Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Wahoo summary
Richard H. O'Kane
Brief summary
Wahoo by Richard H. O'Kane is a thrilling true story of one of the most successful American submarines in World War II. It takes you on a high-stakes journey through the Pacific, showcasing the bravery and ingenuity of its crew.
Topics
Table of Contents
Wahoo
Summary of key ideas
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.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Wahoo about?
Wahoo by Richard H. O'Kane is a gripping account of one of the most successful American submarines in World War II. It takes you on a thrilling journey as the crew of the USS Wahoo navigates the treacherous waters of the Pacific, facing relentless enemy attacks and executing daring missions. This book offers a unique perspective on the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought beneath the waves.
Wahoo Review
Wahoo (1987) recounts the daring World War II submarine adventures of Commander Richard O'Kane. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Immerse yourself in heart-pounding naval warfare accounts, showcasing bravery and strategic brilliance under pressure.
- Experience the crew's remarkable camaraderie and shared sense of mission, forging unbreakable bonds in the face of danger.
- Delve into the thrilling real-life narrative that reads like a gripping fiction, offering a fresh perspective on wartime heroism.
Who should read Wahoo?
History enthusiasts who are interested in World War II and naval warfare
Readers who enjoy thrilling and action-packed accounts of military missions
Those who want to learn about the bravery and ingenuity of submarine crews during wartime
Categories with Wahoo
Book summaries like Wahoo
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Wahoo FAQs
What is the main message of Wahoo?
The main message of Wahoo revolves around the incredible true story of a submarine's daring exploits during World War II.
How long does it take to read Wahoo?
The estimated reading time for Wahoo is subjective, but expect to spend a few hours diving into the full book. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Wahoo a good book? Is it worth reading?
Wahoo is worth reading for its gripping narrative and historical significance, making it a compelling choice for those interested in wartime accounts.
Who is the author of Wahoo?
The author of Wahoo is Richard H. O'Kane.
What to read after Wahoo?
If you're wondering what to read next after Wahoo, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly