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Submarine Commander: A Story Of World War II And Korea

A fascinating personal memoir of underwater combat in World War II told by one of the navy's most daring skippers.

Hardcover: 322 pages

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky; First American Edition edition (December 1988)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0813116619

ISBN-13: 978-0813116617

Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds

Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #464,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #16 in Books > History > Military > Korean War > Personal Narratives #1095 in Books > History > Military > Naval #1321 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Military > World War II

Many naval officers write well, pehaps because they write many reports carefully to those who read carefully. This book is well written. Schratz's report on his corner of WWII and the occupation of Japan is worth reading. His take on the torpedo problem--and the solution he implemented at the edge of his orders--is unique. His report on certain incidents of command and loyalty add to those extant. His explanation on the possible cause of the Tonkin Gulf incident is worth the price of the book. This officer has understanding and insight. He's committed to making a contribution and leaving a legacy. But he doesn't express this directly, and this raises character as an issue. As a naval officer, he's efficient, effective, innovative and exacting. He knows that healthy organizations have fun, including shipboard organizations, so he plays hard, but doesn't let play stand in the way of work and is uncompromisingly severe on those who do. He knows the difference between a wartime navy and a peacetime navy, between bureaucratic tactics that get one promoted and what happens if one tries to use them in battle. He knows better than to use the same plan twice. His conscience makes him uncomfortable when action puts him on the wrong side of his values or when justice and regulations conflict. Basically, he favors thinking and acting "outside the box" whenever the box keeps him from carrying out his mission, broadly defined. He presents himself as a black sheep for doing so; and yet, read carefully, each of his forays into apparent undisciplined self-indulgence have the effect of producing pride, increasing morale, bonding shipmates together, and ultimately placing his superiors in a good light.

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