CIC functioned well although some approved alterations requiring Navy Yard work have not yet been made. A good plot of the U.S.S. CHATELAIN and the submarine was obtained. Two CIC voice tubes have been altered by ship's force and proved to be an improvement. Relocation of the Radio Direction Finder to the Radio Room would provide some much needed aditional space in the CIC.

	Exterior communications worked well. Voice communications on TBS circuit provided rapid communication. Flashing light, semaphore, or flag hoist communications would have proved too slow to meet the demands of the occasion.

	The Baker flag at the dip was flown by the U.S.S. CHATELAIN while she was searching and it was two blocked while she had contact and was conducting attack and dipped at the instant of firing. It was easily observed.

	It is recommended that each vessel equipped with a TBS radio set be furnished with at least one TBY radio set in order that it maybe used as a standby set in case of TBS failure. The TBY set would also provide excellent communication from ship to ship's boat.

	It is recommended that sound recording apparatus for voice radio be installed. It could furnish permanent record of (or means of repeating) voice transmissions or receptions.

	It is recommended that the 24" firecontrol searchlights on this type vessel be moved to the present rangefinder platform enlarged and that the rangefinder be discarded. The two 20 MM machine guns forward of the pilot house could then be moved to the present location of the two 24" searchlights and one twin 40 MM mount installed forward of the pilot house.

	It is also recommended that the boat skids be installed to permit using the boat davits for work over the side while the motor whaleboat is on board.

	The U.S.S. KENNEBEC (AO-36) accompanied by the U.S.S. DURIK (DE-666) joined this Task Group at sea. On 7 June 1944 this vessel fueled from the U.S.S. KENNEBEC and received 67,231 gallons of Navy Special Fuel Oil. On the morning of 9 June 1944 we again fueled from the U.S.S. KENNEBEC and received 10,894 gallons. Both fuelings proceeded smoothly. The weather was excellent and the U.S.S. KENNEBEC was also excellent. Her smooth, quiet, efficient organization was apparent.

	PART V of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 1 of 2 pages.



	U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)
	FLEET POST OFFICE
	NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
	File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.
	Serial No. 0001 (cl).

	It is recommended that a small arms locker be installed in the vicinity of each repair station to expidite issue of boarding equipment and to enable repair parties to obtain small arms immediately when the need becomes apparent.



	J. F. WAY.












	PART V of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 2 of 2 pages.



	U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)
	FLEET POST OFFICE
	NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
	File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.
	Serial No. 0001 (cl).

	PART VI

	PERSONNEL PERFORMANCE AND CASUALTIES

	Executive Officer's report is Enclosure (A) heteto.

	The personnel of this vessel showed a creditable performance, There were no casualties.




	J. F. WAY.












	PART VI of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944. Page 1 of 1 page



	U.S.S. JENKS (DE665)
	FLEET POST OFFICE
	NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
	File: DE665 TE/ A16-3.
	Serial No. 0001 (cl).

	EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT

	Reference: (a) Art. 948, U. S. Navy Regulations, 1920.

	The personnel of the U.S.S. JENKS (DE665) performed commendably during the action. The gun crews opened fire promptly and continued to fire all guns that would bear until the word to cease fire was passed. Hits were made on the conning tower and there were many close misses.

	The JENKS's boat, Lieutenant John D. LANNON, USNR in charge, performed notably the difficult task of staying alongside the submarine while it was underway in a tight circle, and taking off publications at a time when it seemed the sinking of the submarine was imminent. The boat also picked up two survivors and returned to the U.S.S. JENKS and suffered no damage.

	All departments of the ship functioned in a satisfactory manner during the action.



	M. F. COCROFT
	Lieut. Comdr., USNR,
	Executive Officer.






	ENCLOSURE (A) to PART VI of U.S.S. JENKS (DE-665) report of action of 4 June 1944.

Click the icons to view the associated records

Return to the U-505 page