The Silent Service in World War II

The Story of the U.S. Navy Submarine Force in the Words of the Men Who Lived It

By: Edward Monroe-Jones - Editor, Michael Green - Editor

Narrated by: Tom Perkins, Jo Anna Perrin

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the US Navy had a total of 111 submarines. However, this fleet was not nearly as impressive as the number suggests. It was mostly a collection of aging boats from the late teens and early twenties, with only a few of the newer, more modern Gato-class boats. Fortunately, with the war in Europe was already two years old and friction with Japan ever increasing, help from what would become known as the Silent Service in the Pacific was on the way: there were 73 of the new fleet submarines under construction. 

The Silent Service in World War II tells the story of America's intrepid underwater warriors in the words of the men who lived the war in the Pacific against Japan. The enemy had already begun to deploy advanced boats, but the U.S. was soon able to match them. By 1943, the new Gato-class boats were making a difference, carrying the war not just to the Japanese Imperial Navy but to the vital merchant fleet that carried the vast array of materiel needed to keep the land of the Rising Sun afloat.

As the war progressed, American success in the Solomons, starting with Guadalcanal, began to constrict the Japanese sea lanes, and operating singly or in wolfpacks, they were able to press their attacks on convoys operating beyond the range of our airpower, making daring forays even into the home waters of Japan itself in the quest for ever more elusive targets. Also taking on Japanese warships, as well as rescuing downed airmen (such as the grateful first President Bush), US submarines made an enormous contribution to our war against Japan.

©2012 Edward Monroe-Jones and Michael Green (P)2018 Tantor

Nice coverage of the smaller events of WWII.

Best when covering the experience that enlisted had during their service. Wish each chapter intro did not spoil the surprises of the story.

hard to put down

a well read collection of short stories detailing submarine war patrols. Some ended in victory, some interred in brutal POW camps, and some just ended.

The factual stories

Choice of stories made me want to hear more. I recognized several of them easily

For the real story by real people (not historians)

Very informative! This is 49 short stories written by the men who actually served. Much better than a "lecture" by people who have only researched these things.

Great short stories.

Made me feel happy and sad at the same time. Thank the men and lady for sharing.