The Last Patrol

The Last Patrol by Harry Holmes, published by Naval Institute Press in 2001, offers an operational history of the fifty-two U.S. submarines lost during World War II. This edition, comprising 212 pages, delves into the significant yet often overlooked contributions of the U.S. submarine service, which experienced the highest percentage of losses among American armed forces. The narrative highlights the legendary achievements of these submarines and their crews, who, despite representing only two percent of naval personnel, were responsible for over fifty-five percent of Japanese shipping losses.

Readers will find a detailed exploration of the operational challenges faced by these submarines, including the audacious attacks led by renowned commanders and the tragic losses of vessels that never returned. The book discusses the critical role of the Japanese merchant marine and its eventual destruction by U.S. submarines, which significantly impacted Japan’s fighting potential and economy. Through this account, The Last Patrol presents a comprehensive view of the sacrifices and successes of the U.S. submarine fleet during a pivotal time in military history.