Submarine Diary: The Silent Stalking of Japan

by Corwin Mendenhall USN (Ret.)

A vividly detailed account of life aboard U.S. submarines in the Pacific during World War II.

Genres: History, World War II, Military Fiction, Military History, Biography

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[John Danek · Rating 4 out of 5]

My decades-long interest in submarines began even before my time as a civilian (low-level) scientist in support of the nuclear navy. Industrial warfare (WWII) will likely/hopefully never be repeated. Those were fascinating times with tens of millions of people directly involved in the struggle. While the United States fielded close to 300 diesel-electric submarines which strangulated the wartime economy of Japan and hastened the close of the war in the Pacific, often lost in the narrative is that 52 submarines and 4000 men did not return.

The personal account of a naval officer’s odyssey through nine Pacific war patrols is related in this book. It is for the serious student of mechanized military warfare, and provides some technical insight and well as daily life activity on-board ship/boat, told around an individual’s personal, professional and geographic journey in that conflict.


This book is not aimed at the casual reader. It is best suited to one with first-hand knowledge of submarines and the workings of the US Navy. Having been aboard several, both dockside and in dry dock, makes the understanding of conditions and placement of equipment and general boat layout far more meaningful to the story

Mark this one a Good Read.

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Mendenhall's "Submarine Diary"

Excellent, though not for everyone. I loved that Mendenhall's career spans the war and in doing so gives us an incredible rare glimpse of the first frantic weeks, as well as the end game where American submarines were seeing nothing but other American submarines.

That said, this is a diary, with daily entries, few of which are action packed. Thus it's not for everyone, not even for every student of submarine warfare.

I also found that when action does occur, it's rarely treated with more than a few sentences. This is not the book for one interested in cinematic narratives.

In the end, it's an inciteful look at life onboard an American submarine though out the war in the Pacific.

[Tim France · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable and detailed account of submarine operations in the Pacific during World War II. Very readable and provided a true to life description of the life of submariners in trying and perilous circumstances. Admiral Mendenhall captured the hardships and courage of those brave heroes.

[Robert A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good inside look at life on a submarine. Basically hot, smelly, and a bit claustrophobic. Amazing how slow the submarines moved underwater, 3 knots. I’m surprised that they weren’t all sunk

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed it. It has Inspired me to read some others like it. This is an account of a young officer going working up to command his own ship.