The Galloping Ghost: The Extraordinary Life of Submarine Legend Eugene Fluckey

by Carl Lavo and Carl P. LaVO

Book Overview

Eugene Fluckey was one of the great naval heroes of World War II. His exploits as captain of the submarine USS Barb revolutionized undersea warfare and laid the groundwork for a nuclear-powered... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591144566
• ISBN13: 9781591144564
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: US Naval Institute Press
• Length: 206 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A worthwhile read for submarine enthusiasts

This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in US submarine warfare during World War II, particularly the character and personalities of the captains of the boats. It is competently written, and provides a detailed account of the WWII patrols of the USS Barb - not an insignificant feat for events that occurred 60 years ago - along with considerable insight into the family background, personal development, and military career of Eugene Fluckey. It is unabashedly positive in regard to Adm. Fluckey, who was clearly a remarkable individual. The material summarizing Adm. Fluckey's post-war career was informative, albeit perhaps a bit more spotty than the wartime chronicles, and I was disappointed to not be able to gain more insight as to why such an outstanding operational officer was not able to more succesfully advance in the Navy in later years, beyond a suggestion of 'politics'. While I find William Tuohy's biography of Richard O'Kane (The Bravest Man) to be slightly more analytical and comprehensive, this book is enthusiastically recommended reading for anyone interested in naval history, particularly those with a focus on submarines, and remarkable naval officers.

One of the greatest...

Noted submarine author Carl Lavo turns his attention to one of the most colorful characters in the WWII submarine skipper pantheon, Eugene Fluckey. I wasn't sure how well this slim (about 200 pages) volume would stand up in comparison to Fluckey's own book, "Thunder Below". Given LaVo's past track record writing on submarine topics, I needn't have worried. Whereas "Thunder Below" really concentrates on the day to day exploits of the USS Barb, "Galloping Ghost" is really about Fluckey himself, and more importantly the impact he had on others and on the US submarine force. Fluckey, with blue eyes, red hair and enough freckles to win a contest at age 6, is a strong athlete and student while growing up in Washington, DC. Inspired by a neighbor to consider a naval career, he forgoes a chance to study at Princeton and attempts to get an appointment to the US Naval Academy. Through the graces of Illinois representative William Holaday (his family had roots in Illinois), he manages to gain acceptance at the Naval Academy. We follow Fluckey up to the time of the war, and his efforts to get assigned to a combat submarine. Finally (through some finagling on his part), he ends up commanding The Gato class submarine Barb. The book details each of Fluckey's war patrols on Barb. The sinking of the Japanese carrier Unyo, and the rescue of British and Australian POWs from sunken Japanese transports, the famous rocket attack and the daring landing on Japanese territory to destroy a train are all related. Fluckey's adventures in running Barb toward the dock at high speed so that FDR can get movie films from his wheelchair add some comic relief. While on furlough at home, Fluckey is told he will receive the Medal of Honor for his exploits, he objects that it is for "dead heroes". He finally accepts it not for himslef, but on behalf of his Barb crew. Fluckey's service as Nimitz's aide after the war, his command of USS Halfbeak, and his promotion at a very young age to admiral is covered. His role in the time when the US Navy converts its submarine force to nuclear power and missile firing capabilities find Fluckey deeply involved at the forefront of these changes. Even in retirement, he was a sought after inspirational speaker. In later years, he treated the surviving crew members of the USS Barb to several exotic trips, paying for everything with proceeds from the book "Thunder Below". When given a standing ovation at the 1995 50th Anniversary of the war's end in Pearl Harbor, Fluckey thanked the crowd, "on behalf of that standing ovation for my crew." I heartily recommend this book to all. Eugene Fluckey's irrepressible nature, humor, and character come through, and his self-deprecating ways, always trying to turn the focus on the fact that he led a crew, an extraordinary crew on Barb, and that it was never about him. This book sits next to "Thunder Below" on my shelf, and I am sure I will reread it in years to come. "Put more into life th

Galloping Ghost

Excellent true story of one of USA's top Submarine commanders in WWII. A true hero and a winner of the Medal of Honor. Our subs were a major factor in the defeat of Japan even before we dropped the bomb...which saved me as a 2nd Lt Inf from the invasion.

Great Companion to THUNDER BELOW!

First, let me say that I am an unabashed admirer of Adm. Fluckey. I truly see him as a hero both professionally and privately. He was always happy to autograph items for me, and even offered some invaluable advise upon occasion. That being said, anyone who has read anything on his wartime exploits will undoubtedly walk away agreeing that he was a true American Hero. Definitely read his autobiography, "Thunder Below". That being said, Carl LaVo has done an impressive job filing in many of the gaps in Fluckey's life, both before and after the war, as well as new insights into his wartime patrols through interviews with Fluckey's crew. The book is well written, researched, and an interesting, easy read. As the author points out, Fluckey's memory was impaired by the time he started research for this book, so it is a shame that his reflections could not have been a greater part of the book. LaVo did the Admiral proud with this one. Anyone with even a remote interest will walk away from this book with a new hero, Adm. Fluckey. This book is a must have. It stands on its own, or will make a must have companion to Adm. Fluckey's own book, "Thunder Below". I liked the author well enough to check out his "Back from the Deep" next.

Eugene Fluckey Has Passed Away.

From a news release dated July 2, 2007 - 7:41am ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Rear Adm. Eugene Fluckey, one of the Navy's top submarine commanders in World War II and a Medal of Honor recipient, died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at age 93. ------------------------------------------------------- Our country, the USA, has lost an amazing patriot, one who was willing to give his all for his country, one who did all he could possibly do to help the war effort against the Japanese. The world was definately a better place with him in it!