War Fish

War Fish recounts George Grider's experiences as a U.S. Navy submarine commander during World War II in the Pacific theater. The memoir details his command of the USS Flasher during multiple combat patrols against Japanese forces. The narrative follows chronological order through Grider's wartime service, from his early submarine training through his rise to command. His accounts cover daily life aboard the submarine, tactical decisions during combat encounters, and the challenges of leading men in the confined underwater environment. The book incorporates official military records and logs alongside Grider's personal recollections, creating a complete picture of submarine warfare in the Pacific. Technical details about submarine operations and naval strategy are explained in clear terms for general readers. This memoir stands as both a historical document of naval warfare and an examination of leadership under extreme pressure. The text raises questions about duty, sacrifice, and the human experience of war while maintaining focus on factual events.

Readers highlight this WWII submarine memoir's detailed accounts of Pacific theater operations and Grider's personal experiences as a submarine commander. The book focuses on naval strategy, crew dynamics, and specific patrol missions. Readers appreciated: - Technical accuracy and tactical insights - Balanced mix of action and human interest stories - Clear writing style that makes naval terminology accessible - First-hand descriptions of submarine warfare Main criticisms: - Some passages get too technical for casual readers - Limited coverage of certain time periods Online ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (31 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (21 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Grider captures both the intensity of combat and quieter moments of submarine life" - Amazon review "One of the more authentic WWII submarine accounts, written by someone who lived it" - Goodreads review "Worth reading for his unique perspective on Pearl Harbor" - Military History forum post

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🚢 George Grider commanded three different submarines during World War II and survived multiple depth charge attacks while serving in the Pacific Theater. 📖 The book's title "War Fish" refers to both the submarines themselves and their crews, who operated like predatory fish hunting Japanese vessels in enemy waters. 🎖️ After his submarine warfare experiences, Grider went on to serve as a U.S. Representative from Tennessee (1965-1967) and brought his military expertise to Congress. ✍️ Co-author Lydel Sims was a well-known Memphis newspaper columnist who helped shape Grider's wartime memories into a compelling narrative that became a cornerstone of submarine warfare literature. 🌊 The book provides firsthand accounts of the U.S. submarine service's critical role in disrupting Japanese shipping, which ultimately destroyed roughly 55% of Japan's merchant fleet during WWII.