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Summary: Would benefit from diagrams
Review: I found this an exciting book that I did not want to put down. "Swede" Momson's story is inspiring and well worth reading. However, it was very hard to visualize what was being described, and diagrams of the submarine layout as well as placement of the pontoons would have made the story far easier to follow.
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Summary: True-life reads like a thriller
Review: This is a fabulous book. It's true-life but reads like a thriller. It's about "Swede" Momson, who was the pioneer behind the technology that allows deep-sea rescue and salvage. This book is about the first deep sea (235 feet) rescue and salvage of a submarine, in 1939. I couldn't put it down.
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Summary: Inspiring but technically difficult
Review: An excellent account of the incident. This book would have greatly benefitted from diagrams and/or pictures. If you are not familiar with submarine lingo and technology, it is an incomplete picture. Especially the last chapter regarding the salvage of the submarine. However the development of the rescue techiniques was fascinating and very inspiring. Thank God for men like Swede.
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Summary: Courage in Conviction
Review: Mr. Maas's book is not just an exciting, true-life tale, nor is it just a wonderful biography of an unknow Naval hero. It's a story of an individual who has vision and through sheer dint of personal fortitude, overcomes tremendous organizational inertia and every conceivable obstacle over the long haul to realize his goal. Although in a Navy setting, this story of courage translates to any worthy undertaking and serves as an inpiration. Excellent reading for teenagers who could use a little shot of "Blue and Gold."
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Summary: Great Reading
Review: A great story about a man that few have really ever heard of. His calmness under pressure and his ingenuity are superb. They don't make them like that anymore. I wonder if under today's standards Mr. Momsen would be allowed the latitude and patience that was afforded him then. Again, a great story.
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Summary: .................suspense unbelievable! On
Review: One of the most exciting books I have ever read, and also one of the most informative. Having a very good friend who is a Capt, in the Navy and former Submarine Commander, this book has made me appreciate even more the many sacrifices he has made for our country. Everyone should read this book, and I guarantee there will never be a dull moment, plus a great educational experience. This is not the first book I have read by Peter Maas, and he is a great writer.
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Summary: "Terrible Hours" make for terrific reading
Review: As a History buff more than a little familiar with the sinking of the submarine Squalus in 1939, I was not thrilled when I received as a Christmas gift Peter Maas's new treatment of the tragedy. Wrong again! From the first sentence to the poignant final note, Maas seizes the reader's attention with a Walter Lord-style recounting of the sub's misfortune, beautifully portraying in his sparse, thoroughly readable prose the men who lived through it and those who would never sail again. Particularly notable is his balanced accounting of the incredible contributions made to American seamen and seapower by "Swede" Momsen. Would all so-called "histories" be as concise and enjoyable a read as this superb slim volume. Maas is a writer's writer. As for me, I'm going to revisit some his earlier gems like "Serpico" and "Underboss" and try not to be so judgmental when again gifted with a book I haven't read!
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Summary: The Terrible Hours
Review: Read this book! "The Terrible Hours" by Peter Maas. Learn how the "Momsen Lung" was just the tip of the iceberg in one mans dedication to the Submarine Service, and to the Navy collectively. How the sinking of the S-51, and two years later the S-4 off Provincetown almost drove this man to resign his commission. Put this together with "Blind Mans Bluff" and one reaches the conclusion that the "Silent Service" is; and for more reasons then one! I for one, a mear amateur, one who loved the duty, but who also recognized the strain that the "submariners life " put on the family, chose the later. As have many, I have seen the conning tower of Squalis, at Portsmouth Ship Yard (but just as I never heard mention of sinking, or drowning while stationed on a submarine) I never asked in-depth questions about the Squalis sinking. The rescue was broached but never the mention of how many lives lost. What hawser could connect Squalis, Albacore and Nautilus? The "Submarine Sailors, Sailor" The "Hard Hat Divers, Diver" The "Blue Jackets Friend" Charles Bowers Momsen, known better as "Swede Momsen". Christopher J. Pauli former EM3(SS)Auxiliaryman USS Nautilus SSN571
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Summary: I was humbled by the genius and fortitude of Mr. Momsen
Review: I applaud the other reviewers for going into such great detail. While 99% of my feelings regarding this incredible story have already been written, I am compelled to add my final 1%. As I read the story I continually had to flip back to the beginning to confirm that the year this was all taking place was indeed 1939. If I were given this book and all of the private notes of Mr. Momsen, and then asked to replicate his studies I wouldn't even know where to begin. How he accomplished all of this in the late '20s and early '30s is beyond me. Mr. Momsen is hardly a household word, but he makes Jacques Cousteau look like a rank amateur. This book should be required reading for every 7th grader in the country so they understand what it takes to be a true hero.
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Summary: A missing piece of history...
Review: I just read this book on vacation and could not put it down. The book is well-written, the story fast paced, and the information fascinating. I could not believe that such an accomplished and "brave" man could have been ignored in our history books for all these years.
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