Remaining off western Luzon, "Guitarro" and her wolf pack next encountered heavy cruiser "Kumano" in convoy. Damaged in the Battle off Samar, the cruiser had repaired at Manila and was en route to Japan when the submarines struck. "Guitarro" fired nine torpedoes and gained three hits, but failed to sink the cruiser. Pounded by torpedoes from the other boats, "Kumano" was finally stopped, towed ashore by one of her sisters, and eventually finished off by carrier aircraft 25 November 1944. "Guitarro", meanwhile, had returned to Fremantle 16 November. For her outstanding performance on her first three patrols, the submarine was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation.