U.S.S. Seawolf: Submarine Raider of the Pacific

by Gerold Frank, James D. Horan, J.M. Eckberg

U.S.S. Seawolf: Submarine Raider of the Pacific is the famous first-hand account of the legendary U.S. Navy submarine Seawolf a.k.a. the Wolf which patrolled the Pacific during World War 2 and had over a dozen confirmed enemy sinkings. Shoving off the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, Chief Radioman J. (Joseph) M. (Melvin) Eckberg takes the reader on a tense and dramatic journey during his initial 24-month stint aboard the Seawolf and beyond.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, World War II, Military History, Historical, War

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1946

About the author

Gerold Frank was an American author and ghostwriter. He wrote several celebrity memoirs and was considered a pioneer of the "as told to" form of (auto)biography. His two best-known books,[citation needed] however, are The Boston Strangler (1966), which was adapted as the 1968 movie starring Tony Curtis and Henry Fonda, and An American Death (1972), about the assassination of Martin Luther King.

Reviews

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and enjoyable read. The book is fast-paced and reads like a novel. The book was first published in the 1940's and I assume for security purposes a lot of locations are not mentioned and the book is in the language of the times which I always like. There are some gaps in the time-line and an afterword of what happened to the USS Seawolf and the crew mentioned would have been a nice addition to the 2017 publication I read.

[Carlton Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Read

If you ever have wondered what it is like to live in a submarine, this is a great way to find out.
The Seawolf was a legend of its time. They sank more Japanese warships than any other submarine in the fleet.
The crew would be out of touch with their parents, families, and girlfriends for months at a time.
They would look for ships to sink 24/7. Only coming to the surface at night to get fresh air and charge their batteries. They may have to stay down for days depending on what was above them.
Thanks to all of the contributions by the men that bravely fought for our freedom.
Thank you Mr. Frank, Mr. Titan and Mr. Eckberg, for sharing your story.

[Dwayne Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history of "The Wolf", a WWII American submarine with a distinguished war record.

Captivating, even suspenseful. You feel the humanity of the officers and crew, you feel the hazards and hardships of living in a fragile can hundreds of feet underwater—you feel the life of a submariner.

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the diary of Joseph Eckberg. He takes the reader from the development of the ship to its first cruise which lasted two-and-a-half years. It rivals the fictional tale, “Das Boot”.

The reader is plunged instantly into the sub service as Eckberg describes the loss of the USS Squalus. She was going out on her shake-down cruise and never resurfaced. The loss of all hands weighed heavily on him and his mates. Being a submariner, it was a calculated risk they all took when they went out on patrol.

April 20, 1940 was the day they took her out on the mandatory shake-down cruise. All hands still thought of the loss of the Squalus and hoped they would not join her. From this point on you will spend the next year in some of the most treacherous waters of the South Pacific: Christmas, Island, Lombok Straits, Philippine’s, and Corregidor to name a few. Under the cool and daring command of Captain Warder the boat wracks up an impressive amount of tonnage, sunk or damaged.

The battle scenes and tension on the boat are well described and will have you listening in as Eckberg moves the sounding dial listening for targets to be plunked or pursuers who would wish the same.

On the last patrol they came across the prize every sub commander would love to chalk-up: a big fat jap carrier. Unfortunately, they were out of position and couldn’t match her speed.

Perhaps I was expecting more out this work then was intended. After reading it I looked it up and found out, she had three more captains/crews and was lost at sea in October of 1944.

Five stars

[PJ]

I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a biography of the chief radioman's story, Joseph Eckberg. Complete with submariner shenanigans. Even at wartime, submariners can't help themselves. Haha

[Robert T. Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

During WW2, when I was in radio school, the Navy announced to all hands the need for volunteers to apply for submarine school and training. First step was to pass a physical exam by Navy physicians at the volunteer's duty command. I volunteered, took the physical exam, flunked, and tried again a few days later.; flunked again. Doctor told me that if he saw me again he would kick me out of the Navy.


I never went back to sickbay on that naval training station, but during my WW2 and Korean war Navy service I always admired the "Silent Ser ice."

At age 92 I still admire the sailors and officers of the submarines. This book placed me aboard the Wolf.

Robert T Wray, ex-RM 2/c

[Joshua Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good true story about a WWII submarine and only 1-2 years worth of its adventures. The book is a first-hand account so not fantastically put together but all the more interesting because of it. Also, you have to wonder what was left out due to national security risks. There is a least one anachronism in that the book references the United Nations twice but at the time of publication and more importantly at the time the events were happening the United Nations didn't exist. So I'm not sure what was going on there but I highly recommend this book.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the commissioning of the USS Seawolf, its brief service before WWII and its participation in the first year of the war. I found it particularly interesting in that it is told from a perspective of a crew member who knows really only what his ship was doing in an era of great secrecy. The crew did not seem to understand how bad the war was going for the US, or for example that so many of their attacks were failures due to defective torpedos.

[Kenneth J. Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

American valor revealed

A great story of heroism. WWII was the last war that the USA was involved in as a result of a direct attack against our country. It brought out the true grit of the American people and this is just one of many stories of bravery and heroism, and a darn good one. As ex USAF and never facing enemy fire, it's hard to imagine being under water in a metal tube with depth charges raining upon you. What's more, not a single crew member made a noise under this horrific stress. Good reading for all Americans to better understand the sacrifices that were made for the freedom we enjoy today.

The story begins in 1943 at Groton Connecticut then drops back in time to 1939 prior to the Seawolf's mission into the Pacific. After setting records of Japanese ships sunk or severely damaged, it returns to San Francisco for a much deserved crew rest in 1942. And that's where the story ends. There is a 1 year gap with no dots connected between beginning and end! Would have been interesting to know what happened during that blank year, hence - knocked off one star.

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one in one sitting! All the time, I felt as if I could smell the sweaty stink of bodies enclosed in a tin can for weeks on end, the terror of depth-charging, and the elation of sinking an enemy ship.

This is a barebones, but a very readable point of view story of Chief Radioman of the U.S.S Seawolf, J. M. Eckberg, as told by two well-founded writers. The story they weave together is one that keeps you on the edge of your seat through each patrol. And it ends, just as suddenly, as Chief Eckberg is released from duty in San Fransico during the Seawolf's last overhaul.

The story of the U.S.S Seawolf does not end there, as her next patrol was her last. Unfortunately, this book does tell of the tragic end of the heroic Seawolf by "Friendly Fire". Details of that patrol can be found on Wikipedia and in "Sink 'Em All" by Charles A. Lockwood, the Commander Submarines Asia Fleet under which the Seawolf sailed.

A great telling of one of the most famous submarines in WWII. Worth the read for any WWII Navy buff, submariner or not!

[DanielL · Rating 3 out of 5]

U.S.S. Seawolf: Submarine Raider of the Pacific is the memoir of one man’s experience - chief radioman Joseph Eckberg - as told to two journalists / authors. It’s a pretty straightforward memoir with very little personal drama. Given the small confines of a submarine and the constant tension of being the hunter and the hunted, the book glosses over tensions between shipmate; and personal and psychological conflicts making it seem that there was total harmony on board. SEAWOLF is the kind of war story a father tells his son; sparing his son all the bad things that happened.

[Charles W. Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and informative story of life on a US submarine during the beginning of WWII. Joseph Eckberg is a radioman on the newly finished Seawolf and through his eyes one can see the terror and stress of life on a sea going coffin. This is reflected later on the in book in the "battle fatigue that many sailors experienced during their time on board, today it would be called PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome), and would haunt many servicemen for a long time. Would like to have a little more details about their locations and successes, but that may have been prohibited at the time of being written. Worth time reading and will be reading additional submarine stories in the future.

[Jon Thibodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. If you're into super-technical submarine stories, this isn't for you. It's a great tale of life in the pre-WII to mid-WII US submarine force and the sacrifices those men made. The author does a great job telling about the early parts of the war when submarines were all the US had to fight the Japanese. Unlike most of the books of the era I've read, this one really doesn't come off as the "Oh My, Golly Gee" sort of stilted language you sometimes see in forties era books. This guy doesn't pull any punches and tells it like it was.

[Roland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating account of submarine life during WW2. Story is told from the radio operator's vantage point. Book details how sound is used for submarine navigation and target identification. It also goes into some of the technicalities of how a submarine functions. Specifically a diesel/electric type of the era. There is a lot of quirky and interesting aspects to a submarine crew. From how they function together in such a unique environment to how the nature of their work physically effects them.

Good material presented well.

[Patricia Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Front row seat

The authors put you in the radio/sonar shack aboard the USS Seawolf , one of the most decorated submarines of World War II. The reporter is the chief radio man. He richly conveys the sights, sound, smells, tastes, emotions of a lengthy incredibly dangerous cruise at the beginning of the war. By the end of the book, you will be saddened to think you couldn't meet him. I know I am.

[Ken Grater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Submarine

I enjoyed the book a lot. It was a very interesting look at life on a Navy sub during wartime. The author let you feel the closeness that grew during the year they were out to sea and how it felt to live under water for long periods of time with no sun, cramped quarters and depth charges raining around you. This was in 1945 during WWIi and it makes me curious about what it is like on the nuclear subs today.

[Brady McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

This was one I could not put down. I am a fan of stories about our country's heros, the service people who protect our rights and liberties. Stories of America's advancement in personnel, equipment, and the various means used to protect us and to continually show the world we are united in the cause of freedom. Well written and captivating, I look forward to reading more presentations by these authors.

[Mark Melly]

Wow

I have never read a book that has explained in such detail what submarines went through during WW11. This book explains vividly about life in board, the fears, comraderie, loyalty and absolute dedication to their duty.
I couldn't put it down and if it was a part of a series, I would have downloaded all the books already.
Well written, easily read but it never tells the reader about the subject's Silver Star?

[Kmag54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and edited page turner.

I enjoyed and appreciated the sincerdde emotion of service undersea. I have rednessad most of the accounts and this one is among the best for descriptions of the submariner crew 's highs and lows. I feel humbled by the tragic history of these crews and their unparalleled contribution to our country then and now. If you ever wondered what it must have been like to be down there, this is the account you want to read.

[A.M. Standish · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Bless the crew of the Seawolf, this was an amazing story which was well told and thus making feel like I was actually aboard this incredible submarine. From the first chapter it had me hooked, the story was at a steady pace and always left me wanting more. The narration was pleasant to listen too and helped with immersion of the experience. A great book and one that I highly recommend!

- A.M. Standish

[Mark Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best and most patriotic ww2 book!

This book should be required reading for every hischooler, especially in this time where American patriotism gets questioned by liberal ideals. A pleasure to read, a great tribute to our submarine action in that period. The seawolf escaped the fate that destroyed so many brave crews. Glad I read it.

[David L. Haven, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that deserves to be heard and remembered. The Seawolf was a renown submarine from World War II. Her crew was legendary and this story seeks no hype, only the story of a radio operator on a twenty-five month cruise in the Pacific. We dare not forget the bravery, the exploits of this expedition.

[jim mofford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read beck of a story

Very detailed extremely well written.
I am sick of so many books written by generals who sat their behinds in a command post or an HQ and
Then they get the credit,glory and medals for the efforts of the crew. This one to a degree does the same thing but the CO was with the enlisted In
just as much danger as they were. A very enjoyable book

[Peter Mcdevitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Submarines are different, so are the guys who serve/served on them

As a sub vet, I am moved by this book and the story of The USS Seawolf. I served with a Doug Syverson, I wonder if he was the Syverson on board the Wolf? My first boat was a diesel and I still miss it. This book brought me back

[Ed Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly Written

The story of the Seawolf as seen through Radioman J.M. Eckberg is nothing short of brilliant. Taking us through the first several combat cruises of the much decorated submarine, you could see and smell the experience. The sub, lost during the war, was one of a half-dozen highly decorated submarines in the Pacific theater. A great read.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swift moving story from the Seawolf's sonar and radio petty officer capture the fast pace of the first year of WW2 in the Pacific. Crews faced danger every day and night and the reader will find the number of torpedo duds or misses so frustrating given the risk. Food running out, air stagnant, batteries drained to zero ... yet the Captain and crew never faltered. Good not complicated read.

[Mary Lee Sprague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and realistic submarine adventure

If you ever wanted to know what it was like to serve on a submarine in WWII, this book is for you. There are enough details of submarine operations for realism, but not so many that someone unfamiliar with submarines would feel lost. The human emotional elements are powerful.

[gilbert w boxa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

This is one of the best Navel war time books I have read. I would start reading and it was hard to put down.
The danger that they faced and the almost impossible duties they faced not still came out of it successfully.
It takes great knowledge and courage to undertake the battles they encountered.

[John Monaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great firsthand account of one on the Navy's subs and the professional crew

The story of the Seawolf's wartime patrol, as told by one of the crew is one hell of a read. The details of day to day life on the sun as she patrolled the waters of the eastern Pacific have me the opportunity to feel the pressures and the stress these men experienced.

[Gerardo Leyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping story worth react.

A gripping war story, told to make you feel you were there, with the crew during their attacks and when they were being attacked. Saw them having a beer, or rereading their letters from home for the hundredth time, and I was there when they came home safely!!