The USS Swordfish - by George J Billy (Paperback)

About the Book

"Among the more than 260 American submarines that patrolled the Pacific during World War II, the USS Swordfish in 1941 was the first to sink a Japanese armed merchant ship, marking the beginning of the sub's colorful history. A series of seven commanders led Swordfish's 13 war patrols. Each skipper had distinct leadership style. Some were successful in sinking enemy ships; others returned to port empty-handed. Yet all patrols risked dangerously close encounters with the enemy and the unforgiving nature of the open sea. Drawing on archival sources and interviews with veteran sailors, this first full-length history of Swordfish provides detailed accounts of each patrol and covers the mysterious disappearance of the legendary submarine on its final mission."--

Book Synopsis

Among the more than 260 American submarines that patrolled the Pacific during World War II, the USS Swordfish in 1941 was the first to sink a Japanese armed merchant ship, marking the beginning of the submarine's colorful history. A series of seven commanders led Swordfish's 13 war patrols. Each skipper had a distinct leadership style. Some were successful in sinking enemy ships; others returned to port empty-handed. Yet all patrols risked dangerously close encounters with the enemy and the unforgiving nature of the open sea.

Drawing on archival sources and interviews with veteran sailors, this first full-length history of the Swordfish provides detailed accounts of each patrol and covers the mysterious disappearance of the legendary submarine on its final mission.

Review Quotes

"extensively detailed history...highly recommended"--Midwest Book Review.

"superb...fascinating...an admirable tribute to the crews that served on the USS Swordfish and to the U.S. Navy's submarine service that led the way in the Pacific War."--Military Review

"Meticulous research...extremely readable...Billy attempts to record the war patrols of USS Swordfish and to honor both the submarine and the men who served aboard her...he has definitely succeeded"--Nautical Research Journal

"Strongly researched and written...a well laid out history of the Swordfish...excellent...riveting and entertaining. [Billy's] passion and extensive research definitely served him well. It elevates the overall quality of his work, and I am sure, this background researches why his book resonates so loudly. Anyone who enjoys s good riveting sea tale will get right into the text ....highly recommended"--The Northern Mariner

"The authenticity and detail obtained by George Billy genuinely captures the reality of undersea warfare in the Pacific by recounting the dangers that marked USS Swordfish's many engagements with Japanese merchants and combatants, while also depicting the spirit of Americans at war. This is an enjoyable read for all."--Naval Historical Foundation

About the Author

George J. Billyis retired from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, where he was chief librarian for 30 years. He has published a number of books, papers and articles in the fields of history and library science.