Undersea Warrior

Don Keith's "Undersea Warrior" offers a compelling examination of one of World War II's most legendary submarine commanders and his equally famous vessel. The book chronicles the wartime exploits of Commander Dudley "Mush" Morton and the USS Wahoo, a Gato-class submarine that became one of the most successful American submarines in the Pacific theater during the early years of the war.

Morton assumed command of the USS Wahoo in late 1942, and his aggressive tactics and unconventional leadership style quickly set him apart from many of his contemporaries in the submarine service. Keith meticulously documents how Morton transformed the Wahoo into a formidable fighting machine, conducting war patrols that struck fear into Japanese shipping lanes and naval operations. The author draws from patrol reports, naval records, and historical accounts to construct a detailed narrative of the submarine's missions and the men who served aboard her.

The book excels in its portrayal of Morton's partnership with his executive officer, Richard O'Kane, who would later become a legendary submarine commander in his own right. Their collaboration represented a significant shift in submarine warfare tactics, with Morton often conducting surface attacks and displaying a level of audacity that was rare among submarine commanders of that era. Keith captures the dynamic between these two officers and demonstrates how their combined expertise and daring contributed to the Wahoo's remarkable success rate against enemy vessels.

Keith provides substantial detail about the conditions aboard a World War II submarine, conveying the claustrophobic environment, the constant danger, and the psychological pressures faced by submariners. The technical aspects of submarine warfare are explained in accessible terms, allowing readers unfamiliar with naval operations to understand the complexities of torpedo attacks, diving procedures, and the cat-and-mouse games played with enemy destroyers. The author balances these technical elements with human interest, ensuring the narrative remains engaging throughout.

The Wahoo's war patrols form the core of the narrative, with Keith documenting the submarine's attacks on Japanese convoys, warships, and coastal installations. The book tracks the vessel's movements through dangerous waters, detailing successful engagements as well as harrowing escapes from depth charge attacks. Morton's willingness to take calculated risks and his aggressive pursuit of enemy targets resulted in significant damage to Japanese maritime operations during a critical period of the Pacific War.

Keith also addresses the broader context of submarine warfare in the Pacific, explaining the strategic importance of the American submarine campaign against Japanese shipping. The book illustrates how submarines like the Wahoo contributed to cutting off vital supply lines, disrupting troop movements, and ultimately weakening Japan's ability to sustain its far-flung military operations. This contextualization helps readers appreciate the significance of Morton's achievements within the larger framework of the war effort.

The author maintains a respectful and measured tone when discussing the realities of submarine warfare, acknowledging the loss of life on both sides while focusing on the military dimensions of the conflict. The book does not shy away from the brutal nature of submarine combat, but Keith presents the material with appropriate gravity and historical perspective.

"Undersea Warrior" culminates with the Wahoo's final patrol in October 1943, when the submarine was lost with all hands in the La Perouse Strait. Keith handles this tragic conclusion with dignity, honoring the memory of Morton and his crew while providing historical context about the circumstances of the submarine's loss. The book serves as both a historical account and a tribute to the men who served aboard the Wahoo.

Keith's research appears thorough, drawing from official Navy records, declassified documents, and historical sources related to submarine operations in the Pacific. The narrative moves at a steady pace, maintaining reader interest through clear prose and well-organized chapters that follow the chronological progression of the Wahoo's patrols.

This work stands as a valuable contribution to World War II naval history, offering insight into submarine warfare and the individuals who prosecuted it. The book will appeal to readers interested in military history, naval operations, and biographical accounts of wartime service. Keith has crafted an informative and respectful account that preserves the legacy of Mush Morton and the USS Wahoo for contemporary audiences, ensuring that their contributions to the Allied victory in the Pacific are not forgotten.