I know many of us have read and continue to read books about submarines etc ranging from the great books by Skippers like O Kane and Fluckey to U boat books etc.I have a couple favorite stories, figured I would post one and start this thread.Hopefully everyone else will join in
The follow is from the book "Maru Killer" by Dave Bauslog.Maru Killer details the service of the Balao class USS Seahorse during World War II.The Seahorse's famous second skipper Slade D. Cutter turned the sub over to Captain Charles Wilkins after four patrols in command, for one patrol, then Commander Harry H. Greer took over.The rest is told as quoted from the book by crewmember Robert Holmes.
"We were on leave at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.One evening my buddy wanted to go back to the sub to get something, so I went with him.There was always some animosity between the regular and relief crews.We went on the boat and retrieved the item.My buddy started up the ladder in the after torpedo room ahead of me, but at the same time another guy was starting down the ladder.My buddy said, 'I'm regular crew on this **** barge, get out of my way.' 'I'm Captain of this **** barge, you get out of my way.' My buddy was down in a flash.
Although I was not the one who made the comment, I was very embarassed.I wanted the deck to open up and swallow me.As it turned out, Captain Greer came down the ladder and was greeted in the kindest and most apologetic manner possible by my buddy.The Captain was good natured about it.He just laughed and went on his way."
One of my favorites
