Thunder Below!

Archival Summary & Scope

"Thunder Below!" chronicles the extraordinary World War II exploits of the USS Barb under Captain Gene Fluckey, the American submarine credited with sinking the greatest tonnage of enemy ships. More than just a highly successful vessel, the Barb revolutionized submarine warfare through innovative tactics. It was the first sub to deploy rocket missiles, pursue enemy ships on the surface like torpedo boats, and infiltrate convoys by joining their escort lines at night. Fluckey's relentless leadership pushed his crew to their limits, culminating in daring acts, including ramming an enemy vessel until it sank. Drawing on detailed logs, reports, letters, interviews, a hidden diary, and Japanese naval documents, this true story offers a multi-faceted account of courage and ingenuity.

Awards: Main Selection of the Military Book Club; Winner of the Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature.