Overdue and Presumed Lost: The Story of the USS Bullhead (Bluejacket Books)

The USS Bullhead was the last American naval vessel lost in World War II. This history of the submarine--from launch to disappearance--is told by the only war correspondent allowed on a wartime submarine patrol. Narrow escapes from floating mines, fast dives to avoid enemy aircraft, and a daring sortie to rescue three badly hurt survivors of a downed B-25 are just a few of the adventures Martin Sheridan recounts. Trained as a feature writer, he shares his own experiences as well as the humorous and poignant incidents of everyday life aboard the submarine to capture that intangible spirit of camaraderie and sense of impending danger. First published in 1947, the narrative is based on a journal the author kept during the Bullhead's first war patrol in March and April 1945 and supplemental information from official Navy reports. The book, supported by a unique collection of period photographs, describes the perilous undersea war in the Pacific as only a firsthand account can. The last American naval vessel lost in World War II, the USS Bullhead disappeared in the Java Sea with eighty-four crewmen aboard just weeks before the Japanese surrender. This book tells the story of the submarine's brief but dramatic career, from her launching in 1944 to her demise, the probable victim of a Japanese air attack off Bali. It is written by the only war correspondent ever allowed on a submarine during a combat mission. Martin Sheridan was aboard the Bullhead during her first patrol and witnessed the rescue of three badly injured U.S. Army air crewmen from the South China Sea and survived the submarine's attack by friendly fire. Reporting events as only an eyewitness can, Sheridan describes narrow escapes from floating mines, fast dives to avoid enemy aircraft, and details of the daring rescue sortie, and also shares some humorous and poignant incidents of everyday life. A skilled writer, he succeeds in capturing the drama of impending danger as well as the intangible spirit of camaraderie so common among men of the silent service. First published in 1947 and long out of print, this book is written for veterans and armchair sailors alike. By Martin Sheridan. Originally Published: Francestown, N.h. : M. Jones, 1947.