How Dangerous Was Duty Onboard a US World War II Submarine?

How Dangerous Was Duty Onboard a US World War II Submarine?

VERY.

Percentage-wise, it was the most dangerous duty of the war. More dangerous than storming the beaches or Normandy or Iwo Jima. More dangerous than daylight bombing raids over Germany. More dangerous than being a Naval Aviator.

During the war, the US Navy lost 52 submarines resulting in 3506 sailors remaining on eternal patrol. This made or a casualty rate of between 20 - 24%.

The Submarine Service represented only 1.6% of all Navy personnel during the war, but was responsible for over 55% of all Japanese ships sunk, including one-third of the Imperial Japanese Navy.