Recalling Life on a Submarine During World War II

At 88 years old, Eugene Coyle is still sharp enough to list all 50 states in alphabetical order and tabulate high multiplication problems in his head. Considering the wear and tear on his body, Coyle's mind may be his most impressive attribute, that's until he shares stories from his past.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 Coyle was playing semi-pro football at South Boston Stadium. After the game both teams agreed to enlist in the military the next day.

That Monday, both teams showed up at the post office in Boston, where Coyle signed up for the Navy. Before long, Coyle was in Great Lakes, Ill. training to join the Navy submarine corps.

In 1942, Coyle headed to the Pacific to fight the Japanese, who had taken many of the islands. He recalls leaving Australia at night and quietly making landfall in the occupied Philippines, where his company would bring stolen Japanese weapons to the troops on the island.

During his time in the Philippines, Coyle picked up two dialects of the native language. He still remembers many phrases including "Pretty lady" in both versions of the language.

In the water, Coyle was part of a massive Allied effort to beat the Japanese by sinking their ships. Coyle explained that while movies might portray torpedoes as small underwater rockets, his submarine shot nothing shorter than 21 feet. He said most of their torpedoes weighed two tons. Needless to say, work on a submarine was backbreaking.

Though the work was hard, Coyle looks back fondly on his days on a sub.

"I tell you, I miss those subs," Coyle said. "It's in my blood. You have to be a nut like me."

Coyle said his friends joke with him that he sleeps with the windows closed to relive his time under the ocean.

During his time fighting in World War II, Coyle was injured in battle and spent time at Leahi Hospital in Hawaii.

After he recovered and the war ended, Coyle spent time on a destroyer. As part of the Navy he traveled all over the world, crossing through the Panama Canal 14 times.

The years may have slowed down the Milton native since his time on a submarine in the Pacific, but his stories haven't lost any luster.