What do you think?
Rate this book
Clear the Bridge!: The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang
The story of Tang and her gallant crew ranks with the most amazing of naval history. Whether rescuing Navy fliers off Truk or stalking enemy convoys off Japan, Tang carried the war to the enemy with unparalleled ferocity. Tang ’s skipper on all five of her war patrols, Rear Admiral Richard H. O’Kane is acknowledged as the top submarine skipper of World War II. His personal decorations include three Navy Crosses and the Congressional Medal of Honor. He retired as a rear admiral from his command of the Submarine School, rounding out twenty years with the boats. He also wrote the classic The Patrols of America’s Most Famous WWII Submarine.
Praise for Clear the Bridge!
“There is no doubt that Tang was the best. . . . Most of the rest of us wondered what it was she had that the others didn’t. And here it is, in this extraordinary ‘tell it as it really happened’ book, written by the most daring, most professional submarine skipper of the war.” —Capt. Edward Beach, author of Run Silent, Run Deep
“A classic of naval literature. . . . A stirring tribute, not only to [Richard O’Kane’s] gallant crew, but to all World War II submariners.” —Michael D. Hull, Military Magazine
“Reading of [ Tang’ s] career and of the men aboard her is one of the great reading experiences of my life.” —Broox Sledge, The Book World
Praise for Clear the Bridge!
“There is no doubt that Tang was the best. . . . Most of the rest of us wondered what it was she had that the others didn’t. And here it is, in this extraordinary ‘tell it as it really happened’ book, written by the most daring, most professional submarine skipper of the war.” —Capt. Edward Beach, author of Run Silent, Run Deep
“A classic of naval literature. . . . A stirring tribute, not only to [Richard O’Kane’s] gallant crew, but to all World War II submariners.” —Michael D. Hull, Military Magazine
“Reading of [ Tang’ s] career and of the men aboard her is one of the great reading experiences of my life.” —Broox Sledge, The Book World
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
126 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
About the author
Richard H. O'Kane
5 books7 followersRear Admiral Richard Hetherington “Dick” O'Kane was a United States Navy submarine commander in World War II, who received a Medal of Honor for his service on the Tang.
He also served on the Wahoo, as executive officer and approach officer. He participated in more successful attacks on Japanese shipping than any other submarine officer during the war.
He also served on the Wahoo, as executive officer and approach officer. He participated in more successful attacks on Japanese shipping than any other submarine officer during the war.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 10, 2015
People come up to me all the time and ask, "M'Lord, why do you read books about WWII submarine warfare written by people who commanded submarines during WWII?" My response is that I read such books because there's nothing in the fiction genre (excepting perhaps The Hunt for Red October or Run Silent, Run Deep) that packs a wallop equal to the exploits of extraordinary people living in extraordinary times and doing extraordinary things. Submarine warfare and those who were involved in its execution are extraordinary in every sense of the word. This is why in a slap fight between History and Fiction, History wins with me every time (the fight is refereed by Historical Fiction, who, when done well, rules them all).
This is a first-hand account of the war patrols of the U.S.S. Tang, including its final and fateful one, wherein all but 10 lives were lost. The author commanded the ship from its christening and was one of the ten survivors of its sinking. Survivor's guilt is one thing, but being the commander who survived his ship's sinking likely adds to an already heavy burden. He was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor for his exploits, which was no doubt humbling and bittersweet. All this to say that I'd deem just about anything written by this guy worthy of reading.
The book is mostly riveting, however, there's a fair bit of detail and downtime between engagements. This may have been planned in order to give the reader an idea of the bored-until-hair-on-fire aspect of submarine warfare. Also, the 'Minutiae Alarm' in my head went off repeatedly, meaning that you get serious details about stuff that only other submariners might find chin-rubbingly fascinating.
But the characteristic that consistently comes across in books like these is the constant presence and ho-hum nature of death. When a torpedo hits its mark and a ship sinks in minutes, that's hundreds of lives gone in mostly unpleasant ways. When the Tang sinks (in a way that's horrible and infuriating), the survivors watch it disappear in less than a minute. Books like these remind one of the brutal necessity associated with death in war and how it becomes so commonplace that the only things that register are tonnage sunk, fuel or hardware lost, or lives potentially saved as a result. The cost in human terms to the enemy is statistically significant, but to dwell on their humanity would remove an edge necessary to keep going. Later, when that edge is no longer required, thoughts long compartmentalized return and suddenly there's plenty of time for reflection. This, I think, is a common refrain to the real cost associated with surviving war(s). What's extraordinary about survivors isn't that they're alive (this is mostly a combination of luck and timing), but that they experienced something, the totality of which can't be duplicated. This is why I read books like this.
This is a first-hand account of the war patrols of the U.S.S. Tang, including its final and fateful one, wherein all but 10 lives were lost. The author commanded the ship from its christening and was one of the ten survivors of its sinking. Survivor's guilt is one thing, but being the commander who survived his ship's sinking likely adds to an already heavy burden. He was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor for his exploits, which was no doubt humbling and bittersweet. All this to say that I'd deem just about anything written by this guy worthy of reading.
The book is mostly riveting, however, there's a fair bit of detail and downtime between engagements. This may have been planned in order to give the reader an idea of the bored-until-hair-on-fire aspect of submarine warfare. Also, the 'Minutiae Alarm' in my head went off repeatedly, meaning that you get serious details about stuff that only other submariners might find chin-rubbingly fascinating.
But the characteristic that consistently comes across in books like these is the constant presence and ho-hum nature of death. When a torpedo hits its mark and a ship sinks in minutes, that's hundreds of lives gone in mostly unpleasant ways. When the Tang sinks (in a way that's horrible and infuriating), the survivors watch it disappear in less than a minute. Books like these remind one of the brutal necessity associated with death in war and how it becomes so commonplace that the only things that register are tonnage sunk, fuel or hardware lost, or lives potentially saved as a result. The cost in human terms to the enemy is statistically significant, but to dwell on their humanity would remove an edge necessary to keep going. Later, when that edge is no longer required, thoughts long compartmentalized return and suddenly there's plenty of time for reflection. This, I think, is a common refrain to the real cost associated with surviving war(s). What's extraordinary about survivors isn't that they're alive (this is mostly a combination of luck and timing), but that they experienced something, the totality of which can't be duplicated. This is why I read books like this.
July 5, 2022
This might be the best combat memoir I have read. Captain O'Kane and his USS Tang (no jokes- they did not use that term until much later, 5th grade boys) were the cream of the US Submarine force. If you needed information- they got you information. if you needed ships sunk, they did that more than any other US Sub (and the US Submarine fleet were Much more professional than the Germans and the Japanese in the Pacific War)- if you needed US flyers rescued- they did that as well as any other boat- they had the stats to prove it. O'Kane as author takes you into the submariners world- stalking for convoys or the stray lone ship by day submerged- and emerging in the nighttime, radar and sonar permitting, to run the diesels and charge the electric motors. Using radar to find targets, land features and approaching aircraft. Parts of the book are really a submarine procedural, showing how both strategy and man management worked aboard and below. It is fascinating and it is comprehensive, going through each Patrol- and and each event on them.
The narrative is so exhaustive and predictable as the Patrols pass, that the reader may feel a tendency to find it all almost on the edge of boring- and then a Torpedo goes rogue out of the tube as the Tang is just destroying a whole Japanese convoy in the Formosa Strait- and the story takes a harrowing turn. The last pages are filled with pathos and tragedy- then vicious captivity. I won't spoil it- I'll just tell you to read this book- if you want to hope to understand WWII submarine warfare. It's also WAY better than the rather weak "Experience" of this book in the National WWII Museum down in NOLA- save your money from that and get this book!
This is a story about sailors, so there are some adult themes discussed- and some frank injury passages- so this is a book best read by the Junior Reader of about 14/15. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military enthusiast- a veritable smorgasbord of ideas and inspirations. The gamer gets all the Patrol info and attack tactics to power both Scenario and campaign development. The modeler gets a ton of diorama and/ or build concepts- both in action and inside the boat. The Military Enthusiast gets a view of the Pacific Submarine war from inside the head of its best practitioner- and great insight into how Ultra information was passed to the boat for immediate action. This is one of the great memoirs of the war- and one of the best books I have read on the US Submarine effort. A strong recommendation- get it- read it!
The narrative is so exhaustive and predictable as the Patrols pass, that the reader may feel a tendency to find it all almost on the edge of boring- and then a Torpedo goes rogue out of the tube as the Tang is just destroying a whole Japanese convoy in the Formosa Strait- and the story takes a harrowing turn. The last pages are filled with pathos and tragedy- then vicious captivity. I won't spoil it- I'll just tell you to read this book- if you want to hope to understand WWII submarine warfare. It's also WAY better than the rather weak "Experience" of this book in the National WWII Museum down in NOLA- save your money from that and get this book!
This is a story about sailors, so there are some adult themes discussed- and some frank injury passages- so this is a book best read by the Junior Reader of about 14/15. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military enthusiast- a veritable smorgasbord of ideas and inspirations. The gamer gets all the Patrol info and attack tactics to power both Scenario and campaign development. The modeler gets a ton of diorama and/ or build concepts- both in action and inside the boat. The Military Enthusiast gets a view of the Pacific Submarine war from inside the head of its best practitioner- and great insight into how Ultra information was passed to the boat for immediate action. This is one of the great memoirs of the war- and one of the best books I have read on the US Submarine effort. A strong recommendation- get it- read it!
September 10, 2012
There have been a number of books written by submarine captains about their specific boats during World War II. "Clear The Bridge" is among the best. Written by Rear Admiral Richard. H. O'Kane some thirty years after the war, it is a rollicking and compelling story about one of the elite boats of the submarine service.
The book is not only among the best books; the U.S.S. Tang was among the best submarines deployed in the Pacific. First of all, the book is well written. Most importantly, the submarine had five exemplary war patrols in which they not only sank numerous ships but also rescued 22 downed airmen. Her career lasted for only 5 patrols but she sank more ships than any other American submarine. Her two Presidential Unit Citations placed her among only 2 other ships so honored.
The interesting twist about Clear The Bridge was that the Tang was sunk on her last war patrol. How she was sunk and how her commander managed to survive are some of the more interesting sub-plots of her story.
This book is an indispensable companion to the other "captain-written" sagas of submarines in the Pacific. Together they weave a compelling tale of America’s best brightest and most courageous sailors and the excellent job they did in defeating the Japanese.
The book is not only among the best books; the U.S.S. Tang was among the best submarines deployed in the Pacific. First of all, the book is well written. Most importantly, the submarine had five exemplary war patrols in which they not only sank numerous ships but also rescued 22 downed airmen. Her career lasted for only 5 patrols but she sank more ships than any other American submarine. Her two Presidential Unit Citations placed her among only 2 other ships so honored.
The interesting twist about Clear The Bridge was that the Tang was sunk on her last war patrol. How she was sunk and how her commander managed to survive are some of the more interesting sub-plots of her story.
This book is an indispensable companion to the other "captain-written" sagas of submarines in the Pacific. Together they weave a compelling tale of America’s best brightest and most courageous sailors and the excellent job they did in defeating the Japanese.
September 20, 2015
Unquestionably the best War2 sub first person history I've ever read. Incredibly detailed; replete with sailing data; and the first sub book that really gave me a feel for tactics.
The author deserved his Congressional Medal of Honor, and his sub two Presidential Unit Citations.
The author deserved his Congressional Medal of Honor, and his sub two Presidential Unit Citations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2013
The U.S. Submarine Service broke the back of the Japanese Empire and "Killer" O'Kane was America's most accomplished submariner. Strong four-star material.
August 18, 2015
preopširno, prerazvučeno. na žalost.
August 17, 2013
Excellent, just amazing! I couldn't put it down.
September 29, 2019
I learned a great deal about submarine warfare from this book. Amazing story about an amazing sub with a legendary captain. Read this book
August 8, 2025
Excellent book! The Tang was a very important submarine in WWII. This book takes you on patrol with her and makes you feel as if you’re involved in the action, not just reading it.
July 19, 2018
Loved this book! Read it as a teenager and reread it about a year ago.
September 2, 2024
Clear the Bridge by Richard H. O’Kane is a captivating read, particularly for those with a keen interest in submarines. It’s not a book for the casual reader; a strong affinity for naval warfare and submariner life is necessary to fully appreciate its depth. The book is heavily focused on the patrols of the USS Tang, providing an in-depth account of these missions. However, it offers little insight into O’Kane’s time aboard the USS Wahoo, which some readers might expect. The detailed use of naval jargon suggests that the book might have originally been intended more for those familiar with the subject, perhaps family and friends, rather than a general audience. Overall, it’s a compelling narrative for those with a passion for submarine history.
May 18, 2012
I read this based on a recommendation from a submariner off the USS Chicago I chatted with at the Horse and Cow in Tamuning. Fortunately, I found a copy at the book exchange in the medical library up the hill.
When I saw that it was 480 pages long and written by an admiral, I thought gawd this is going to be a long, slow slog. But it wasn't. It surely wasn't. I enjoy practical details of lives and jobs, skills and professions, and this book is full of all that. Now I can conceive of just what it was like to be on board a fleet submarine on patrol in 1944. I know that the sound of the sea rushing past the pressure hull, muted by the ballast tanks, resembled that of a plunging waterfall as you lay in your bunk listening to it. I know that the 4-inch, 53-caliber deck gun could fire one round every seven seconds. I know what a TDC is and a PPI scope, an SJ radar and an SD radar. I know that a torpedo fired at 1,500 yards, traveling at 46 knots, requires 58 seconds to reach its target. I know... well, all sorts of things I didn't know before, didn't even imagine.
I liked the author's understated, professional style. Give me the facts and lots of them, my imagination can fill in the rest very well.
Good book.
When I saw that it was 480 pages long and written by an admiral, I thought gawd this is going to be a long, slow slog. But it wasn't. It surely wasn't. I enjoy practical details of lives and jobs, skills and professions, and this book is full of all that. Now I can conceive of just what it was like to be on board a fleet submarine on patrol in 1944. I know that the sound of the sea rushing past the pressure hull, muted by the ballast tanks, resembled that of a plunging waterfall as you lay in your bunk listening to it. I know that the 4-inch, 53-caliber deck gun could fire one round every seven seconds. I know what a TDC is and a PPI scope, an SJ radar and an SD radar. I know that a torpedo fired at 1,500 yards, traveling at 46 knots, requires 58 seconds to reach its target. I know... well, all sorts of things I didn't know before, didn't even imagine.
I liked the author's understated, professional style. Give me the facts and lots of them, my imagination can fill in the rest very well.
Good book.
December 29, 2009
Best account of submarine operations during WWII. Starts with account of O'Kane as XO with a CO who was reluctant to "take the fight to the enemy." Interesting how he balanced his obligation to support his skipper with a crew that rapidly began doubting his ability to command. Goes on to describe his following war patrols as skipper of famous USS TANG. Exciting and technically accurate. I am a nuclear submariner. Not sure I would have had the guts to do the kinds of extended combat these brave men faced in WWII. Greatest generation indeed.
August 4, 2012
Straightforward and unsentimental. Sort of a beefed-up patrol report put in language that can be understood by non-submariners. It doesn't give you much of a sense of what it was like to do a war patrol, or how O'Kane felt or thought or made decisions; it's almost purely narrative. Even knowing TANG's fate, I was surprised and saddened by the abruptness of the ending.
July 13, 2024
I got inspired after Thunder Below, and Goodreads was nice enough to suggest this book. Maybe the first time the suggestions have been obviously helpful.
I suspect this is the second most famous submarine book from WW2, after Thunder Below. This one is about the submarine USS Tang, one of the first Balao class submarines. The author was the captain of the submarine and while he was less good at writing than Eugene B. Fluckey, the story is equally interesting.
Something that I notice is how much concern both O'Kane and Fluckey had with commendations and medals. Now both were incredibly successful and they did get a lot of awards, but both also seem to think they were robbed of something.
Just as Thunder Below, this book is organized chronologically, by war patrol. One patrol at a time, one encounter at a time. I like that way of organizing a story. No spoilers. What happens in the next day or patrol we'll get to in time.
I suspect this is the second most famous submarine book from WW2, after Thunder Below. This one is about the submarine USS Tang, one of the first Balao class submarines. The author was the captain of the submarine and while he was less good at writing than Eugene B. Fluckey, the story is equally interesting.
Something that I notice is how much concern both O'Kane and Fluckey had with commendations and medals. Now both were incredibly successful and they did get a lot of awards, but both also seem to think they were robbed of something.
Just as Thunder Below, this book is organized chronologically, by war patrol. One patrol at a time, one encounter at a time. I like that way of organizing a story. No spoilers. What happens in the next day or patrol we'll get to in time.
March 27, 2025
This is a unique and exciting first hand history of submarine warfare waged against the Japanese Empire in WW II. The account chronicles each of the five war patrols conducted by the USS Tang and captained by Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Richard H. O'Kane, the author. Further, the Tang was one of the most highly decorated boats in the war and each patrol had its own interesting and/or frightening aspect that makes the whole work fascinating. These include the complete process of how these ship hunters would go about finding, stealthily approaching and sinking enemy vessels. The Tang endured typhoons and enemy depth charge attacks.
This a great account and a terrific book to learn how American submarines fought the Japanese.
This a great account and a terrific book to learn how American submarines fought the Japanese.
September 24, 2025
A towering first-hand account of the Tang, as seen from Captain O'Kane's unique perspective.
I know of no other primary source that so richly covers the minute-by-minute operations. You'll be with the Captain as he sights in Japanese shipping. You'll be over his shoulder as he guides the Tang through a typhoon. You'll be with him from Tang's birth to its noble end.
Giving you every bit of his experience, from the tedious to the terrifying, this is the best form of time travel I've yet experienced.
I know of no other primary source that so richly covers the minute-by-minute operations. You'll be with the Captain as he sights in Japanese shipping. You'll be over his shoulder as he guides the Tang through a typhoon. You'll be with him from Tang's birth to its noble end.
Giving you every bit of his experience, from the tedious to the terrifying, this is the best form of time travel I've yet experienced.
January 11, 2022
The unknown heroes from under the seas.
I definitely enjoy this book. It gave me information that I never knew about being a crewman onboard a Submarine during WWII and the sacrifices that those sailors made to stem the tide during the war. Being a 28 year Naval Veteran made me proud to have joined the Navy. It was well written and I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE TO READ THIS BOOK.
I definitely enjoy this book. It gave me information that I never knew about being a crewman onboard a Submarine during WWII and the sacrifices that those sailors made to stem the tide during the war. Being a 28 year Naval Veteran made me proud to have joined the Navy. It was well written and I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE TO READ THIS BOOK.
July 11, 2020
A certified classic of the genre. True, by the fourth patrol it starts to drag. There's only so many times one need read of negotiating the reef into Midway's lagoon before it become repetitive. But it finishes with a bang, and is an epic tale of an incredible crew's career.
A must read for fans of Submarine warfare in WWII, especially actions in the Pacific.
A must read for fans of Submarine warfare in WWII, especially actions in the Pacific.
June 19, 2017
Pretty good read. I'd always thought that submarines made their attack from underwater so I learned something new. What luck though! Five dangerous patrols and then things went haywire with the very last torpedo in Japanese waters. It's a wonder anyone survived. Highly recommended.
August 8, 2017
A classic on the Submarine warfare in the Pacific. The book does go into great detail on how an individual sub operated in the War Zone and how it attacked various enemy ships.
A great read and a book I can read over and over.
A great read and a book I can read over and over.
November 15, 2022
The single best book on the opinion of serving submariners in WWII. fascinating read but I am prejudiced since my father was a serving submarine officer in and held him in the highest regard already. No higher praise or higher recommendation is possible!
November 4, 2025
incredible account of the key uss submarine ace
Brilliant book by the bravest of the brave - the top USA submarine ace - a spellbinding read of his and his men’s incredible bravery and highest level of skill
Brilliant book by the bravest of the brave - the top USA submarine ace - a spellbinding read of his and his men’s incredible bravery and highest level of skill
May 18, 2017
Awesome story!
This is by far one of the best WW II books about submarine warfare that has ever been written. The story about the USS Tang are legendary.
This is by far one of the best WW II books about submarine warfare that has ever been written. The story about the USS Tang are legendary.
August 19, 2019
It seams to be, that most first person Submarine experience books are good, this one does fall into that category.
A good book written by a brave man, who led brave men. The only, churlish, criticism I have is that the book in parts is long winded, also a bit repetitive. A lot of the detailed information could have been put in an appendix. this would have made the book a bit tighter.
A good book written by a brave man, who led brave men. The only, churlish, criticism I have is that the book in parts is long winded, also a bit repetitive. A lot of the detailed information could have been put in an appendix. this would have made the book a bit tighter.
October 17, 2019
Best WWII book
I really enjoyed this very well written and accurate book about USS Tang operations in WWII - the end is a surprise!
I really enjoyed this very well written and accurate book about USS Tang operations in WWII - the end is a surprise!
December 29, 2019
Should be on the list of required reading for all submarine officers. Fantastic story of courage, daring, innovation, and prudent ignoring of Navy regulations.
February 5, 2023
Captivating
This captain and his crew were the real deal. One of the best accounts of action in WWII, I've yet to read and I've read avfew of them.
This captain and his crew were the real deal. One of the best accounts of action in WWII, I've yet to read and I've read avfew of them.
October 16, 2023
An amazing tale of courage and tactics in a time of war.
April 19, 2024
Below the Surface
This was a very great read. This brought to the forefront much information I had never before read. Excellent Jo writing Sir!
This was a very great read. This brought to the forefront much information I had never before read. Excellent Jo writing Sir!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews