The USS Swordfish
The World War II Patrols of the First American Submarine to Sink a Japanese Ship
Published on 23. October 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
234 pages
978-1-4766-7774-3 (ISBN)
Description
Among the more than 260 American submarines that patrolled the Pacific during World War II, the USS Swordfish in 1941 was the first to sink a Japanese armed merchant ship, marking the beginning of the submarine's colorful history. A series of seven commanders led Swordfish's 13 war patrols. Each skipper had a distinct leadership style. Some were successful in sinking enemy ships; others returned to port empty-handed. Yet all patrols risked dangerously close encounters with the enemy and the unforgiving nature of the open sea.
Drawing on archival sources and interviews with veteran sailors, this first full-length history of the Swordfish provides detailed accounts of each patrol and covers the mysterious disappearance of the legendary submarine on its final mission.
Drawing on archival sources and interviews with veteran sailors, this first full-length history of the Swordfish provides detailed accounts of each patrol and covers the mysterious disappearance of the legendary submarine on its final mission.
Reviews / Votes
"Strongly researched and written...a well laid out history of the Swordfish...excellent...riveting and entertaining. [Billy's] passion and extensive research definitely served him well. It elevates the overall quality of his work, and I am sure, this background researches why his book resonates so loudly. Anyone who enjoys s good riveting sea tale will get right into the text ....highly recommended"-The Northern Mariner "Meticulous research...extremely readable...Billy attempts to record the war patrols of USS Swordfish and to honor both the submarine and the men who served aboard her...he has definitely succeeded"-Nautical Research Journal "The authenticity and detail obtained by George Billy genuinely captures the reality of undersea warfare in the Pacific by recounting the dangers that marked USS Swordfish's many engagements with Japanese merchants and combatants, while also depicting the spirit of Americans at war. This is an enjoyable read for all."-Naval Historical Foundation "extensively detailed history...highly recommended"-Midwest Book Review.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
29 photos, maps, appendices, glossary, notes, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
390 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4766-7774-3 (9781476677743)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
George J. Billyis retired from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, where he was chief librarian for 30 years. He has published a number of books, papers and articles in the fields of history and library science.
Content
Table of Contents
1.?Chester Smith: The Quiet Hunter
2.?Special Missions
3.?Chester Smith Creates a Legend
4.?Competing with a Legend
5.?Hensel's Finest Hour
6.?New Commander-Old Submarine
7.?The Thirteenth Patrol
Appendix A: USS Appendix B: USS (-SS-193) Crew List of the Thirteenth Patrol
Appendix C: USS -Ships Sunk or Damaged
Appendix D: U.S. Submarines SS 188-193-
Compartments and Tanks
Glossary
Note Abbreviations
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
1.?Chester Smith: The Quiet Hunter
2.?Special Missions
3.?Chester Smith Creates a Legend
4.?Competing with a Legend
5.?Hensel's Finest Hour
6.?New Commander-Old Submarine
7.?The Thirteenth Patrol
Appendix A: USS Appendix B: USS (-SS-193) Crew List of the Thirteenth Patrol
Appendix C: USS -Ships Sunk or Damaged
Appendix D: U.S. Submarines SS 188-193-
Compartments and Tanks
Glossary
Note Abbreviations
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index