In the Course of Duty: The Heroic Mission of the USS Batfish by Don Keith

In the Course of Duty: The Heroic Mission of the USS Batfish Reviews

• 
  Martin Koenigsberg

  The Naval War in the Pacific in WWII featured two dramatically different strategies for Submarine warfare. The Imperial Japanese Navy, with one foot still in the Battleship era, used their Submarines for screening their main fleet, scouting and recon, and the occasional passenger/supply run. The Allies, the US Navy and their British/Commonwealth friends, impressed by the German Near -success in WWI, and with long naval histories of commerce raiding, let their subs range free in waters of the Greater Pacific Co-Prosperity Sphere- as the Japanese called their Empire. One such Sub- named after a fish like most the US fleet - was the USS Batfish. Don Keith, a writer on naval and military subject both fictional and non-fiction give us the boat's story in WWII, it's signature achievement, the sinking of not one but three Japanese Submarines, and its eventual resting place as a Museum in of all places Muskogee Oklahoma. I could have done without some of imagined scenes, but it's an interesting story and it helps to understand the American Submarine service and its war with the Japanese.
  
  Alongside their strategic doctrinal advantage, the American had several technical advantages to help them in their war. the Batfish was equipped with not only Radar and Sonar, but also an early Radar Detection system, so she was able to detect some Japanese ships by sensing their more primitive detection equipment. Her Captain, John Kerr Fyfe for the most aggressive patrols, mastered the new improved Torpedoes(US Early War Torpedoes had multiple flaws to hurt the US Sub effort greatly), and the use of Radar and sonar to hunt prey in the pacific. When a Patrol off the Philippines was looking for IJN Subs evacuating Soldiers and Sailors , skillful use of technology and process led to three kills in short order. Keith makes it more dramatic than it needs to be- but the material he's working with is pretty dramatic, so I forgave him the impulse. The story of the creation of the Museum goes along for the ride- and although it's less interesting, it may catch some readers.
  
  There are few real adult themes and little graphic casualty description, so this is a fine book for a nautically interested junior reader about twelve years old. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast its a mixed bag. For the Gamer/Modeler, I think you get some interesting ideas that can inform scenario/diorama development, although I would have really liked some diagram/maps of each attack to make it even better. The Military Enthusiast will get a lot of good WWII Submarine content, but not as much as some other books I have read -as Keith is hunting storytelling over history- a trade some may like more than I did . I enjoyed the book- but I want to read more- as I learn about WWII Submarine warfare.
• 
  Kevin

  I picked this up because the library was closing and I was desperate. I share the pet peeve of many a history buff: fictionalized accounts of actual events. The author has read a submarine captain's log and some books about submarines and from those has imagined the feelings and dialog of the submariners aboard. Irritating and stupid. The author also weaves in the quite uninteresting tale of how the retired submarine ultimately became a tourist attraction in Oklahoma. Two stars because submarines are cool.
• 
  Brian

  Excellent true story of the USS Batfish, also known as the submarine killer submarine. The book was full of action, and details from the missions of the USS Batfish. It included the story of how the Batfish came to be a Museum in Oklahoma. I thoroughly enjoyed both perspectives of the story.
• 
  Gail Hedlund

  This was a really good book. I liked how the author tied the past to the present day. I'd really love to see this sub killer, but unfortunately I live quite a ways from Oklahoma. Again I have to say thanks to the veterans who battled to keep our nation free.
• 
  Kathryn

  In February 1945, World War Two is starting to draw to a close. The Japanese held resources in the Philippines and had no intentions of letting them fall into the wrong hands. In a secret mission, four Japanese submarines were sent to recover what they could. Little did they know, America and its allies were a few steps ahead. Though multiple submarines were sent to stop the Japanese from reaching their destination point, only one submarine began the most famous battle that it has ever fought. In a matter of 72 hours, the crew of the USS Batfish faced ever growing danger from their enemies and malfunctioning weapons alike. In the end, only one side came out victorious.
  
  Overall, I would rate this book three out if five stars. I can understand how someone who has a strong understanding of military tactics would appreciate this story, but I am not one of those people. It had a neat presentation and flow, but it took awhile to digest. Normally, I can knock out a book in an afternoon, but this took me about two weeks to finally finish. If you're someone who loves military stories and tactics, then this is the book for you!