Clear the Bridge!

The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang

By: RAdm. Richard H. O'Kane USN

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

The story of Tang and her gallant crew ranks with the most amazing of naval history.

Between August 1943 when she was commissioned and her loss in fall 1944, Tang completed four missions and was on her fifth in the Formosa Strait, single-handedly demolishing a convey. During this time, Tang had one captain: Commander Richard Hetherington O'Kane. Together, Tang, her crew of 86 men, and her captain sank more tonnage and more enemy ships than any other submarine on active patrol.

Whether rescuing Navy fliers off Truk or stalking enemy convoys off Japan, Tang carried the war to the enemy with unparalleled ferocity.

©1977 Richard H. O'Kane (P)2020 Tantor

The top five books I've ever read or listen to

Perhaps because I was in the submarine service I could almost put myself onboard the Tang. almost but certainly not like the brave crew aboard her. Never a braver bunch of men ever lived.

The Best WW II Submarine Book

I loved everything about this book. I was amazed at how much detail the author remembered and included in the story; then I realized I shouldn't have been surprised because he made it to the rank of Rear Admiral. I have read a number of books on submarines and toured a few WW II vintage submarines that are now museums, yet I still learned things about diesel-electric submarines such as the constant decisions the captain and other officers had to do such as how (when surfaced) how much engine power to devote to propulsion vs recharging batteries.

The narrator was great -- good pace and very consistent. I did note a few places where it was obvious some overdubbing had been done because the audio was somewhat inconsistent, but not to the point of being a significant distraction. I'm glad I also listened to "Undersea Warrior" about Mush Morton who commanded the sub Wahoo because prior to commanding Tang, Richard O'Kane had been Tang's Executive Officer, serving under Morton.

Great narration

The Joe Friday approach, without any braggadocio is very refreshing. The honorable Navy officer doing his duty comes through loud and clear. Many kudos.

TANG was far and away the best of a great lot!

I originally read this book when it first came out in paperback and became a fan of all Submarine books. This is a MUST READ! In all of military history books! Dick O'kane is a legend in Submarine warfare. Tangs record of ships sunk in basically 4 patrols, with the 5th being mostly a lifeguard patrol has NO equal in Submarine history! Had Tang not been lost by the tragedy of her last patrol, she might have gone on to many more sinkings! O'kane and Tang were the best!

the end of the story was best

the story itself was exciting especially at the end. knowing nothing of submarines or the language made it a bit monotonous listening to the locations etc. my heart swells with pride for the men who served and sad that many never got the credit they deserved