Preview
  • Silent Running

  • My Years on a World War II Attack Submarine
  • By: James F. Calvert
  • Narrated by: Kevin Patrick
  • Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,308 ratings)

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Silent Running

By: James F. Calvert
Narrated by: Kevin Patrick
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Publisher's summary

In this riveting personal account, an authentic American hero relives the perils and triumphs of eight harrowing patrols aboard one of America's most successful World War II submarines. Courageous deeds and terror-filled moments - as well as the endless hard work of maintaining and operating a combat sub - are vividly recalled in Calvert's candid portrait. From rigorous training and shakedown cruises off the coast of New England to tense patrols within shouting distance of Japan's major cities, the progress of the newly commissioned USS Jack parallels Calvert's own growth from callow ensign to charter member of one of the sharpest attack teams in the fleet. Silent Running is more than a masterful collection of war stories. The greatest drama takes place within Jim Calvert himself, as his values, his training, and his courage are put to test daily, both at sea and ashore. He must come to terms with a forbidden love, overcome fear and self-doubt, cope with the loss of comrades, and face the constant reality that each and every day at sea might be his last. Jim Calvert has created one of the most remarkable World War II memoirs to date.
©1995 by James F. Calvert, Vice Admiral, USN (Ret.) (P)1997 by Blackstone Audiobooks
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What listeners say about Silent Running

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A fascinating view of WW2 Sub Warfare

Any fan of Tom Clancy's fictional sub tales will like this historical audio book of our submarine forces in WW2. The combination of technical information, wartime action, and insights into the human factor of life on a WW2 Sub made this book an enjoyable choice. The 10 hour unabridged size was also nice if you like unabridged formats - it did not drag or feel too long, but rather was hard to "put down". I would highly recommend this audiobook!

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24 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Not bad

It’s ok. Better read is Thunder Below. I can recommend this book but if t
You only want to read one WWII sub book then read Thunder Below.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

This story came out if the air

to my ears. Incredible story and just kept my wanting more. Unfolding takes of truth to make me lay awake thinking if there plights. WW ll a blend of how it was and how it ended. Beautifully told and written.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Excellent audible book

Listened with rapt attention throughout. Even his semi romantic escapade captured my attention.
His unauthorized visit to Tokyo brought charges I knew would be dropped. A lot could be forgiven for someone who did nines tours in the most dangerous service.

This is a great listen.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good book, average reading

The book itself is quite good very interesting even if you don't know anything about the Naval war ships or submarines. The reading could have been much better

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Recording quality is no good

Sounds quality is variable and heavily compressed, with popping and screeching at times.
The heavy compression mutes lows, and sometimes highs or mid-range, but overall ends up shrill and tinny.
Volume varies, sometimes accompanied by the sound of the performer choking on a sock.
This needs to be re-recorded.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Book!

Quite enjoyable and it ended too soon. An invigorating book on WWII submarines and their missions.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A beautiful story of courage and romance

Great narration, story and author. Really immerses you into the submarine of WWII. Calvert really has a story to tell.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Read

He was a small cog in the great machinery of WW II but he had a front row seat, which he shares with us. This book gives a glimpse of what the war was like at the point of action. It is not only tremendously enlightening it is very entertaining. If you have an interest in naval military history as told from an individual combatant?s perspective, you should consider this book.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Experience the submarine life firsthand

I thought this was a great book. I disagree with one reviewer on the narrator; I thought the narrator did a fine job. The story is both exciting and personal. This ranks right up there with my other favorite WW II listens: The Phantom Major, The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, and Shadow Divers (quasi-WW II.)

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6 people found this helpful