Ceiling was unlimited, lower scattered clouds at 1500 feet- visibility was 10 miles, hazy sea slight wind SE 10 miles. The aircraft was a J4F-1 amphibian and the enemy was believed to be an Axis submarine of the 740 ton class. The attack was a diving attack from 1500 feet and release of one Mark XVII, Mod I depth charge and the enemy crash dived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

"Diving attack from 1500 feet about 1/2 mile distance, course 180 degrees True. Released bomb from 250 feet and pulled out of dive."

STATEMENT OF PILOT (Henry C. White)

"While patrolling an assigned area on a course of 065 from a buoy marking a sunken United Fruit ship, a submarine was sighted on the starboard bow at 1337 Roger, Lat 28.37'N, Long. 90.45'W, on surface not underway but pointed 270 degrees True. It was thought that by circling and making the attack from the stern would be most effective, however, while circling the sub began to submerge.

The attack was started immediately from abeam at altitude 1500 feet and a distance of one-half (1/2) mile on course 180degrees. As submarine was going under fast, heading 270 degrees, I went into a dive of about 45 to 55 degrees and the bomb was released from an altitude of 250 feet. The submarine was visible during the entire approach - being just under the water but still clearly visible when the bomb was released. My radioman was sitting to the right of me when the bomb was released he put his head out of the window and followed the bomb down and saw it strike the water alongside or within ten (10) feet of the starboard side of the submarine and then explode. The explosion appeared to be a direct hit. I pulled out of the dive and came around. No debris was seen to rise, however, there was a small oil stick of about 10 to 15 feet in diameter which increased to 50 feet in diameter. This oil was of a brown rusty color except that the oil on the western side of the slick was darker brown with a few streaks of light oil. At about 100 to 200 feet to the west of this oil stick there were a number (10 to 15) scattered patches of light oil. Outside of these oil patches there was no sign of any moving oil or bubbles coming up.

Two (2) Army observation planes were on the scene immediately after the attack, although it is not known whether the submarine was sighted by them.

When submarine was sighted the radioman began sending SSS and after the attack the position was sent, however there was considerable delay due to static and other units with much higher power being on the air at the time. Also there was a mistake in first position given which was later corrected.

I remained in the vicinity for about an hour and then departed for base as a relief had been furnished to cover the area.

I firmly believe that my bomb was an effective hit and that the submarine was at least considerably damaged, if not sunk.

More U-166

U-166 Profile and History
Official US Coast Guard Reports of the Action: Introduction
US Coast Guard Report: July 31, 1942
US Coast Guard Report: August 1, 1942
Report: July 24, 1942 Sinking of the SS Oneida
Report: August 5, 1942 Sinking of the SS Oneida
Report: Summary of Statements from M/S Gertrude Survivors
Report: August 13, 1942 Sinking of the SS Robert E. Lee