Action Report of USS Flusser (DD368) on the Nasugbu Landing, Jan 1945

Subject: Action Report, U.S.S. FLUSSER, amphibious landings, Nasugbu area, Luzon, P.I., 31 Jan. – 2 Feb. 1945.

PART IV. Ordnance.

1. 415 rounds of 5"/38 cal. AA Common were fired during the pre-arranged bombardment from H-50 to H-3. Performance of ordnance material was excellent.

2. During the night of 31 January and 1 February, 63 rounds of illuminating projectiles (Mk. 18-2 mech. Time fuze) were fired to furnish illumination for the outer screen. About 98% of the projectiles functioned and gave excellent illumination. Firing range was between 6000-7000 yards.

3. The Mk. 28 fire control radar was unable to pick up enemy “Queen” boats. In fact, none of the radars (SG-A, SC-2) were able to detect their approach. Only contacts made were visually.

4. In general, performance of ordnance material, procedures, and fire discipline was satisfactory.

Part V. Damage.

1. Own Forces:

(1) No damage was sustained by this ship. PC-1129 was sunk off Talin Point. Exact details of sinking unknown. When first observed, PC-1129 was observed bottom up with a large hole midships in the hull. An enemy “Queen” boat was observed in the vicinity.

Enemy Forces:

(1) Two small enemy boats (possible “Queen” boats) were observed set on fire by gunfire from the U.S.S. TINSMAN and U.S.S. LOUGH on the night of 31 January. It could not be discerned which ship actually hit the boats since both had them under fire.

On the night of 1 February, the U.S.S. CONYNGHAM and U.S.S. LOUGH engaged two PT boats approaching from southward. One was set on fire at about 2318 (I), and the second was set on fire at 2348 (I). Both of these boats exploded violently after burning briefly.

[p. 6]

DD368/A16-3 Serial 03

U.S.S. FLUSSER (DD368) c/o Fleet Post Office San Fransisco, Calif.

Subject: Action Report, U.S.S. FLUSSER, amphibious landings, Nasugbu area, Luzon, P.I., 31 Jan. – 2 Feb. 1945.

PART VI. Special Comments.

1. The enemy “Queen” boats which attempted to enter the landing area on 31 January appeared to be very small, probably about 12 – 14 feet long, and were very difficult to see. No radar contacts were made on this boats by this ship. Two were observed visually by star shell illumination at a range of about 4000 yards and a third was observed at a range of about 2000 yards in the bright moonlight. Lookouts were able to pick up the wakes of these boats which appeared to be capable of about 15 knots.

2. The tactics of these boats apparently consisted of making the first attack from seaward to divert attention while another group “sneaks” along the shore in the shadow of the land.

3. It is believed some of these boats are armed with depth charges, since one dropped an object which caused a large explosion and column of water similar to a small depth charge exploding with a shallow setting.

4. Subsequent information has revealed that the PT boats sunk on the night of 1 February were our own. Prior to and during the engagement, a watch was maintained at 3115 kcs. (Local air warning) in CIC. At approximately 2230, a transmission “Ignatz this is Martinez Copper” was intercepted. This call was weak and intermittent. Only one call was heard. About 2248, CTG 78.2 was heard calling, “Any Martinez” on this circuit. This call was repeated at least twice. Subsequent transmissions were partially obliterated and unintelligible by numerous TBS transmissions regarding firing and maneuvers. Crowded conditions render it impracticable to keep all circuits in CIC manned with a “phone watch.”

5. No IFF was received from the contacts nor were any pyrotechnic recognition signals received.

6. Communication was generally good throughout the operation. The MAN equipment is not considered reliable for communication since some sets are slightly off the basic frequency used. At times, this ship could communicate via MAN with other ships in the convoy and screen on different bearings and ranges but had difficulty communicating with other units. Subsequent temporary installation of SCR 608 equipment permitted communication with these units but not with others.

[p. 7]

DD368/A16-3 Serial 03

U.S.S. FLUSSER (DD368) c/o Fleet Post Office San Fransisco, Calif.

Subject: Action Report, U.S.S. FLUSSER, amphibious landings, Nasugbu area, Luzon, P.I., 31 Jan. – 2 Feb. 1945.

PART VII. Personnel Performance and Casualties.

1. Performance of personnel was uniformly excellent.

There were no casualties.

PART VIII. Lessons Learned, Conclusions, and Recommendations.

1. The enemy “Queen” boat is extremely difficult to spot at night, and it is believed the most effective way to prevent them from closing is to take evasive maneuvers at moderate speed, at the same time illuminating the general area with star shells so that they can be taken under fire with automatic weapons. Lookouts must be trained to look for these boats when operating in close waters and radar should not be relied upon to detect their approach.

K.G. ROBINSON

Cominch (Adv.)
Cincpac (Adv.)(3)
Comdespac

[p. 8]

ENCLOSURE: APPROXIMATE TRACK CHART.

Enclosure to action report of USS Flusser on the 1945 Nasugbu Landing.

To view or download the original document, please refer to Item ² below under Notes and References.

Notes and references: