Final Patrol

the long version

The riveting story behind the submarines that wreaked havoc during World War II-from the award-winning author of In the Course of Duty During World War II, the U.S. Navy's submarine service suffered the highest casualty percentage of all the American armed forces, losing one in five submariners. But despite the odds, these underwater warriors accounted for almost 60 percent of Japanese shipping losses, and were a major factor in winning the war. 16 U.S. submarines-and one German U-Boat-that saw action during WWII are now open to the public. Most have been restored and authentically equipped. Final Patrol takes a fascinating look at these subs and the personal stories of the brave sailors who lived, fought, and often died in them. Now, visitors can climb into these cramped steel cylinders, peer through their torpedo tubes, and imagine diving under the sea-perhaps for the last time-to stalk a fanatical enemy who threatened our nation's freedom.