 | Submarine Commander: A Story of World War II and Korea Subjects: Schratz Paul R. 1915–; United States Navy -- Biography; World War 1939–1945 -- Personal narratives American; Korean War 1950–1953 -- Personal narratives American; World War 1939–1945 -- Naval operations -- Submarine; Korean War 1950–1953 -- Naval; Schratz served aboard three U.S. Navy subs during World War II, taking part in the sinking of several Japanese ships, rescuing downed pilots, laying minefields. From a natural, slightly off-center viewpoint, he conveys his fascination with submarine warfare and his deep respect for many of the men he served with, bringing them to life in scenes of combat and riotous shore leaves from Honolulu to Hong Kong. After the Japanese surrender, he was involved in the demolition of the former enemy's submarine fleet, and his comments on the attitudes and military way of life of his counterparts in the Imperial Japanese Navy are intriguing. The post-World War II section is less interesting but far from boring: In command of the U.S.S. Pickerel , Schratz set an undersea distance record in 1949 and a year later took part in photo-intelligence missions during the early months of the Korean War. Photos, maps. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved |
