The Archerfish, a diesel powered Balao-class submarine crafted in the 1940s, won a unique, heroic place in military history and the memories of her crew members. Here is her story; from her assembly in New England and her dedication by Eleanor Roosevelt's personal secretary, to her service in World War II, where she broke the back of the Japanese Navy, and her critical role in the Cold War.
Here, too, is the story of her crew, who waited years to serve on the Archerfish. In their own words, these men tell how, against all odds, they sent a Japanese aircraft carrier to the ocean floor. Heroic actions, exotic ports, B-girls, perilous shore leaves, and the fascinating details of life aboard a sub-it's all here. An extraordinary real-life odyssey, Gallant Lady is a vivid, unforgettable portrait of a submariner's life.
"The next best thing to serving on the Archerfish is reading this book. It's a great Navy story about a great ship and crew."
"[Many] great characters, a good plot, and best of all, it's true! A great story."
"And in the broad sense…the authors have caught the full range, the essence, and the spirit of a near-unbelievable saga of real men doing their duty first, then savoring liberty's rewards to the maximum."
"Gallant Lady is an exciting, fast-reading chronicle of the legendary sub. Every submariner wanted the Archerfish…[Listen to] Gallant Lady and you'll understand why."
"I remember once as we sailed down Tokyo Bay with the homeward-bound pennant flying, I involuntarily patted her on the side and I swear she responded with a shudder from within. Archerfish, as I know her-and I know her well-is a fine woman. But I know her to be a great and gallant lady, and I shall always remember her just that way, the way she was."
