World War II Database

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1. On 7 December, 1941 Tautog was moored at pier two U.S. Submarine Base manned by one section of Submarine Division Sixty-One relief crew. Tautog has returned from a 45-day patrol on 5 December and only one fourth of the regular crew was on board. At 0750 several men on deck observed three planes flying in the general direction of the U.S. Navy Yard from over AIEA fleet landing. When the first plane dropped a bomb and turned revealing the insignia, it was realized that an attack was being made. General Quarters was sounded immediately and about 0755 the first cal. .50 machine gun was brought into action. Torpedo planes, some of which passed very close astern of Tautog had commenced an attack on Battleships moored at Ford Island. At about 0758 the fourth plane in line burst into flames with a loud explosion when about 150 feet astern of Tautog. Tracers from the after cal. .50 machine gun and the starboard cal. .30 machine gun were going into the fuselage of this plane at this time. U.S.S. Hulbert was also firing at this plane. It is certain that it was hit repeatedly by Tautog, no other ships in the vicinity had opened fire. Somewhat later in this attack a second plane was brought down in the same general area but at longer range. Tautog was firing at this plane but it is believed that it was hit by Hulbert. Other attacks were too distant for effective machine gun fire from Tautog.
2. In accordance with reference (a) the following is reported:
   1. Battle stations were manned, the ship was rigged for diving, completely sealed except for ammunition access and made ready for getting underway.
   2. One plane was shot down.
   3. No losses or damage.
   4. It is considered that the situation was recognized promptly and the available armament brought into action expeditiously. Lieutenant W.B. SIEGLAFF, U.S.N. in charge of the relief crew section, assisted by Ensign R.F. STROUP U.S.N.R. and Ensign R.L. FARRAR, U.S.N.R., attached to Tautog handled the situation competently until return of the other ship's officers about 0830. Machine guns which brought down the plane were manned by:MIGNONE, P.N. TM2c, U.S.N.
      DIXON, I.H. GM1c, U.S.N.
      FLOYD, W.E. EM1c, U.S.N.
   5. Hulbert, moored at pier 1, U.S. Submarine Base, was the first vessel in the harbor observed to open fire. By 1000 all except 10 of the crew of Tautog was aboard. By 1700 the ship was fueled, and provisioned for extended operations with all of the crew aboard.

[signed]
J.H. WILLINGHAM, jr.