War Patrols of the USS Dace (SS247)

During the horrific period of World War II. Navy regulations required Commanding Officers of submarines to prepare and submit a patrol report when they return to port after each patrol. During this period, 1550 plus of these reports were generated. These reports were classified as ‘Secret’ or ‘Confidential’.
The purpose of these reports was to keep the Commander-in-Chief, US Fleet, and others apprised of the submarines in carrying out their primary mission of sinking enemy ships. The reports also provided much needed information on other activities engaged in by submarines, such as reconnaissance, mine laying and rescue efforts. These collective reports of the individual submarines enabled wartime decision makers to assess to overall results of missions and suggest recommendations bases on the assessments.
The submarine war patrol reports for 1941 through late 1943 consist of daily narrative summaries of the vessels' location and activities. The reports are usually followed by additional summary information relating to such topics as meteorology, physical and mechanical condition of the submarine, and attacks against the enemy. These early reports may relate to a number of other topics as well.