Jan. 28 1942 "Sighted sub, sank same."

[Valin]

Home of Hero's

 

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"Sighted Sub"

 

Donald Francis Mason was a U.S. Navy pilot with Patrol Squadron Eight-Two (VP-82), stationed at Argentia, Newfoundland. The 28-year old enlisted man was rated Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class, and piloted a Lockheed "Hudson" PBO-1. The plane carried a crew of three, AMM1c Algia Baldwin as Co-Pilot, AMM2c Albert Zink as Plane Captain, and Radioman Charles Mellinger.

 

Shortly after 1:00 p.m. on January 28, 1942, Mason and his crew took off for what was a continuing series of anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic waters that had already become known as "Torpedo Alley". For two hours the PBO-1 droned over empty waters. As was all too often the case, the long but important patrols were mundane. On this afternoon however, an unexpected flash of light was spotted on the surface of the dark and rough open waters of the Atlantic. Banking quickly, the crew noticed a periscope protruding above the waves, a distinct wake trailing behind.

 

Without hesitation, AMM1c Mason launched his attack, bearing in on the enemy submarine that apparently did not realize it had been spotted. The subsequent report filed by Patrol Squadron Eighty-Two Commander W. L. Erdmann vividly explained the combat action in brief but precise terms:

 

UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET

SUPPORT FORCE

PATROL WING EIGHT

PATROL SQUADRON EIGHTY-TWO

 

 

 

 

A16-3(02)

 

 

Argentia Air Detachment

Argentia, Newfoundland

January 30, 1942

 

 

 

From: Commander Patrol Squadron Eighty-Two.

To: Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet.

Via: Official Channels.

Subject: Report of Engagement with Enemy Submarine on January 28, 1942

Plane turned and attacked at once. Submarine was apparently completely surprised, as periscope was visible throughout entire attack. Approach was made from astern submarine on a course about 20 degrees across submarine's course. Bombs were released at estimated altitude of 25 feet, indicated air speed 165 knots. Two bombs were dropped with a spread of about 25 feet.

Plumes of the explosions were seen to spread, one on either side of periscope, estimated distance 10 feet from wake line and nearly abreast the periscope. The submarine was lifted bodily in the water until most of the conning tower could be seen. Headway of submarine seemed to be killed at once and she was observed to sink from sight vertically. Five minutes later, oil began to bubble to the surface and continued for ten minutes. At this time it was necessary to leave area in order to return to base by dark. Plane landed at 1628.

Detailed employment of crew during bombing attack was as follows:

(1) Pilot at the controls:

(2) Co-pilot in the cockpit alongside the pilot, armed bombs, stood by manual release.

(3) Plane Captain attempted to take photographs of target with F-48 camera during glide approach and after attack. Pictures of this attack were poor because of greatly reduced lighting conditions.

(4) Radioman in bow at the Navigator's Desk, acting as lookout with binoculars.

W. L. ERDMANN

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