Clear the Bridge! Audiobook By RAdm. Richard H. O'Kane USN cover art

Clear the Bridge!

The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang

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Clear the Bridge!

By: RAdm. Richard H. O'Kane USN
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
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About this listen

The story of Tang and her gallant crew ranks with the most amazing of naval history.

Between August 1943 when she was commissioned and her loss in fall 1944, Tang completed four missions and was on her fifth in the Formosa Strait, single-handedly demolishing a convey. During this time, Tang had one captain: Commander Richard Hetherington O'Kane. Together, Tang, her crew of 86 men, and her captain sank more tonnage and more enemy ships than any other submarine on active patrol.

Whether rescuing Navy fliers off Truk or stalking enemy convoys off Japan, Tang carried the war to the enemy with unparalleled ferocity.

©1977 Richard H. O'Kane (P)2020 Tantor
Naval Forces World War II Military War Submarine
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What listeners say about Clear the Bridge!

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The top five books I've ever read or listen to

Perhaps because I was in the submarine service I could almost put myself onboard the Tang. almost but certainly not like the brave crew aboard her. Never a braver bunch of men ever lived.

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The Best WW II Submarine Book

I loved everything about this book. I was amazed at how much detail the author remembered and included in the story; then I realized I shouldn't have been surprised because he made it to the rank of Rear Admiral. I have read a number of books on submarines and toured a few WW II vintage submarines that are now museums, yet I still learned things about diesel-electric submarines such as the constant decisions the captain and other officers had to do such as how (when surfaced) how much engine power to devote to propulsion vs recharging batteries.

The narrator was great -- good pace and very consistent. I did note a few places where it was obvious some overdubbing had been done because the audio was somewhat inconsistent, but not to the point of being a significant distraction. I'm glad I also listened to "Undersea Warrior" about Mush Morton who commanded the sub Wahoo because prior to commanding Tang, Richard O'Kane had been Tang's Executive Officer, serving under Morton.

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Great narration

The Joe Friday approach, without any braggadocio is very refreshing. The honorable Navy officer doing his duty comes through loud and clear. Many kudos.

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O'kane does a nice job on this book.

Great book. The worse narration I have ever heard. For example. instead of the narrator yelling. FIRE!! he just reads the book with no emotions, Will put you to sleep. Listen to Flockeys book and youll understand why I hate this read.

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Great Story

I must have read 3 times since would listen while falling asleep after setting the timer. The next night I’d realize I fallen asleep early so I’d reset.

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Amazing book!

A gripping story line and detailed events give insight to what daily life of a WWll submariner was like. Overall a great listen, and well worth my time and money.
The only reason why I don't give 5 stars is because of the "fluff" in the storyline at times. Unnecessary or repetitive details that sometimes drag on, when the 2x playback speed button is the main thing keeping me from setting the book down entirely. These boring details aren't entirely pointless, because the life of a submariner was like that...lots of slow times punctuated by occasional fast-paced skirmishes or other crazy challenges. But seriously, this book could be around 3 hours shorter and be just fine.
Thank you!

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a great read

loved it kept you on the edge of your seat the whole time almost couldn't put it down

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Unbelievable adventure

Real adventure and intense drama from a amazing man who lived it. Inspiring, I can't imagine the fear, courage and just sheer strength of will it took to do what these guys did! A gripping account of war under the sea.
Excellent

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Best ww2 story

My favorite ww2 sub story from commander point of view. You get a good idea of the strategy used. Well read.

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A Real Thriller

Clear the Bridge by RAdm Richard O'Kane is a detailed account of his 5 war patrols on USS Tang.
Grab a pencil and a chart as he leads you through the encounters of Tang with Japanese ships both merchant and warships. You will get a white knuckle grip on your chair as he reveals the intensity and clear headedness needed to survive in combat. There is plenty of detail to chart Tang's progress and follow along with the tactics O'Kane implemented to sink ship after ship. Because of the limitations on WWII submarines due to design and engineering compounded by the requirements of torpedoes he shot to get a hit, Tang is maneuvered into really close quarters where the bearing rate and distance change rapidly. The book is long but so was the war for those who fought in it.
Reading the Appendix is well worth the price of this book. It is that good at making the case that the U.S. submarine force was instrumental in bringing Japan to an unconditional surrender in 1945.

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