Ep 3. America Fights Back

In Hell Below season 1 episode 3, titled "America Fights Back," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey back in time to some of the most significant battles of World War II, where American submarines played a key role in the fight against Japanese forces.

The episode kicks off with a dramatic reenactment of the USS Seawolf, one of the most powerful submarines in the American arsenal, being ambushed by Japanese anti-submarine units in the Pacific Ocean. With their powerful sonar equipment, the Japanese are able to track the American sub's every move, making it nearly impossible for her to attack. As the Seawolf is forced to retreat, her commander, Fred Connaway, must come up with a new strategy if he hopes to turn the tide of the war.

The focus then shifts to the USS Tang, a brand new submarine that's never seen combat. Led by the brilliant and fearless Richard "Dick" O'Kane, the Tang is tasked with disrupting the Japanese supply lines and starving their troops of much-needed resources. With her torpedoes locked and loaded, the Tang sets out on her first mission, taking out a convoy of Japanese ships with ease. But as they press deeper into enemy territory, the Tang comes face to face with the reality of war, and the toll it takes on the men who fight it.

As the war rages on, the episode delves deeper into the psychological challenges faced by the American submariners, who spent weeks at a time in cramped, dangerous conditions, with little to no communication with the outside world. We see firsthand the fear, loneliness, and camaraderie that develops among these men as they fight for their country.

Despite the dangers and hardships, the American submarines prove to be an invaluable asset in the fight against the Japanese. In a stunning finale, viewers witness the USS Barb, under the command of Eugene Fluckey, launch an audacious attack on a heavily fortified Japanese base, causing massive damage to enemy forces and cementing the submarine's place in history as one of the most effective weapons of the war.

Overall, "America Fights Back" is a thrilling, action-packed episode that provides a fascinating look at the role that American submarines played in World War II. With stunning visuals, gripping reenactments, and expert commentary from historians and veterans alike, this episode is a must-see for anyone interested in military history.