The Bravest Man

The Story of Richard O'Kane & U.S. Submariners in the Pacific War

By: William Tuohy

Narrated by: E.H. Jones

Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

“There’s no margin for mistakes in submarines. You’re either alive or dead.” (Richard O’Kane)

Hailed as the ace of aces, captain Richard O’Kane, winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his consummate skill and heroism as a submarine skipper, sank more enemy ships and saved more downed fliers than anyone else.

Now Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Tuohy captures all the danger, the terror, and the pulse-pounding action of undersea combat as he chronicles O’Kane’s wartime career - from his valiant service as executive officer under Wahoo skipper Dudley “Mush” Morton to his electrifying patrols as commander of the USS Tang and his incredible escape, with eight other survivors, after Tang was sunk by its own defective torpedo.

Above all, The Bravest Man is the dramatic story of mavericks who broke the rules and set the pace to become a new breed of hunter/killer submariners who waged a unique brand of warfare. These undersea warriors would blaze their own path to victory - and transform the “Silent Service” into the deadliest fighting force in the Pacific.

©2001 William Tuohy (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc.

Great book

Good story about what goes on in submarines.

I would have liked to have served under CDR O'Kane

Absolutely intriguing account of the war patrols and subsequent loss of the submarine from a defective torpedo guidance system and CDR O'Kane's leadership.

Informative

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

Yes. Informative without being too detailed

What did you like best about this story?

History brought to life.

What does E.H. Jones bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His narration is excellent. Easy to listen to, good pace. Perfect diction. Subtle accents bring characters to life.

Any additional comments?

Very balanced dealing with some very controversial aspects of the conflict

Loved it

From start to finish, I couldn’t put the book down. It gives you enough information on every man to keep you glued to it.

Great book

For WW II students, this is an realistic account of a WW II vet. I couldn't have enjoyed it more.

Very well written and detailed, and it's true

Would you consider the audio edition of The Bravest Man to be better than the print version?

Cannot say, as I have not read the print version.

What other book might you compare The Bravest Man to and why?

Thunder Below by Adm. Eugene B. Fluckey or October Fury by Peter A. Huchthausen.

What does E.H. Jones bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Not a lot. Would have been better by someone with a little deeper voice for such a long book. Got tired of Jones' voice after a while, but it was okay.

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

Not really. It is a lengthy, detailed history, but still full of action and drama. Nonetheless, it would have required a long sitting and the whole point of audio books for me is that I enjoy them without having to be "seated" or otherwise stuck in one place.

Any additional comments?

If you read this book, it will pretty much ruin any future books, especially fiction, about WWII submarine warfare except perhaps Fluckey's or Ned Beach's, because you will realize that they all come from these same patrol reports and experiences with little new added.

Excellent history

I found this to be a most entertaining and inspiring story of the US submarine service. fighting the Japanese was ony only part of the challenge. As is too often the case in US military history, the sailors of the submarine service were ill served by the pig headed stupidity and self serving actions of their own superiors.

Stunning

I had no idea of the heroism and sacrifices the crews of these some 288 submarines made. I know now, am humbled, and feel a deep, profound debt to them. I tell nearly everyone I meet about Tuohy's excellent book and the stories of the real men within its pages.

This is Enjoyment all the way!!!

GREAT BOOK Learned much out the Submarine War against Japan plus These Special Warriors SUPER

The Bravest Man- fine example of leadership.

What this story showed me was the values and skills that we often inherit or develop in others. Often the people that have seen a remarkable leader try to emulate good leadership skills - very much a trickle effect.

Certainly this story is in a dangerous environment. How would you like to expose your career, life, and other peoples lives on an unproven theory or weapon? There are so many sides to this story you find yourself listening to this story again and again.

Well written and read extremely well.