The USS Bullhead
(SS-332) was the last American naval vessel lost in World War II, and she was a
submarine. This is the history of Bullhead from her
launching in July 1944 to her tragic disappearance on August 6, 1945. Told by Martin Sheridan, a former U.S. war correspondent. Trained as a
feature writer Sheridan was the only correspondent allowed on a war patrol
in an American submarine during World War II. The narrative is based on a journal the
author kept during Bullhead's first war patrol in March and April
1945, then supplemental information from official U.S. Navy reports. Supported by a unique collection of period photographs,
Sheridan describes the perilous
undersea war in the Pacific as only a firsthand account can. The author shares his
own experiences as well as the humorous and poignant incidents of everyday life
aboard the submarine. The author knew the crew of Bullhead personally and
tells of near misses with enemy mines, fast dives to avoid enemy aircraft and a
daring sortie to rescue three badly injured survivors of a downed B-29 American
bomber. Bullhead was lost with all-hands on her third war patrol, 84 men
perished with the submarine.
Originally published in 1947
"Overdue and Presumed Lost" returned to print in 2004. This new softbound
has 176 pages, 23
historic black and white photographs and an impressive unique fleet boat illustration. The book has a
full-color cover and a complete USS Bullhead crew roster, but no index or
maps. Order yours today!
New Book --- $17.95
"I had the
honor to command the USS Bullhead during her first two war patrols
and was transferred too the Operations Staff of the Commander, Submarine
Force, Pacific Fleet, only a month before the submarine and my shipmates
were lost. However I am certain the men of the Bullhead met their
death courageously in the highest traditions of the United States Navy. This
book will impress everyone interested in submarines, especially the next of
kin of the men aboard the SS-332, for it presents in great detail the war
accomplishments of the Bullhead." Commander Walter T.
Griffith, USN.
"He [Martin
Sheridan] has written a most interesting account, true to life, and
has very quickly absorbed the 'esprit de corps' and the fine tradition of
the submarine just as he has accurately divined the quiet, intent,
purposeful spirit that dwells within her people. The submarine was a deadly
engine of war to her crew; every day on patrol the war at their doorstep—and
the game wasn't being played for marbles. Such is the spirit Sheridan paints
with words into his picture of submarine men. His work is thorough and so
well done as to interest even veteran submarine sailors. We wonder how he
found out so much so quickly. That secret, no doubt, lies in his powers of
observation and in his ready understanding of men. I wish 'Overdue Presumed
Lost' great success and I hope its author will often take up his pen to give
the American public glimpses into the lives of the splendid men and ships
which I have had the honor to command. Submarines will find a berth for him
any time." Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, USN (Ret.)
Author
of
Sink 'Em All.
"Overdue and Presumed Lost' is a
moving account of the patrols of the USS Bullhead. The author who was
aboard the submarine's first patrol captures the drama as well as humor of
life on a submarine on active patrol. I would recommend this book to anyone
interested in learning more about the 'Silent Service' of our Armed Forces.
The author's style of writing makes this a quick read yet also a moving
account." Cahazlitt
Above photo: Church service in the Bullhead's after
torpedo room. Taken while on war patrol, June 20, 1945.
Above photo: In the Bullhead ward room, Ensign Jack
Simms II looks over medical supplies. Simms was lost with Bullhead.
Note: USS Bullhead photos below appear in
the book.
The Author
Born in 1915, Martin Sheridan was at
the famous Cocoanut Grove club in Boston, MA., on November 28, 1942.
Just 27 years old at the time, Sheridan was promoting cowboy movie
star Buck Jones when around 10 PM a fire broke out. Within 15
minutes the crowed nightclub was totally engulfed in flames. The
Cocoanut Grove fire killed 492 people, including Buck Jones and
Sheridan's wife, Constance Misslin. Sheridan was originally included
in the death toll until he was found recuperating at Massachusetts
General Hospital. When the severe burns he sustained in the fire
prevented him from enlisting in the Coast Guard for World War II
duty, Sheridan became a war correspondent for the Boston Globe. His
overseas reports included the aerial coverage of a deadly B-29
bombing raid on Tokyo, Japan. In the spring of 1945, Sheridan was
allowed to join the submarine USS Bullhead (SS-332) on her
first Pacific war patrol. He was the only American journalist to
undertake such an assignment in World War II. Following his
departure of Bullhead the submarine was lost with all hands
in August of 1945. In 1947 he wrote the book "Overdue Presumed
Lost." The book covered the brief yet tragic history of the
submarine USS Bullhead.
Sheridan was a successful freelance writer
and during his colorful career
interviewed numerous historical figures such as; President Franklin
D.
Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, Bob Hope, George Gershwin and
Jacqueline Kennedy. The former First Lady spoke to Sheridan just two
days before her husband President John F. Kennedy was assassinated
on November 22, 1963. In 1973, Sheridan published "Comics and Their
Creators: Life Stories of American Cartoonists." He also spent 20
years working in public relations for the Admiral Corporation and
the New England Council. Martin Sheridan died of kidney failure on
New Years Eve, December 31, 2003, he was 89 years old.
ISBN # 1-59114-786-7
by Martin Sheridan
Introduction by Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood,
Jr., USN
New Softbound edition
176 pages, 23 black and white photographs, 1 illustration
New $17.95
