The USS Swordfish: The World War II Patrols of the First American Submarine to Sink a Japanese Ship

by George J. Billy

Overview

Among the more than 260 American submarines that patrolled the Pacific during World War II, the USS Swordfish in 1941 was the first to sink a Japanese armed merchant ship, marking the beginning of the submarine's colorful history. A series of seven commanders led Swordfish's 13 war patrols. Each skipper had a distinct leadership style. Some were successful in sinking enemy ships; others returned to port empty-handed. Yet all patrols risked dangerously close encounters with the enemy and the unforgiving nature of the open sea.

Drawing on archival sources and interviews with veteran sailors, this first full-length history of the Swordfish provides detailed accounts of each patrol and covers the mysterious disappearance of the legendary submarine on its final mission.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476636788
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	01/17/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	234
File size:	9 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

George J. Billyis retired from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, where he was chief librarian for 30 years. He has published a number of books, papers and articles in the fields of history and library science.
George J. Billyis retired from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, where he was chief librarian for 30 years. He has published a number of books, papers and articles in the fields of history and library science.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
1. Chester Smith: The Quiet Hunter
2. Special Missions
3. Chester Smith Creates a Legend
4. Competing with a Legend
5. Hensel’s Finest Hour
6. New Commander—Old Submarine
7. The Thirteenth Patrol
Appendix A: USS Appendix B: USS (­SS-193) Crew List of the Thirteenth Patrol
Appendix C: USS —Ships Sunk or Damaged
Appendix D: U.S. Submarines SS 188–193—
Compartments and Tanks
Glossary
Note Abbreviations
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Strongly researched and written...a well laid out history of the Swordfish...excellent...riveting and entertaining. [Billy’s] passion and extensive research definitely served him well. It elevates the overall quality of his work, and I am sure, this background researches why his book resonates so loudly. Anyone who enjoys s good riveting sea tale will get right into the text ....highly recommended”—The Northern Mariner

From the Publisher