Clear the Bridge!

Richard H. O'Kane's "Clear the Bridge!" stands as one of the most compelling firsthand accounts of submarine warfare during World War II. Written by the executive officer and later commanding officer of the USS Tang, this memoir provides an unflinching look at life aboard one of the United States Navy's most successful submarines. O'Kane's narrative combines tactical detail with the human experience of undersea combat, offering readers both a historical document and a gripping war story.

The book chronicles the Tang's five war patrols, during which the submarine became one of the most decorated vessels in the U.S. submarine fleet. O'Kane served as executive officer under Commander Richard "Dick" O'Kane during the first several patrols before assuming command himself. His perspective as both second-in-command and later as captain provides unique insight into submarine operations and command decisions during some of the Pacific War's most intense naval engagements.

What distinguishes this memoir from other naval accounts is O'Kane's technical proficiency combined with his ability to convey the psychological strain of submarine warfare. The book details the claustrophobic conditions, the constant threat of depth charges, and the split-second decisions that determined survival or destruction. O'Kane writes with clarity about torpedo attacks, evasive maneuvers, and the calculated risks that submarine commanders faced when engaging enemy vessels. His descriptions of approaching convoys on the surface at night, diving to avoid aircraft, and enduring depth charge attacks bring the danger and intensity of submarine patrols to life.

The narrative structure follows the chronological progression of the Tang's war patrols, allowing readers to understand the evolution of American submarine tactics as the war progressed. Early patrols reveal the learning curve of both crew and command as they adapted to combat conditions. Later missions demonstrate the increased aggression and refined techniques that made the Tang such an effective weapon. O'Kane's account includes the sinking of numerous Japanese vessels, from merchant ships to warships, and he does not shy away from describing the devastating effectiveness of submarine warfare on enemy supply lines.

The author's writing style remains straightforward and focused on operational details rather than philosophical reflection. He presents the facts of each patrol, the decisions made, and the outcomes achieved without excessive embellishment. This approach lends authenticity to the narrative and allows the inherent drama of the events to speak for itself. The technical aspects of submarine operations, including periscope attacks, torpedo spreads, and damage control procedures, are explained in accessible language that does not require specialized naval knowledge.

One of the book's strengths lies in its portrayal of the submarine crew as a cohesive unit. O'Kane acknowledges the contributions of officers and enlisted men alike, recognizing that successful submarine operations depended on every crew member performing their duties under extreme pressure. The camaraderie, tension, and mutual dependence of men living in confined quarters for weeks at a time emerge naturally through the narrative.

The book also addresses the tragic final patrol of the USS Tang, which ended when the submarine was struck by one of its own torpedoes. This circular run resulted in the loss of the vessel and most of its crew. O'Kane, who survived the sinking and spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of the Japanese, provides a sobering account of this disaster and the subsequent ordeal of the survivors. His description of captivity, while not the primary focus of the book, adds another dimension to the story and demonstrates the multiple forms of hardship faced by submariners in the Pacific theater.

"Clear the Bridge!" serves as both a personal memoir and a historical record of submarine warfare tactics and achievements. The book has been recognized as an important contribution to naval literature and continues to be studied by those interested in military history and submarine operations. O'Kane's credibility as one of the most highly decorated naval officers of World War II adds weight to his account, and his firsthand experience provides details that official records alone cannot capture.

For readers interested in naval history, World War II combat narratives, or the specific challenges of submarine warfare, this book offers substantial value. The combination of technical detail, personal observation, and historical significance makes it a noteworthy entry in the literature of the Pacific War. O'Kane's direct prose and focus on the operational aspects of submarine patrols create a narrative that informs while maintaining the dramatic tension inherent in undersea warfare.