Best WWII Pacific and Atlantic submarine biography?

[CaptianT]

What's the best biography that you have read that is based on a submarine captains own ww2 naval experience? If you would only be able to recommend one book for each theatre, which one would it be?

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards.

[Kapt Z]

For Battle of Atlantic-

U-boat Commander, by Peter 'Ali' Cremer

Fast paced and exciting. Everything from the 'Happy Times' to the desperate days at the end of the war.

For the Pacific Campaign-

Thunder Below, Eugene Fluckey

Covers the patrols of BARB when Fluckey was in command and the exploits that gained him the Congressional Medal of Honor. If they ever made a 'Das Boot' for US submarines, I would suggest this book as the basis. Wow.

[CaptianT]

Thanks for the book recommendations! As a fairly new sub captain, I am trying to start reading up on the persoanal experiences of sub captains in both theatres. I'm off to the bookstore to order my first two books on this topic.

Best regards.

[Kapt Z]

Just don't stop at two! There are literally dozens of excellent books on the topic for you to enjoy!

[ekempey]

Pacific:
"Clear the Bridge! - The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang" by Richard O'Kane
http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Bridge-Patrols-U-S-S-Tang/dp/0891415734

and a good companion book:
"Escape from the Deep" by Alex Kershaw
http://www.amazon.com/Escape-Deep-Legendary-Submarine-Courageous/dp/B001E96KK0/ref=pd_sim_b_3

Atlantic
"Operation Drumbeat" by Michael Gannon
http://www.amazon.com/Operation-Drumbeat-Dramatic-Germanys-American/dp/1591143020/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238613935&sr=1-2

[mookiemookie]

Steel Boats, Iron Hearts for the Atlantic. Not written by a captain, but an ordinary seaman on the U-505.

And seconded on the Thunder Below recommendation.

[AVGWarhawk]

Just don't stop at two! There are literally dozens of excellent books on the topic for you to enjoy!

Not to worry. The bug will bit'em. Point towards SS Amazon to order books offline. I do!:D

[CaptianT]

Thanks guys for the additional suggestions! I am making a list of these, and will plan to add on to my meager collection as funds permit.

[AVGWarhawk]

What I do is sign in to Amazon through Subsim. I click categories, BOOK and type in submarine. You will find numberous books on the subject. Amazon is the only place I shop for books.

[mookiemookie]

Amazon is the only place I shop for books.

Seconded. And I almost always buy the used ones. I've never had a problem with any of my orders, and the books are always in great condition.

[AVGWarhawk]

The thing with Amazon is you find at least 25-30 books on the subject were the local book store might have 2-3. So, if you use the book store you are missing out on other great books on uboats or submarines. When I found the books on Amazon and what was available I was estatic! I usually get the used books also. One used book I have (forget the title) is signed by the author. So, that was a nice little extra for my purchase.

[CaptianT]

Thanks guys for the tip on buying on Amazon. I've never done this, but will give it a try on future purchases.

[nikimcbee]

I just finished "U-Boat War Patrol; diary of U-564". Awesome book! It has some great surface attack stories.


"Take Her Deep" By Gallatin, the Cmdr of the Halibut:salute:

[nikimcbee]

All of the above books are good, so you have the pick of the litter.:salute:

[CaptianT]

Thanks nikimcbee for your book recommendations.

[Schöneboom]

You might also enjoy "Teddy Suhren, Ace of Aces: Memoirs of a U-Boat Rebel".

[kiwi_2005]

The Golden Horseshoe by Terence Robertson, about the U boat Ace Otto Kretschmer.

U boat Far From Home by David Stevens, the epic voyage of U 862 to Australia & New Zealand.

Unbroken, by Alastair Mars - British Submarine 'Unbroken' that operated in the Mediterranean. The sonar guy on board was that good that when submerged he could pick up ships without listening gear way before the crew knew about it.

Hirschfeld The secret diary of a U-boat. Biography of Wolfgang Hirschfeld

[CaptianT]

Thanks as well Schoneboom and kiwi2005 for your recommendations.