Thunder Below!: The USS *Barb* Revolutionizes Submarine Warfare in World War II

It is told as a narrative. It is clear, filled with facts. It is one of the best autobiographies about that time period I've ever read.

I am SO embarrassed that-being an American and something of a WWII historian, AND being fairly knowledgeable about GERMAN submarines/submariners/campaigns-I had never heard of the USS Barb! This is excusable. Thanks to The Fat Electrician on YouTube however, I became aware and ordered this book the same week I watched his video (bonus tip-go THIS MINUTE and watch his scholarly expose on YouTube for a quick summary of the Barb's WWII exploits under Captain Eugene Fluckey!) The book is huge (one of the first in my collection I'd grab if I had to hit someone with a book) and starts pretty much from the start in the action. It is written in first person since it's written by the sub's captain (later Admiral) Eugene Fluckey. I personally find first person writing easier to read and comprehend and usually prefer it. This one emphasizes first person SPEECH without much elaboration which is somewhat different but easy enough to immerse in; most paragraphs in fact are quotations of conversations. There is still enough descriptive detail to "see the drama as it unfolds". We KNOW he's the Captain and in charge but he never harps on this or excessively "beats his own chest" but on almost every page is giving accolades and showing respect for the devoted work of the CREW, by NAME. THAT is a leader! I relate to Captain Fluckeys leadership style and see some of myself (I'm semi-retired law enforcement officer-previously a patrol supervisor for night shift in a medium sized sheriff's office). He pulled in as much knowledge of his job and the way others done it (to learn better ways to do his job and ways NOT to do it, from other's mistakes) as he could-one section mentioned he read old submarine patrol logs in his off time. He was not afraid to take risks-sometimes an aggressive pro-active response is SAFER and more effective than a "let's wait and see" approach (to wit-the old adage that "a-good-plan-today-is-better-than-a-perfect-plan-tomorrow"). However, in spite of risks he was constantly cognizant of the safety of his crew, within reason, and within the bounds of they were still a front line SUBPAC boat in "hot spots" of the conflict. As evidenced in the book (and highlighted in the Barb story by the Fat Electrician) no sailor on his boat was seriously injured or killed from combat operations in all of Fluckey's patrols. At the end of the conflict, he proved that these two goals (success in battle and safety of his crew) were NOT mutually exclusive! To paraphrase the Fat Electician, when hunting the USS Barb, all the IJN was doing was playing the worlds most deadly game of "Fluck around and find out!" This book and in fact ADM Fluckey's entire career should be a model for leadership in military circles, and even wider possibly. Get this book and learn about the most successful US submarine of WWII and the only one that sank a train!

Most enjoyable action book I’ve read in many years. It made me feel I was there with the crew. Could hardly put it down to sleep at night!

Written by Medal of Honor winner Eugene Fluckey, this book describes the activities of the USS Barb (SS-220) during her eighth through twelfth war patrols during World War 2. Commander Fluckey has used his recollections as the Barb’s commander during this period as well as official US Navy reports, recollections of the Barb crew, and even Japanese naval and government records to document the activities of the Barb. This is no dry documentary or history book but reads at times like a novel due to the amazing adventures of the Barb and her crew. Fluckey took a new approach to commanding a submarine, spending more time above water than submerged so that his boat could be a more effective hunter. The result; the Barb is officially credited with sinking 17 enemy vessels, including a Japanese aircraft carrier. In her last war patrol Fluckey experimented with using rocket launchers to bombard factories and shipyards along the Japanese coast. On the same patrol, the Barb landed a force of crew members who blew up a railroad train and returned to the ship. This was the ONLY time the US launched a ground combat operation that took place on the Japanese home islands. Those who know me well know that I love C. S. Forester’s Hornblower series. What Horatio Hornblower was to the British age of sail, Eugene Fluckey is to the US Submarine Force of World War 2. The only difference; Fluckey and his crew actually lived.

I was most amazed at the 30 year old Captain and 23 average years of age for the crew. Incredible bravery and patriotism shown may not be possible with a majority of our young people today. I was very proud to read your story. Thank you and your crew for their service to our country. War is hell and a waste of human life and property. However, your mission was clear and you served honorably. Captain (lucky) Fluckey, congratulations and my most Sincere gratitude. Nd

A great read of derring do of a factual sea tale in the Pacific theater of WW two. It’s a thriller better than the “Run Silent, Run Deep” movie. Well narrated it’s a must read for the submariners of fact and of heart.

One of the accounts of submarine warfare during WWII. The evolution of submarine tactics and weapons deployment was fast and furious

This true story written by the person who lived it, is full of highs but very few lows. It is a page turner you will not want to put down and will be sad when it ends.

After the first few chapters, book quickly become repetitive unfortunately.

Loved this book. I received the book on a Monday and by the time that Friday had rolled around I had powered through it. I couldn't put it down. Adm Fluckey is an absolutely amazing writer. The best part.. It's history, not fiction. Everything he wrote in his book is backed up with facts and primary documentation. It reads like a Thriller that you just can not put down.

The writer is the Captain of the USS Barb, Gene Fluckey, The USS Barb was one of the most effective and good-humored subs in the Navy during WW2. It's the only sub ever to have sunk a train. A must-read for WW2 buffs, and very useful as a research book. If you're a sub person, you'll be right at home.

Excellent read, very enjoyable. Lots of information, but written in a way that's entertaining.

What a 'damn fine book about a great WW2 US submarine skipper and crew. Very well written by the Skipper himself.