• Thunder Below!

  • The USS Barb Revolutionizes Submarine Warfare in World War II
  • By: Eugene B. Fluckey
  • Narrated by: Corey Snow
  • Length: 15 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (3,887 ratings)

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Thunder Below!

By: Eugene B. Fluckey
Narrated by: Corey Snow
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Publisher's summary

The thunderous roar of exploding depth charges was a familiar and comforting sound to the crew members of the USS Barb, who frequently found themselves somewhere between enemy fire and Davy Jones's locker. Under the leadership of her fearless skipper, Captain Gene Fluckey, the Barb sank the greatest tonnage of any American sub in World War II. At the same time, the Barb did far more than merely sink ships-she changed forever the way submarines stalk and kill their prey.

This is a gripping adventure chock-full of "you-are-there" moments. Fluckey has drawn on logs, reports, letters, interviews, and a recently discovered illegal diary kept by one of his torpedomen. And in a fascinating twist, he uses archival documents from the Japanese Navy to give its version of events. The unique story of the Barb begins with its men, who had the confidence to become unbeatable. Each team helped develop innovative ideas, new tactics, and new strategies. All strove for personal excellence, and success became contagious. Instead of lying in wait under the waves, the USS Barb pursued enemy ships on the surface, attacking in the swift and precise style of torpedo boats. She was the first sub to use rocket missiles and to creep up on enemy convoys at night, joining the flank escort line from astern, darting in and out as she sank ships up the column. Surface-cruising, diving only to escape, "Luckey Fluckey" relentlessly patrolled the Pacific, driving his boat and crew to their limits. There can be no greater contrast to modern warfare's long-distance, video game style of battle than the exploits of the captain and crew of the USS Barb, where the sub, out of ammunition, actually rammed an enemy ship until it sank. Thunder Below! is a first-rate, true-life, inspirational story of the courage and heroism of ordinary men under fire.

©1992 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois (P)2013 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"Fluckey is a fine writer with a lively, colorful style. His book is packed with action and suspense and is rich in details about the day-today operation of a submarine in combat." ( Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about Thunder Below!

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    3,170
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Performance
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Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2,981
  • 4 Stars
    361
  • 3 Stars
    100
  • 2 Stars
    27
  • 1 Stars
    17

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A real ”page turner"

Riveting tale, well told. I couldn't put it down! Narration was generally good.

Splice the main brace!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent in all respects

The Corey Snow made this s page turner. What a thrilling story from WW2. A gutsy performance by all.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story -

If you could sum up Thunder Below! in three words, what would they be?

Compelling, heartwarming well-written

What other book might you compare Thunder Below! to and why?

Eric Haney's book on the Delta Force. They are both good reads and give me a chance to appreciate our service members.

Have you listened to any of Corey Snow’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not that I remember

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The Japanese they captured who wanted to part of the crew.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating. Truly fascinating.

Submariners are unique people. The sea is constantly trying to crush them. Enemies are constantly trying to locate and sink them. Amazing that no one was wounded or the boat lost. Highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Makes you feel like a 10 year old

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I am a fan of submarine stories. In this case I was let down. The story is read in the first person. The dialogue is corny and unimaginative. Maybe I'd read this as a book.

What did you like best about this story?

What this captain and his crew accomplished. It's hard not to respect anyone who served in the silent service in WW2.

What three words best describe Corey Snow’s performance?

Golly Jeez Batman.

Could you see Thunder Below! being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

If this book was made into a movie it would be an insult to the fine submarine stories that were. It's no "Run Silent Run Deep."

Any additional comments?

I felt Corey Snow was totally wrong for this read. He has a corny 1950's type voice. I'd describe his voice acting as an audio Norman Rockwell painting. If you liked Mickey Rooney's performances in his early movies, then you'll like his read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great Sub Story

Fascinating,well written and well spoken true story of a great submarine adventure in WWII. Fine narrative style makes for easy listening and enjoyment.
WWII buffs and Navy fans will definitely like this audio book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

For submariner's everywhere

far winds and following seas. If you rode a boat you will love this story

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Couldn't put it down

The most amazing story that I have read.
I challenge anyone to put it down.

This sub during WW 2 is beyond belief. What

They did and returned home safely is about

The Greatest Generation! Incredible!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Why is this not a movie?

I wish this were more strategic and tactical in nature with a broader scope of the Pacific mixed in. But by the end of the story. WHAT an experience the Barn had!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Good story, didn't love the narrative style

Interesting read, not too technical. The story is written in a conversational style that often seems forced and excessive. I had a hard time getting into the story, but after the first two hours things picked up and I enjoyed the remainder. If you enjoy military history I'd recommend it, otherwise it's probably not worth your time.

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