Fearless Freddie

He didn’t much like the nickname “Fearless Freddie,” given that he was as scared as anyone during World War II battles pitting the U.S. Navy submarine he commanded against big guns from the Japanese fleet. But West Virginia native Frederick B. Warder, who retired from the service as a Rear Admiral after decades of attention to America’s submarine operations, was given the sobriquet for taking risks during fights with enemy destroyers, transport ships, cruisers, and more. After sinking a ship, Warder would display calm for the benefit of his men, all while he and his crew were bombarded for hours with depth charges. Warder is idolized today by amateur historians of WWII lore for his willingness to exhaust every resource to take out as many vessels as possible. In 1942, as commander of the USS Seawolf, Warder used all 10 torpedoes he had aboard to sink three Japanese ships off the coast of the Philippines—blasting one ship per day, over three days, each time slipping away (while surviving depth charges) and then sneaking back in again. For his leadership and daring, Warder was awarded the Navy Cross. Filmmaker Andrew Linn’s Fearless Freddie explores several impressive chapters Warder’s life and career, including an interesting period when he successfully attempted to adapt for the U.S. Navy the German “Wolfpack” strategy of attacking enemy ships with multiple submarines. Interviewees include WWII historians and family members. Warder, who died in 2000 at age 95, seems to have been a grand and warm figure in retirement following a stellar career in service to his country. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)