Silent Running

My Years on a World War II Attack Submarine

By: James F. Calvert

Narrated by: Kevin Patrick

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

In this riveting personal account, an authentic American hero relives the perils and triumphs of eight harrowing patrols aboard one of America's most successful World War II submarines. Courageous deeds and terror-filled moments - as well as the endless hard work of maintaining and operating a combat sub - are vividly recalled in Calvert's candid portrait. From rigorous training and shakedown cruises off the coast of New England to tense patrols within shouting distance of Japan's major cities, the progress of the newly commissioned USS Jack parallels Calvert's own growth from callow ensign to charter member of one of the sharpest attack teams in the fleet. Silent Running is more than a masterful collection of war stories. The greatest drama takes place within Jim Calvert himself, as his values, his training, and his courage are put to test daily, both at sea and ashore. He must come to terms with a forbidden love, overcome fear and self-doubt, cope with the loss of comrades, and face the constant reality that each and every day at sea might be his last. Jim Calvert has created one of the most remarkable World War II memoirs to date.

©1995 by James F. Calvert, Vice Admiral, USN (Ret.) (P)1997 by Blackstone Audiobooks

fantastic book excellently narrated.

an indepth telling of a naval officer on submarines from the start of the war until the end and a little beyond it. Fans of Thunder Below will equally enjoy this memoir.

Great story!

Having helped design several classes of nuclear subs I was very intetested in learning about the early years of submarine warfare. I'm glad I chose this book as one of my tutors.

Outstanding Book

Well written account of one Naval officer’s tour of duty aboard WW2 submarines fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. Thrilling accounts of battle and humorous self deprecation as well. Definitely recommend.

Great Book

You lived quite a life Admiral. Thank you for your faithful service to the great republic, her allies, and the silent service. I am a tremendous lover of naval war history books & I rank yours among the best. When my hardcover copy arrives it will reside between Admiral O'kane's books & Admiral Rickover's biography. Fair winds and following seas Skipper.

Very Interesting and Captive

This is one of the best books I have ever received from Audible. If you are interested in the WWII era Navy this book is a must have. After listening to this book I found myself watching Das Boot to see the struggles the German submariners had against our anti-submarine forces. I was excited every day on the 45 minute drive to/from work that I would get to hear more about the USS Jack. Excellent book.

Fascinating

This story is more entertaining than any fictional story aboard a sub.

good book

a little bit stuck on himself. Mr. goody two shoes. But a very good book.

Great WWII Submarine Story - Poor Narrator

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Admiral Jim Calvert was the Superintendent of the Naval Academy for 3 of my 4 years there. He was the very image of a professional naval officer, and this exciting story of his wartime service aboard USS Jack fits perfectly with my memories of him.

If you're interested in learning more about the submarine war in the Pacific, you'll enjoy this book. There were the details of working up a green crew, the problems with engines and torpedos and the tension of being depth-charged, shot at by Japanese surface ships and bombed by Japanese patrol planes. Admiral Calvert also discusses the tactics used by US submarine crews and their Japanese opponents.

The poor narration detracts from the story, but it was exciting and interesting enough to overcome the deficiencies of the narrator. Just remind yourself every now and then that Jim Calvert doesn't really talk like this guy and you'll love this book!

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the quality of the story! It was about more than submarine tactics and equipment -- it was also about leadership, character and morality.

Would you be willing to try another one of Kevin Patrick’s performances?

No, not if you paid me. He mispronounced many of the place names in this book and his over-dramatized narration set my teeth on edge. Jim Calvert sounds nothing like this dude!

A good story but could have been performed better

I very much in joyed the story being a submariner myself however the entire book sounded as if it was being read over AM radio The voice reproduction was terrible And there was no human like tambor and the recording at all

A Submariner's Submariner

As a retired USN cold war submariner, I really appreciated this personal, well written account of a fellow submariner's journey in WW2. An apparently honest, humble, confident man who any young person could aspire.