The son of a career naval officer, Beach was born in Palo Alto, California in 1918. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1939 and from Submarine School in 1941.
During World War II, he served as Damage Control Assistant, Chief Engineer, and Executive Officer of USS Trigger (SS-237), during which time she was one of the highest scoring submarines in the force. He received the Navy Cross for his service as Executive Officer of USS Tirante (SS-420) in early 1945. Beach also made one wartime patrol as commanding officer of USS Piper (SS-409).
Following the war, he commanded USS Amberjack (SS-522), USS Trigger (SS-564), and USS Triton (SSN-586), and served as naval aide to President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Between February and May 1960, Triton, under Beach's command, made the first submerged circumnavigation of the globe. This 83-day voyage proved the ability of nuclear-powered submarines to conduct long-duration operations in any part of the ocean.
Beach has also won renown as the author of three submarine novels, including the best selling "Run Silent Run Deep," "Dust on the Sea," and "Cold is the Sea." He also wrote several nonfiction works, including "Submarine," "Around the World Submerged," "Wreck of the Memphis," "The United States Navy: 200 Years," and his autobiography, "Salt and Steel."
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Last Updated:
2/8/03