Hellcats

The Epic Story of World War II's Most Daring Submarine Raid

By: Peter Sasgen

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

The incredible true story of nine Hellcat submarines assigned to penetrate the dense minefields protecting the sea of Japan. In 1945 - with no knowledge of the development of the atomic bomb- American submarine commanders, desperate to avoid an invasion of the home islands, believed that if the Japanese merchant fleet was sunk, the enemy would be forced to surrender.

The problem: the ships were protected in the Sea of Japan from American submarines by a seemingly impenetrable barrier of deadly minefields. For the first time, Peter Sasgen tells the gripping story of Operation Barney, a mission in which nine submarines, nicknamed Hellcats, were tasked with the impossible - get through the underwater mines and decimate the enemy fleet. Success would hinge on a new experimental sonar system that would, with luck, guide American submarines safely past the mines. Drawing on original documents and the poignant personal letters of one brave Hellcat commander, Sasgen crafts a classic naval tale of the heroic submariners and one of World War II's most ambitious and dangerous missions.

©2010 Peter Sasgen (P)2011 Oasis

One of the best war stories ever.

I have read a number of war stories from world war II and this has to be one of the best yet. although it is a sad story, it is one of incredible bravery and determination. The only thing that would have made it a better book would have been a better outcome, but in war that can't always be the case.

Incredibly gripping and interesting!

I have listened to many books on WW2 submarines, and this is one of the very best. The story is very historic, dramatic, gripping and interesting. It is well told technically historically and dramatically Very well read. All in all wonderful.

Still Controversial

A thoroughly researched and well written story about a little-known navy operation of WWII that still stirs controversy today. A great read for history buffs of that period.

fascinating slice of WWII history

Where does Hellcats rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Any Grover Gardener narrated audiobook is bound to be at the top of my list. This was a wonderful exploration of the early submarine force. It follows the first set of subs to use FM Sonar to map mines, and how they exploited this new capability to operate close to the Japanese coast at the close of WWII. The sailors are brought vividly to life - great listen!

great telling of technology advancements in Ww2

Great book to follow others like "Thunder Below." I wasn't aware of this use of the FM frequency to detect mines. An enjoyable read.