Wahoo summary

Evolution of the USS Wahoo

In the book Wahoo by Richard H. O'Kane, we embark on a thrilling journey through the Pacific during World War II aboard the USS Wahoo. The narrative begins with the commissioning of the submarine in 1942 and her initial, less successful missions. Wahoo's fortunes soon change when Lieutenant Commander Dudley W. "Mush" Morton takes over as her commanding officer. Morton, a daring and innovative leader, transforms Wahoo into a formidable force, instilling in his crew a sense of invincibility and a relentless fighting spirit.

O'Kane, who served as Wahoo's executive officer, provides a detailed account of the submarine's evolution under Morton's command. The crew's training and discipline improve, and Morton introduces new aggressive tactics, such as surface attacks at night and "down-the-throat" approaches, which involve charging directly at enemy ships to launch torpedoes. These strategies, coupled with Wahoo's improved torpedoes, lead to a remarkable increase in the number of enemy ships sunk.

Intense Action and Harrowing Encounters

The middle part of Wahoo is filled with intense action as the USS Wahoo operates in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea, areas heavily patrolled by the Japanese Navy. O'Kane vividly describes the harrowing encounters, including depth charge attacks, aerial bombings, and close calls with enemy vessels. Despite these dangers, Morton and his crew continue to execute aggressive tactics, resulting in the sinking of numerous enemy ships, earning Wahoo the nickname "the fire-breathing dragon".

Besides the relentless combat, O'Kane also captures the daily life aboard the submarine. He details the cramped living conditions, the monotony of long patrols, and the camaraderie among the crew. Additionally, he highlights the technical challenges of submarine warfare, such as maintaining stealth, managing limited supplies, and coping with the extreme pressures of deep-sea dives.

Tragic Loss and Heroic Survival

The narrative takes a somber turn when Wahoo embarks on her seventh patrol. During an attack on a Japanese convoy, the submarine is detected and relentlessly hunted by the enemy. Despite their best efforts, Morton and his crew are unable to shake off their pursuers and are eventually sunk. O'Kane, who was ashore on a mission at the time, chronicles the tragic loss of the submarine and most of her crew.

However, Wahoo is not just a story of loss but also one of survival and resilience. O'Kane, along with a few other crew members who were not on board during the final patrol, endures a grueling journey through enemy territory, evading capture and surviving on meager resources. Their escape and eventual rescue serve as a testament to the crew's courage and resourcefulness.

Legacy of the USS Wahoo

In the final chapters of the book, O'Kane reflects on the legacy of the USS Wahoo. Despite her tragic end, the submarine's aggressive tactics and remarkable success in sinking enemy ships have a lasting impact on submarine warfare. Morton's innovative strategies, initially met with skepticism, are eventually adopted by other submarine commanders, contributing significantly to the Allied victory in the Pacific.

In conclusion, Wahoo by Richard H. O'Kane is a gripping firsthand account of the USS Wahoo's daring exploits and tragic end during World War II. The book provides a unique perspective on submarine warfare, capturing both the exhilarating victories and the devastating losses experienced by the brave men who served aboard these underwater vessels.