He led an interesting life, both as a submariner and an accomplished writer. He was most famous for writing Run Silent, Run Deep and wrote other good books, too. He also skippered the USS Triton on the first round-the-world submerged submarine trip in 1960. Here's an obit.

In January 1942, he joined the submarine Trigger as it was being outfitted in Mare Island, Calif., and served on it until May 1944, rising to executive officer, the second in command.



The Trigger engaged in a memorable encounter on June 10, 1943, after lying submerged in Tokyo Bay for 30 days. The officer manning the periscope spotted the Japanese aircraft carrier Hitaka on its first trial run, zig-zagging out of dockside at high speed accompanied by two destroyers. The Trigger fired six torpedoes, four striking the carrier, then dived to well below its customary depth as the destroyers retaliated with depth charges. Crippled by holes in its hull, the Hitaka required lengthy repairs.

In July 1944, Captain Beach joined the submarine Tirante, which sank nine ships on its first patrol, an action for which he received the Navy Cross.