Pigboat 39: An American Sub Goes to War

A historic account of the US Navy’s cramped, outdated submarine that was forced to remain in service during World War II.

Constructed in 1923, the American submarine S39 was practically an antique when the Japanese struck Pearl Harbor in 1941. With defective torpedoes, a semi-trained crew, and a primitive ventilation system (hence the nickname), she nevertheless sank two enemy vessels and eluded pursuit to fight again in the Solomons.

This is the little-known story of how an unprepared navy fought with what it had until the tide could be turned. Bobette Gugliotta was one of the S-39 wives. With the technical assistance of her husband, Guy, an officer who served on three of the S-class boats during the war, she presents an accurate and absorbing account of submarine operations and warfare. No less valuable is her candid and sympathetic portrayal of the men and women whose lives were caught up in the voyage of the S-39.

Praise for Pigboat 39

“There are very few accounts of the exploits of these submarines. This book is a gem; essential for World War II and naval history collections.” —Library Journal

“The account of S39’s 2,000-mile flight cackles with action.” —Navy Times

“Captures in vivid style the valiant spirit of the men who held the line in the face of disaster. But equally important, by depicting the roles played by the wives of the crew members, Gugliotta has helped to fill a gap that has largely been ignored by naval historians.” —U.S. Naval Proceedings

“A remarkable evocation.” —Louisville Courier-Journal

© 2014 The University Press of Kentucky (E-bog): 9780813146324

Release date

E-bog: 23. april 2014