Submarine Commander

Submarine Commander chronicles Paul R. Schratz's experiences as a U.S. Navy submarine officer during World War II and the Cold War. The memoir follows his career from his early days at the Naval Academy through his command of multiple submarines during critical military operations. Based on personal diaries and records, Schratz recounts submarine warfare in the Pacific Theater during WWII and subsequent Cold War missions. His narrative provides technical details about submarine operations and life aboard these vessels while participating in combat patrols and intelligence-gathering missions. The book includes accounts of encounters with both Japanese and Soviet forces, describing strategies, near-misses, and successful operations. Schratz documents the evolution of submarine warfare technology and tactics across two distinct eras of naval history. The memoir stands as both a historical record and a study of leadership under extreme conditions, revealing the psychological and physical demands of commanding a submarine in peace and war. Through Schratz's perspective, readers gain insight into the development of U.S. naval power during a transformative period in military history.

Readers praise Schratz's detailed firsthand accounts of submarine warfare in WWII and his candid descriptions of both successes and failures. Multiple reviews highlight his balanced perspective and willingness to acknowledge mistakes made during missions. Readers appreciate: - Technical details explained in accessible language - Honest portrayal of leadership challenges - Mix of combat action and human elements - Clear writing style without excessive military jargon Common criticisms: - Some sections on training/preparation drag - Early chapters move slowly before combat begins - Maps could be more detailed Review Scores: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (171 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (96 ratings) "One of the most honest accounts of submarine command I've read" - Goodreads reviewer "Great balance of technical detail and storytelling" - Amazon reviewer "Sometimes gets bogged down in minor details" - LibraryThing reviewer Professional naval reviewers cite its accuracy and authenticity compared to other submarine memoirs.

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🌊 Paul R. Schratz commanded three different submarines during World War II and the Korean War - USS Scorpion, USS Sterlet, and USS Pickerel 📖 The book details the author's experience of being depth-charged 26 times in a single day while commanding USS Scorpion in Japanese waters 🎖️ Schratz earned multiple decorations including the Navy Cross, four Silver Stars, and the Legion of Merit during his naval career 🚢 The memoir provides unique insights into the transition period when submarines evolved from diesel-electric to nuclear power in the U.S. Navy 🗺️ Schratz later served as the first U.S. naval attaché to Cambodia in 1950, giving him a distinctive perspective on both underwater warfare and diplomatic relations in Southeast Asia