Thunder Below!: The USS *Barb* Revolutionizes Submarine Warfare in World War II

Bought this book for my husband, a retired Navy submariner of 20 years, both in diesel and nuclear subs. He couldn't put the book down, and read the entire volume in just 2 days, and loved it. Reminded him of some of his experiences and stories he heard first hand from sailors on a couple of boats mentioned. Accurate, informative, sometimes funny (at least to a sailor), it was a good read he thoroughly enjoyed cover to cover.

Eugene “Lucky” Fluckey’s “Thunder Below: The USS Barb Revolutionizes Submarine Warfare in World War II” is the rousing, real-life tale of the last five combat patrols by the USS Barb in World War II.Unlike most similar books, this one reads like a novel and relies heavily on dialogue to tell the story. Fluckey relied on the official log, reports, messages, letters, oral histories made during the war, and even an “illegal diary” that was kept by a crewman. He also researched Japanese archives to find the Japanese reports for their perspective of some of the events. Even though it was written over 40 years after the events depicted, one crewman who read the manuscript told Fluckey, “You must have had a tape recorder.” [pg. ix]This method helps bring life to some exciting and fascinating war patrols. Fluckey was a “fighting captain” in the best tradition and worked long and hard to press his attacks. The highlights of his patrols include a surfaced attack in shallow water on the Chinese coast against a Japanese convoy (for which he won the Medal of Honor), the first ever rocket attacks from a submarine, and a landing party that blew up a Japanese train (the only Americans to land on Japanese soil during WWII).If I had to criticize one aspect of the book, it’s the sterile, sanitized view of the war he gives. Fluckey glosses over the real fear and terror they must have felt when depth-charged, and he never acknowledges the death and destruction he and his crew caused.This book is an incredible account of incredible actions, full of good maps and great anecdotes. And the discerning reader can learn some strong leadership lessons from Fluckey. The stories he tells read more like fiction than real-life accounts – it’s hard to believe they actually happened.

this sub was a commanders dream in WWII. they used every bit of weaponry to hurt the enemy. good read.

I give this book four stars because it is a very interesting, first-hand view of life inside a submarine in the Pacific theater of WWII. I also give it four stars out of respect for the author and in appreciation for his service to and sacrifice for the United States and her Allies during WWII. All freedom-loving people throughout the world owe him and others like him a debt of gratitude which will never be repaid.Regarding the book itself: I must forewarn potential readers that it is very obvious that this book was NOT written by a professional writer, nor was it edited by a professional editor. The writing style deserves only one star. It is choppy and sometimes jumps from scene to scene, leaving me somewhat confused. But please don't let the clunky writing discourage you from reading it. Take it for what it is: a real war story written by a real man, in his own words, and in his own voice.

Excellent read about one of the most successful submarines in WWII. Takes you into the sub with the crew and what they faced on a daily basis.

The book was well written. Although it is mainly the author's memoirs, it is written in many case in presencetense, which make you feel you are in the boat.

I am SO embarrassed that-being an American and something of a WWII historian, AND being fairly knowledgeable about GERMAN submarines/submariners/campaigns-I had never heard of the USS Barb! This is excusable. Thanks to The Fat Electrician on YouTube however, I became aware and ordered this book the same week I watched his video (bonus tip-go THIS MINUTE and watch his scholarly expose on YouTube for a quick summary of the Barb's WWII exploits under Captain Eugene Fluckey!)The book is huge (one of the first in my collection I'd grab if I had to hit someone with a book) and starts pretty much from the start in the action. It is written in first person since it's written by the sub's captain (later Admiral) Eugene Fluckey. I personally find first person writing easier to read and comprehend and usually prefer it. This one emphasizes first person SPEECH without much elaboration which is somewhat different but easy enough to immerse in; most paragraphs in fact are quotations of conversations. There is still enough descriptive detail to "see the drama as it unfolds".We KNOW he's the Captain and in charge but he never harps on this or excessively "beats his own chest" but on almost every page is giving accolades and showing respect for the devoted work of the CREW, by NAME. THAT is a leader!I relate to Captain Fluckeys leadership style and see some of myself (I'm semi-retired law enforcement officer-previously a patrol supervisor for night shift in a medium sized sheriff's office). He pulled in as much knowledge of his job and the way others done it (to learn better ways to do his job and ways NOT to do it, from other's mistakes) as he could-one section mentioned he read old submarine patrol logs in his off time. He was not afraid to take risks-sometimes an aggressive pro-active response is SAFER and more effective than a "let's wait and see" approach (to wit-the old adage that "a-good-plan-today-is-better-than-a-perfect-plan-tomorrow"). However, in spite of risks he was constantly cognizant of the safety of his crew, within reason, and within the bounds of they were still a front line SUBPAC boat in "hot spots" of the conflict. As evidenced in the book (and highlighted in the Barb story by the Fat Electrician) no sailor on his boat was seriously injured or killed from combat operations in all of Fluckey's patrols. At the end of the conflict, he proved that these two goals (success in battle and safety of his crew) were NOT mutually exclusive!To paraphrase the Fat Electician, when hunting the USS Barb, all the IJN was doing was playing the worlds most deadly game of "Fluck around and find out!"This book and in fact ADM Fluckey's entire career should be a model for leadership in military circles, and even wider possibly.Get this book and learn about the most successful US submarine of WWII and the only one that sank a train!

Well written, generous in giving credit, interesting in the innovative ways Barb took the war to Japan. The account is carefully supported by acknowledged facts.

Loved this book. I received the book on a Monday and by the time that Friday had rolled around I had powered through it. I couldn't put it down. Adm Fluckey is an absolutely amazing writer. The best part.. It's history, not fiction. Everything he wrote in his book is backed up with facts and primary documentation. It reads like a Thriller that you just can not put down.

After the first few chapters, book quickly become repetitive unfortunately.

Excellent read, very enjoyable. Lots of information, but written in a way that's entertaining.

The writer is the Captain of the USS Barb, Gene Fluckey, The USS Barb was one of the most effective and good-humored subs in the Navy during WW2. It's the only sub ever to have sunk a train. A must-read for WW2 buffs, and very useful as a research book. If you're a sub person, you'll be right at home.

I am an avid reader on history and WW2. This is one of the top 10 books I have ever read on the second world war. The exploits of the USS Barb are truly one of a kind and proof that fact is much more fascinating than fiction.