U.S. Submarine History Quick Facts -part 1 WWII

Around 16,000 sailors made submarine combat patrols during WWII. About 375 officers and 3131 enlisted men were killed when 52 U.S. submarines were sunk.

The casualty rate (around 22%) was the highest for any branch of the U.S. military in WWII.
Yet, the casualty rate for Italy (85 boats lost), Japan (130 lost) and Germany (779 U-boats lost) were even higher. Germany's U-boat casualty rate for crew was almost 72%.

Of the 420 U.S. commanders who took submarines into war and survived, almost all made the rank of Captain. About 60 made Admiral, including Fearless Freddie Warder.