The Archerfish, a diesel powered Balao-class submarine crafted in the 1940s, won a unique, heroic place in military history and the memories of her crew members. Here is her story; from her assembly in New England and her dedication by Eleanor Roosevelt’s personal secretary, to her service in World War II, where she broke the back of the Japanese Navy, and her critical role in the Cold War.

Here, too, is the story of her crew, who waited years to serve on the Archerfish. In their own words, these men tell how, against all odds, they sent a Japanese aircraft carrier to the ocean floor. Heroic actions, exotic ports, B-girls, perilous shore leaves, and the fascinating details of life aboard a sub—it’s all here. An extraordinary real-life odyssey, Gallant Lady is a vivid, unforgettable portrait of a submariner’s life.