USS Grayback SS-208 / Submarine Grayback / Rick Cline / SubmarineBooks.com

The Author

Born in Maywood, California, Rick Cline has spent the majority of his life in Southern California. He is the son of a World War II Navy veteran––his father, Clovis Cline, having served aboard the escort carrier USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80). The flattop saw action in several crucial Pacific campaigns. An award-winning photojournalist, Cline’s work has appeared around the world and in publications such as the National Enquirer and World Book Encyclopedia. A long-time enthusiast of World War II history, his first book, Escort Carrier WWII examines the history of his father’s ship Petrof Bay. Cline’s second book, Submarine Grayback covers the World War II history of USS Grayback (SS-208) lost in the Pacific in February 1944. Rick continues to pursue untold submarine stories of World War II with the release Final Dive a book about the USS Snook (SS-279), lost in 1945.

Her fate would be a tragic death in the depths, but before she was sunk, USS Grayback (SS-208) compiled an impressive battle record. The submarine and her courageous crew quickly made a name for themselves sinking nineteen enemy vessels, including another submarine and a destroyer. At the height of her remarkable career, in February 1944, Grayback mysteriously disappeared. When she made her fatal plunge to the bottom of the Pacific, eighty brave Americans, including her gallant captain, were lost forever.

In Submarine Grayback you will relive all ten of Grayback's exhilarating war patrols. Experience the dangers and excitement of sinking over 66,000 tons of enemy ships. Then hang-on when the enemy destroyers unleash their lethal depth charges. Read first-hand how Grayback single-handedly executed a daring and bold rescue mission from a Japanese held island. Join the sub's pharmacist's mate as he recounts his first surgery—removing the appendix from an ailing crew member. For over a half-century, the full story of this famous WWII submarine had never been told. Submarine Grayback will transport you back in time to relive the sub's thrilling underwater career. Author Rick Cline made exclusive use of the USS Grayback war patrol reports and conducted personal interviews and correspondence with several of her former crewmen. Hear from these forgotten men of Grayback who experienced the fear and drama of her hazardous war patrols.

Rick Cline, author of Escort Carrier WWII and Final Dive tells the breathtakingly true story of Submarine Grayback. This new softbound has 252 pages, 31 B/W photos, a crew roster and an index, no maps.

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Awards Five Stars to

"Submarine Grayback"

Book REVIEWS

"An Unsung Hero of World War II—USS Grayback SS-208. After 55 years the true story of the USS Grayback is finally told! Submarine Grayback represents the true essence of how our submarines held the line against the powerful Japanese fleet in WWII. This book is must reading for anyone who appreciates the sacrifices made by our submarines in WWII... the brave officers and men of the Grayback finally have their story told and what a special story it is." Captain Albert D. Saleker USN (Ret.)

"You did an outstanding job, I couldn't have done any better myself. My deepest appreciation for this book, or the story would never have been told... Job well done!" Merlin 'Bourgy' Bourguignon / USS Grayback survivor

“I have always been fascinated by submarines, and am particularly interested in the stories of those subs lost during WWII, as was Grayback. At first I was somewhat put off by the amount of daily minutia Cline includes, but eventually I fell into the rhythm of what life must have been like for her crew. I also like how Cline made each war patrol a single chapter, and my interest grew as I neared that final patrol. The account of her final days—and the speculation as to how she was lost—is both poignant and fascinating... That the story shines through in the end is a testament to the valor of the men of Grayback. I applaud Rick Cline for bringing their heroic tale to life, and I would recommend the book." L. S. Jorgensen

"I thoroughly enjoyed your 'Masterful' history of the WWII submarine Grayback. It was brilliantly researched and highly readable." Nick Christodoulou / USS Scabbardfish / WWII Sub Vet.

"I recently purchased your book regarding the USS Grayback from Amazon.com. I just finished ordering two more and in all likelihood will order more later. I can not thank you enough for this book! You see, Wilbur E. Campbell was my great-uncle. As you know, he died aboard the Grayback. While I never met him, I have heard stories about him all of my life from my father who was also a Navy man. This book gives us so much insight into his life and death there are no words to express our appreciation. Until they died, Uncle Wilbur’s mother and family believed he was simply "lost at sea" and would return. I wish they could have read your book." Karen Crile Gaston

"I just finished reading your book, Submarine Grayback. Thank you for writing it. I have read many accounts of the submarine war in the Pacific but yours brought into clear view the amazing story that each submarine must have had. In the case of Grayback, it was a tragic story, but also simply remarkable. I found, incidentally, by doing a web search on Grayback which took me to Amazon.com. I was looking for something new about the boat, and I hit pay dirt" Bob Littlejohn