Under Pressure: The Final Voyage of Submarine S-Five

by A.J. Hill

Follows the dramatic 1920 struggle by Lieutenant Commander Charles M. Cooke, Jr., and the crew of the Navy sub S-Five to escape their sinking submarine and attract the attention of a rescue ship before they all drowned. 40,000 first printing.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Vic Lauterbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shipwrecks generally make fascinating stories, partly because most have tragic elements, but this near tragedy makes a great story. Mr. Hill keeps the pace brisk even though he weaves background material into the narrative of the S-Five's last, ill-fated cruise. The tension and drama of the crew's ordeal build steadily, so even if you know the outcome, as I did from reading a Sea Classics article, you'll find this book hard to put down. It's fairly short, so you can read it in one sitting if you so desire. I highly recommend it to those interested in the development of submarines, U.S. naval history, or adventure stories about men trapped in a seemingly hopeless situation.

[Stephanie Ravenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly captivating read. Technical at times, but I know a bit about this stuff and was able to follow along. The depth of research was highly impressive, and it was written in a compelling way where you cared about the crew. Their courage, the drama, the solutions and the amazing rescue is mind-blowing. It really makes you think how good most of us have it in life to never go through a trauma like this. People were pretty damn tough in the old days!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting story about the loss of an early 20th century US submarine. The author wrote it in a non-clinical way that engages the reader. You really care for the individuals and what they underwent.

[Hot Chocolate Confessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. The story was well written and didn’t overwhelm you with boring historical information. Rather you get an inside look at the near disaster in such a way that’s keeps you on the edge of your. Highly recommend!

[Helen Ahern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent retelling of the horrendous conditions aboard the US Navy submarine the S-FIVE and the miraculous rescue of the crew after their sinking.

[Rick Wittkopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of determination and will. A.J. Hill mixed facts and story telling well in this book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

With my love and obsession for submarines...this book was so powerful. Found that I read it with a constricted chest. What these sailors went through while that submarine was vertically trapped at the bottom of the ocean was harrowing.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow- this was a fantastic read.

[Junemarie Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drama of "Das Boot," the suspense of "Hunt for Red October" and it's a true story.

[Ronnie Bock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

[Dave AuthorPA]

An amazing story of the human spirit to survive!