• War Beneath the Waves

  • A True Story of Courage and Leadership Aboard a World War II Submarine
  • By: Don Keith
  • Narrated by: Stephen Hoye
  • Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (92 ratings)

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War Beneath the Waves  By  cover art

War Beneath the Waves

By: Don Keith
Narrated by: Stephen Hoye
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Publisher's summary

In November 1943, while on war patrol in the Makassar Strait, the USS Billfish submarine was spotted by the Japanese, who launched a vicious depth-charge attack. Explosions wracked the sub for 15 straight hours. With his senior officers incapacitated, diving officer Charlie Rush boldly assumed command and led key members of the crew in a heroic effort to keep their ship intact as they tried to escape.

Now, in War Beneath the Waves, this intense story is finally told in all its harrowing detail. It is an inspiring tale of one man's leadership and courage under fire, and of the remarkable efforts of a submarine crew to do their duty and save their ship.

©2010 Don Keith (P)2010 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about War Beneath the Waves

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting historical review

Interesting story and a great tribute to sailors of the Silent Service. Honor and courage, the key elements of this book is a great inspiration to any generation. We owe so much to this generation of selfless individuals who served our country.

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4 people found this helpful

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

Excellent read

I was very impressed with this book. An untold story finally is brought to light. Well documented, and superbly narrated I am so impressed that my plan is to reread it immediately to make sure that I missed nothing. I love the way it reinforces my beliefs in our Navy and it's ideals and honor. Bravo Zulu.

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

Junior Officer Takes the Con

Sometimes the answer to the most difficult problem is the most obvious. Why were the Japanese ASW ships always on top of the Billfish. They had to know they were there, but how. Don Keith's excellently written and spoken book brings to life a most harrowing story of survival, courage, stamina, and commitment. This crew was not going to loose the boat. Lessons learned here can be applied today. Highly enjoyable and highly recommended.

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

Riveting!!

If you could sum up War Beneath the Waves in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, nail-biting, explosive!

What did you like best about this story?

From start to finish this book keeps your interest. From the men who prevailed to the men who failed, this book pulls no punches and describes in explicit but not boring detail the dramatic events of submarine warfare!

Which scene was your favorite?

When forced to take command, the junior officer leads his men to a successful escape and then, displaying unimagined grace, keeps his cool when facing the commander at the conclusion of their harrowing escape... and maintains his composure after they return to shore.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

Excellent story, and storyteller! Fascinating history.

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2 people found this helpful

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

Gripping Heroic Keeps you on the Edge of Your Seat

This book is phenomenal. Expertly researched and well told! This book reads like a well crafted novel but it is a true story. A novel could never do justice or top the true stories of World War II, especially since true stories of heroism abound. But this is far from a dry run of the facts. This is my favorite audio book. The author and the narrator are both excellent. Suspenseful. The best of the triumph over tragedy adrenaline pumping war stories of the bunch. “Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry”

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

A Want to be Novel but a Novella at Heart

One third sheer excitement, two thirds padding so it did not have to be listed as a Novella. If you do get it do not give up on it before the middle where all the action takes place.

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1 person found this helpful