Beneath This Flag

5,This group of poems is the result of many conversations and memories of some of the finest sailors and officers ever to explore the ocean depths in a submarine. We often discussed our reasons for choosing submarine duty. The answer always seemed to be love of country and a desire to honor the sacrifices of our forefathers. Many just wanted to do something exciting while defending the flag of freedom that was passed down to us. We had taken an oath to defend that flag at all costs.We never discussed the danger that surrounded us or the fact that submariners of other nations were out there participating in that cat-and-mouse game. It was understood that we never discussed the loss of two of our boats, one of which took one of our former shipmates on eternal patrol.Every submarine I rode is now scrap metal, but my memories of those courageous young men I have attempted to preserve in verse.