ACTION REPORT
                U.S.S. ZEILIN


                                              November 15, 1942.

From:          The Commanding Officer.
To:            The Commander in Chief, United States Fleet.

Subject:       Action Reports

Reference:     (a) Cominch confidential letter FF1/A16-3
                   Serial (0332) of March 7, 1942.

Enclosures:    (A) Anti-aircraft action by surface ships on
                   November 11, 1942, (first attack).
               (B) Anti-aircraft action by surface ships on
                   November 11, 1942, (second attack).
               (C) Report of executive officer of action on
                   November 11, 1942.

    1.     In compliance with reference (a), enclosures (A),
           (B), and (C) are forwarded.

    2.     The following summaries are submitted:

                              FIRST ATTACK

    This vessel in company with U.S.S. BETELGUESE and LIBRA, escorted 
by ATLANTA and Destroyer Division TWELVE, arrived off the designated 
unloading area east of Lunga Point, Guadalcanal Island, anchored, and 
commenced unloading at 0540.

    At 0857 a radio message reported that enemy bombers and fighters 
were headed for Guadalcanal; subsequently a message by radar set the 
arrival time at 0935.

    The ship ordered boats to remain clear and at 0919 proceeded to get 
underway.  At 0936 enemy planes were observed coming in over the 
western tip of the island and ten were identified as dive bombers, type 
Aichi 99-N-DB.  The fighters were to high to be accurately counted, 
however a message reported twelve.

    At 0940 the hip commenced firing 3"/50 cal. AA batteries using 1.5 
second fuse settings.  The enemy planes took diving formation and 
proceeded to peel off.  One was hit by shrapnel and the port wing was 
afire.  This plane did not dive.  Five planes dived on this vessel, 
releasing bombs at approximately 1,200 feet.  There were three near 
misses registered on the ship; two on the port side - one about 
amidships, the other aft; and one on the starboard side at about frame 
45 opposite No. 8 hatch, depth about 15-30 feet.  The ship suffered 
severely from this bomb.

    The ship sustained the following damage from this attack:

    Number 8 hold was flooded to the third deck; number 7 to the fourth 
deck.  Starboard shaft alley was completely flooded.  Port shaft alley 
is leaking and is kept dry by pumping.  Number four 3"/50 cal. AA gun 
carriage was sprung by shock.  A 3/8" pipe of inboard water column line 
on No 5 boiler in No. 2 fireroom was broken by shock.  A 1 ½" overboard 
water cooling line from generators was broken by shock next to 
overboard valve.  Fresh water tank, starboard side of No. 7 hold, c-
611, opened to the sea.  Feed water bottoms under engineroom are 
leaking slightly.  Starboard propeller shaft was either broken or 
coupling bolts sheared.  This shaft was broken about one-half hour 
after ship left CACTUS and no examination can be made until after the 
shaft alley is dewatered.  The bulkhead between No. 7 and No. 8 holds, 
starboard side, is torn for a space of 30 inches.  This hole was wedged 
practically tight before No. 7 hold was flooded.  On starboard side aft 
of No. 7 hold at lower first platform deck rivets are sheared for about 
6 feet.  This leak could not be stopped because of inaccessibility, the 
magazine being loaded at the time.  The flooding was controlled by 
closing of non-watertight door, shoring and wedging, then by pumping.  
Later the trunk leading into the magazine, 10'x10', was closed by 
welding over the whole trunk.  A few rivets were sheared in No. 9 hold 
at the skin of the ship, starboard side, between No. 8 and No. 9 holds.  
This leak was controlled by plugging and welding.  There is a dent in 
the starboard side of No. 8 hold about 1 and ½" in depth, caused by 
glancing bomb.  There are numerous small leaks in after part of ship, 
including leaks in after peak tank and small leaks in the feed water 
tank under the engineroom.  There is approximately 2,000 tons of water 
in the ship.

    Examination by diver upon arrival at BUTTON disclosed 5 shell 
plates between frame 45 and 46 are cracked, one stove in about 2 feet.  
One rupture is across three plates, 16 feet long and varies from 
nothing to 2 and one-half feet wide.  There is another crack 8 feet 
long across 2 plates.  This crack is about one-half in. in width.

                              SECOND ATTACK

    At 1055 following the earlier attack by dive bombers, the ship 
received word that enemy planes were again headed for Guadalcanal.

    Although damaged from the attack the ship got underway.  At 1127 a 
flight of enemy planes identified as heavy bombers, possibly Mitsubishi 
97M or 96, about 27 in number, were observed on a course towards 
Henderson Air Field.

    Fire was opened by all ships, this ship firing all 3"/50 cal. AA 
guns as they could be brought to bear.  Fuse settings were 21 and 30 
seconds.  Fire was controlled locally after the initial salvo and was 
checked once to change fuse settings and again to allow two guns to 
bear.  Bursts were well grouped and appeared to be reaching up to and a 
little ahead of the planes.  No hits were observed.  Fighter planes 
from Henderson Field began engaging the enemy and "cease fire" was 
ordered on all ships.

    Following the conclusion of the attack the ship returned to the 
unloading area.  The enemy's objective appeared to be Henderson Field 
on Guadalcanal.

    3.     The officers and crew preformed their duties in a most 
highly creditable manner.  Particular mention may be made of Lieutenant 
Commander Russell J. Bellerby, U.S. Navy, Lieutenant Einar N. Eriksen, 
D-M, U.S. Naval Reserve, Carpenter Allan R. Carlson, U.S. Navy, and the 
repair parties for prompt, efficient, and fearless work in damage 
control; of Frank Grasso, gunner's mate second class, U.S. Navy, for 
excellent gunnery on the 20mm battery; and Thomas Ralph Dobbins, 
boilermaker first class, U.S. Navy, for prompt and efficient action in 
closing a valve on a ruptured steam line in No. 2 fireroom.  The action 
of Privates William T. Kraft, U.S.M.C., and William G. Sorrentino, 
U.S.M.C.R., of the Second Replacement Battalion are subject to censure.  
From statements obtained these men deliberately remained on board after 
debarkation of troops.  A separate report of the circumstances has been 
made to the Commanding General, First Marine Division.


                                                        P. BUCHANAN.






                                             U.S.S. ZEILIN

ANTI-AIRCRAFT ACTION BY SURFACE SHIPS

LOCATION OF SHIP: Guadalcanal, Solomon Island   U.S.S. ZEILIN
                  (SOLOMON ISLAND      First Attack     Date Nov. 11, 1942

(a)  REPEL ATTACK FIRST - THEN COLLOECT DATA FOR THIS REPORT!
(b)  DO NOT "GUN DECK" THIS REPORT - IF DATA CANNOT BE ESTIMATED WITH
     REASONABLE ACCURACY ENTER DASH IN SPACE FOR WHICH NO DATA IS 
     AVAILABLE.
(c)  THESE SHEETS ARE TO BE FILLED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACTION IS
     COMPLETED WITH DATA AVAILABLE FROM SHIP'S LOG, MEMORY, AND CONSULTATION
     WITH SHIP'S OFFICERS.  INFORMATION IS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER THAT THE 
     EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR EQUIPMENT CAN BE DETERMINED.  WHERE DATA IS
     DOUBTFUL ACCURACY FILL IN WITH GENERAL TERMS.  THE OBTAINING OF 
     THIS INFORMATION MUST NOT BE ALLOWED IN ANY WAY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT
     THE HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT DURING ACTION.

 1.  SURPRISE ATTACK (yes or no): No

 2.  METHOD PICKING PLANE UP (radar, binoculars, naked eye): Radio and Radar. 
               (If by Radar state type of set)  Radar from ComTaskFor.

 3.  RANGE PLANE WAS PICKED UP (50 miles, 30 miles, 10 miles, less 5
     miles):  - 

 4.  NUMBER OF PLANES: 22 (10 bomber, 12 fighter).

 5.  TYPE OF PLANE (Fighter, scout, dive-bomber): 12F 9DB
                                  TYPE OF ATTACK: Dive Bombing.

 6.  SPEED AND ALTITUDE (high and fast, intermediate and fast, low and fast,
                         high and slow, intermediate and slow, low and slow):
                         Intermediate and fast

 7.  GUNS FIRING: AA & 20mm MG  SIZE: 3"/50, 20mm.
     Method of control: Local  Number: 4-3"50; 8-20mm.
                               Method Spotting: by gun captains

 8.  AMMUNITION EXPENDED: 24 rds 3"/50 cal., 670 20mm.

 9.  PERCENT SERVICE ALLOWANCE EXPENDED:    -   

10.  APPROXIMATE TIME TRACKING TO FIRST SHOT: 2 minutes

11.  APPROXIMATE TIME OF FIRST HITS: 0942

12.  APPROXIMATE TIME FIRST SHOT TO LAST SHOT: 0940-46(6 minutes.

13.  APPROXIMATE POSITION ANGLE OPEN FIRE: 35 degrees

14.  APPROXIMATE POSITION CEASE FIRE: 40 degrees

15.  APPROXIMATE BEARING FIRST SHOT: -

16.  APPROXIMATE BEARING LAST SHOT: -

17.  APPROXIMATE RANGE FIRST SHOT: 2500 yards

18.  APPROXIMATE RANGE LAST SHOT: 1330 yards

19.  APPROXIMATE ALTITUDE OF BOMB RELEASE: 1200 feet  TYPE BOMB: delayed---
                                                                 action.

20.  APPROXIMATE RANGE TORPEDO RELEASE: ----
                       SIZE OF TORPEDO: ----

21.  HITS ON SHIP:  None  WAS SHIP STRAFED: Yes  SIZE GUN: --

22.  NUMBER NEAR BOMB MISSES: none  CASUALTIES FROM NEAR MISSES: MG cal.

23.  PLANES SHOT DOWN: -- Sure:2  POSSIBLE: 1  BAMAGED: 1
     By what size gun: 20mm, 3"/50 cal. AA.

24.  DETAILS OF DAMAGE TO TARGET BY GUNFIRE IF AVAILABLE:  2 planes shot down
     in flames by ships MG fire.  One plane struck by ships 3"/50 AA gun
     (wing on fire).  One plane damaged by MG fire (ripping under wing).

25.  PERFORMANCE OF AMMUNITION (Excellent, good, bad, poor):  Excellent

26.  PATTERN SIZES (Large, small excessive):  Small.

SKETCH

        (a)  INDICATE DIRECTION OF ATTACK RELATIVE SHIP'S HEAD.

        (b)  SHOW RELATIVE POSITION OF SUN.

        (c)  INDICATE OWN MANEUVERS.





U.S.S. ZEILIN

ANTI-AIRCRAFT ACTION BY SURFACE SHIPS

LOCATION OF SHIP: Guadalcanal, Solomon Island   U.S.S. ZEILIN
                                                     Date Nov. 11, 1942

(a)  REPEL ATTACK FIRST - THEN COLLOECT DATA FOR THIS REPORT!
(b)  DO NOT "GUN DECK" THIS REPORT - IF DATA CANNOT BE ESTIMATED WITH
     REASONABLE ACCURACY ENTER DASH IN SPACE FOR WHICH NO DATA IS 
     AVAILABLE.
(c)  THESE SHEETS ARE TO BE FILLED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACTION IS
     COMPLETED WITH DATA AVAILABLE FROM SHIP'S LOG, MEMORY, AND CONSULTATION
     WITH SHIP'S OFFICERS.  INFORMATION IS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER THAT THE 
     EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR EQUIPMENT CAN BE DETERMINED.  WHERE DATA IS
     DOUBTFUL ACCURACY FILL IN WITH GENERAL TERMS.  THE OBTAINING OF 
     THIS INFORMATION MUST NOT BE ALLOWED IN ANY WAY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT
     THE HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT DURING ACTION.

 1.  SURPRISE ATTACK (yes or no): No

 2.  METHOD PICKING PLANE UP (radar, binoculars, naked eye): Radar.
     (If by Radar state type of set)  Radar from ComTaskFor.

 3.  RANGE PLANE WAS PICKED UP (50 miles, 30 miles, 10 miles, less 5
     miles):  - 

 4.  NUMBER OF PLANES: 27.

 5.  TYPE OF PLANE (Fighter, scout, dive-bomber): Mitsubishi Twin-motor
                                  TYPE OF ATTACK: Dive Bombing.

 6.  SPEED AND ALTITUDE (high and fast, intermediate and fast, low and fast,
                         high and slow, intermediate and slow, low and slow):
                         High and fast

 7.  GUNS FIRING: AA   SIZE: 3"/50, 20mm.
     Method of control: Local  Number: 4
                               Method Spotting: open sights

 8.  AMMUNITION EXPENDED: 118 rds. 21-30sec. fuses.

 9.  PERCENT SERVICE ALLOWANCE EXPENDED:    -   

10.  APPROXIMATE TIME TRACKING TO FIRST SHOT: 3-1/2 mins.

11.  APPROXIMATE TIME OF FIRST HITS: No hits

12.  APPROXIMATE TIME FIRST SHOT TO LAST SHOT: 6 minutes.

13.  APPROXIMATE POSITION ANGLE OPEN FIRE: 45°

14.  APPROXIMATE POSITION CEASE FIRE: 45°

15.  APPROXIMATE BEARING FIRST SHOT: 250°

16.  APPROXIMATE BEARING LAST SHOT: 170°
17.  APPROXIMATE RANGE FIRST SHOT: 7,000 yards

18.  APPROXIMATE RANGE LAST SHOT: 7,600 yards

19.  APPROXIMATE ALTITUDE OF BOMB RELEASE: - -  TYPE BOMB: - -

20.  APPROXIMATE RANGE TORPEDO RELEASE: ----
                       SIZE OF TORPEDO: ----

21.  HITS ON SHIP:  None  WAS SHIP STRAFED: No  SIZE GUN: --

22.  NUMBER NEAR BOMB MISSES: none  CASUALTIES FROM NEAR MISSES: None.

23.  PLANES SHOT DOWN: -- Sure: -  POSSIBLE: -  DAMAGED: -
     By what size gun: 20mm, 3"/50 cal. AA.

24.  DETAILS OF DAMAGE TO TARGET BY GUNFIRE IF AVAILABLE:  2 enemy planes
     were observed falling as result of attack by our fighters

25.  PERFORMANCE OF AMMUNITION (Excellent, good, bad, poor):  Excellent

26.  PATTERN SIZES (Large, small excessive):  Large

SKETCH

        (a)  INDICATE DIRECTION OF ATTACK RELATIVE SHIP'S HEAD.

        (b)  SHOW RELATIVE POSITION OF SUN.

        (c)  INDICATE OWN MANEUVERS.

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