Thunder Below!

Thunder Below! presents the World War II combat memoir of USS Barb submarine commander Eugene B. Fluckey, recounting his submarine's patrols in the Pacific Theater. The book draws from patrol reports, crew interviews, and Fluckey's personal recollections to document the Barb's operations against Japanese shipping and military targets. The narrative covers the planning and execution of submarine warfare tactics, life aboard the vessel, and the command decisions that earned Fluckey the Medal of Honor. Technical details about submarine operations and combat strategy are integrated with accounts of the crew's experiences and interactions. The book stands as a detailed chronicle of submarine warfare in World War II, offering insight into leadership under extreme conditions and the human experience of undersea combat. Its themes explore the balance between military duty and moral responsibility, along with the bonds formed between sailors in wartime.

Readers praise the detailed submarine warfare accounts and technical accuracy while appreciating Fluckey's straightforward writing style. Many note the balance between operational details and human elements, with specific stories about individual crew members. Military history fans highlight the documentation of tactics and decision-making processes. Readers point out these strengths: - Uses original patrol reports and crew interviews - Includes maps and diagrams that clarify complex maneuvers - Maintains tension despite known outcomes - Provides cultural context about Japanese military Common criticisms: - Technical jargon can overwhelm non-military readers - Some repetition in mission descriptions - A few readers found the tone self-congratulatory Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.41/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,400+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.35/5 (200+ ratings) One recurring reader comment notes that Fluckey's personal narration makes complex submarine operations accessible to civilian readers while maintaining accuracy appreciated by veterans.

Clear the Bridge! by Richard O'Kane The commanding officer of USS Tang recounts his World War II submarine patrols in the Pacific, detailing surface attacks, depth charge encounters, and rescue missions.

War Below by James M. Scott This account follows three submarines - Silversides, Drum, and Tang - through their Pacific war patrols, chronicling their attacks on Japanese shipping and their crews' experiences.

Submarine Commander by Paul R. Schratz A submarine captain's personal narrative covers his World War II and Cold War experiences, including combat patrols in the Pacific and intelligence operations against the Soviet Union.

Red November by W. Craig Reed This Cold War submarine history reveals classified operations and undersea warfare between U.S. and Soviet submarines from the perspectives of crew members who served.

Steel Boats, Iron Hearts by Hans Goebeler A German U-boat crewman's first-hand account presents the submarine war from the opposing side, documenting life aboard U-505 during World War II Atlantic patrols.

🌊 USS Wahoo's legendary commander "Mush" Morton personally mentored Eugene Fluckey, passing down tactics that Fluckey would later use aboard USS Barb 🎖️ During his command of USS Barb, Fluckey earned four Navy Crosses and the Medal of Honor - making him one of the most decorated submarine commanders in U.S. naval history 🚂 The USS Barb conducted the only ground combat operation on Japanese soil by U.S. forces in WWII, when crew members went ashore to blow up a train 📊 Under Fluckey's command, USS Barb sank the third-highest tonnage of Japanese shipping during WWII, despite joining the Pacific theater relatively late in the war 🔧 Fluckey pioneered innovative submarine tactics, including the first use of rocket launchers aboard submarines to attack shore installations and the development of new methods for shallow-water operations