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Summary: This will be a great movie; maybe Sean Connery as Momsen
Review: I heard Peter Maas on the Imus morning show and was so intrigued by the story that I ordered the book the same morning. I have not been disappointed. This is a true story of a great American hero.
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Summary: I would like a copy signed by the author
Review: I have not read the book, but I too am curious to know if it is a reprint of THE RESCUER, by Maas that I do have. I also have BLOW ALL BALLAST, by Barrows, and MEN UNDER THE SEA, by Ellsberg. These both detail the Squalus rescue. I plan on buying the book anyway and would like one signed by Maas.
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Summary: A Re-Write of _The Rescuer_?
Review: I haven't yet read this book (it's on my list), but I wondered if it might not more or less be a re-write of Peter Maas' 1967 book, on the very same topic, called _The Rescuer_. That book was quite a good read, and the stars I have assigned refer to it.
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Summary: The book lacks authenticating detail
Review: This is a small book, made even smaller by omitting pictures, sketches, diagrams and references. It is not worth even the low Amazon cost.
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Summary: Great book, it has everythnig, drama, excitement, heroism
Review: The "Terrible Hours" would make a great big screen movie. I only hope that if it is made into a movie they do it right.
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Summary: I would like to review, but only after the author :
Review: says he used as part of his research the book by Nat A. Barrows titled "BLOW ALL BALLAST! The Story of the Squalus" published and copyright by DODD, MEAD & AND COMPANY, Inc. in 1940. Barrows' namesake is currently the publisher of The Island Advantages, a weekly newspaper in Stonington, ME. Barrows himself was on the scene during the rescue efforts, personally witnessing events as they unfolded and remaining until the resolution of the drama. Please respond, or ask Peter Maas to respond.
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Summary: Swede Momsen's story, at last!
Review: If you followed the Russian submarine incident with interest, you must read Peter Maas' book "Terrible Hours". In the year 2000, Russian submariners perished while the whole world watched and waited. In the year 1939, an American submarine, disabled and sitting on the bottom in 250 feet of water, was located and its crew rescued, thanks to the determination and guts of one Swede Momsen. Maas does an excellent job bringing to light the early days of American submarine warfare and his portrayal of the pioneer days of underwater rescue is fascinating. The US Navy wasn't very kind to Momsen in his day. Maas notes that Momsen's efforts to develop and test rescue techniques and equipment were actually frowned upon by the brass. Momsen's accomplishments were achieved mainly on the sly and at great personal and professional risk. "Terrible Hours" is truly a must read, not only for those interested in submarines and submarine history, but for anyone moved by the gripping human drama of crewmen trapped on the ocean floor, waiting, waiting for that tap on the hull.
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Summary: Swede Momsen Made Sub Rescue Possible
Review: In this enjoyable nonfiction account, Peter Maas tells the story of Swede Momsen's life's work in making it possible to rescue trapped submariners; and how this work was successfully applied to the unfortunate sailors on the Squalus in 1939.
Although subs of the day did not actually go that deep (Maas makes the point that the sailors could be trapped in water no deeper than the distance from Home to Second Base), when misfortune occured there was nothing anyone could do until Swede Momsen came along. Momsen invented the Momsen lung and the diving bell and pioneered the use of inert gas along with Oxygen as a diving mixture. His personally trained divers were able to use these tools to retrieve the sailors of the Squalus, and ultimately the submarine itslef.
Maas does a good job of alternating between the plight of the sailors on the Squalus and telling us the story of how Momsen was inspired to come up with his innovations. Recommended for anyone who enjoys true life adventure stories and inspiring tales of invention.
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Summary: Courage, Determination & Imagination
Review: This story illustrates the benefit of those visionary, courageous individuals who put their ideas into action and make the world a better place. In this case, the story is of Charles "Swede" Momsen and the recovery of the crew of the sub "Squalis" in 1939. That story alone is worth the read, but its also interesting to realize all of the rescue, submarine and simple diving innovations that came from Momsen's efforts. Bravo.
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Summary: An Exceptional Individual Saving Men in Undersea Frontier
Review: After the loss of the Kurst a few years ago, there was an occasional mention of Lt Swede Momsen and all this very rare individual brought to the US Navy. Peter Maas does an excellent job of documenting Swede's contribution in rescuing the sailors from the Squalus in 1939. Momsen was responsible for the Navy's pioneering work with mixed gas deep water breathing, inventing a breathing apparatus for sailor to make free ascendants and developing the diving bell to save men from stranded submarines. Each one of the sailor who got off the Squalus can thank the remainder of the lives for Momsen for not giving up in the face of the Navy bureaucracy. One comes away from this book with an even higher level of respect for all those sailors endured during those terrible hours. An easy read that will keep your attention from beginning to end.
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