I met a submariner who sailed aboard the WWII submarine "The Barb" and this is accurate and one of the best true stories written. It's the equal to Dick O'Kane's book on the U.S.S. Tang. Both were outstanding submariners and both later went on to become Admirals. BOTH skippers won the Congressional Medal of Honor, something awarded to only 7 WWII sub skippers out of more than 200, and 4 of the 7 were posthumous. Gene Fluckey was one who received the medal for daring and successful action, not for going down with his ship. They don't give the medal out lightly, especially in the United States Navy. Check out their battle flag for an example of the creativity of the skipper and crew. They 'sank' a Japanese train for crying out loud!