Planet Tyrus — Bill Dillon: Inside a WWII Submarine Patrol

Date: January 20, 2026
Guest: William "Bill" Dillon, WWII Submariner, Radio First Class, USS Sailfish
Host: Tyrus (Outkick)

Overview

This episode of Planet Tyrus delivers a riveting, deeply personal account of American history through the voice of William "Bill" Dillon—102-year-old WWII submariner and last known American survivor from the Battle of Formosa. Tyrus brings his signature mix of humor, reverence, and candor, allowing Dillon to share vivid stories of growing up in the Great Depression, surviving submarine warfare, and later contributing to US aerospace and GPS innovation. The conversation is rich with insights on sacrifice, leadership, resilience, and the differences between generations, all delivered with unfiltered honesty.

Key Discussion Points

Bill Dillon’s Early Life and Resilience

• Growing Up in the Great Depression (05:30 – 11:03):
  • Bill details a childhood of hardship: “We never wasted a doggone thing. ... The people that ate first was always the elders; the kids ate last.” (06:10, Bill)
  • He underscores the discipline and lack of entitlement, contrasting then and now:

    “There was no such thing as the kids got everything today. And when we grew up, we did it ourselves.” (07:59, Bill)

  • Unity and absence of divisiveness:

    “There was no such thing as racism. We were all Americans. ... Nobody, but nobody ever helped us do anything.” (08:37, Bill)

  • Reflects on survival and being the last of his twelve siblings; deep Catholic faith sustains him.

    “Why am I here? I think for several reasons ... I’m ready to go, but to answer your question about the Depression, I’ll talk to anybody, anytime...” (09:54, Bill)

Joining the Navy and Submarine Training

• Enlistment at 17 & Boot Camp (01:29 – 05:30; 12:59 – 14:49):

  • Left high school during junior year at age 17 to enlist, inspired by duty and country.
  • Experiences at boot camp and beyond:

    “No, it was none of those (fear, nerves). I was just happy as a jaybird...First time I’d been to a restaurant or a barbershop.” (13:34, Bill)

  • Parental advice: “You love people, give them a first chance, but don’t give them a second chance.” (14:06, Bill)

• Submarine Qualification and Responsibility (14:52 – 22:11):

  • Extensive, hands-on training required; every sailor had to know every system.

    “You have to learn everything about a submarine. But nobody could do my job.” (21:03, Bill)

  • Humor at meeting Admiral Nimitz as a young radioman:

    “Here I’m a third class radioman and Admiral Nimitz’s wife says, ‘Sailor, would you like a picture?’ Raw hell’s bells, who wouldn’t?” (16:09, Bill)

Life and Leadership on the USS Sailfish

• Life Aboard Submarine (14:52 – 22:11):
  • Contrasts old “O” and “S” class boats with newer fleet class; describes rigorous daily life and the privilege (and burden) of manning early radar and radio equipment.
• Critical Incident: Near Disaster on Shake-Down Dive (27:18 – 35:01):
  • After all officers replaced, new crew nearly lost the Sailfish due to miscalculation on a first dive out of Pearl Harbor:

    “We took our first dive and we went straight down ... we don’t know how far down we went.” (29:47, Bill)
    “All you can do, you couldn’t get any leverage…just hanging on your feet are falling up from underneath you.” (30:44, Bill)

    • Noted this near-catastrophe was never recorded in the official logbooks:

      “If you read the logs on that patrol you won’t find not one single solitary word about that.” (32:04, Bill)

Combat Patrols and Realities of War

• Commanders Good and Bad (23:02 – 27:02):
  • Praises initial Commander Moore as like a father; criticizes successor (LeFeber) for cowardice and inefficiency, showing the impact of leadership on morale and survival.
• Surviving Depth Charges and Battle (35:02 – 41:26):
  • “We had 135 depth charges on one approach ... we weren’t scared.” (35:53, Bill)
  • Emotional complexity of submarine combat:

    “No, we did not jump up and holler when we sank a ship ... those guys are fighting their war just like we are.” (36:00, Bill)

• Rescue Missions (36:00 – 41:26):
  • Account of rescuing 12 downed American pilots under fire; vivid communication with pilots via radio, chaos above decks, and heroism under fire.
  • Describes friends lost on USS Sculpin and post-war realization about their fate.

The Fight for Recognition

• Call for Medals for Enlisted Men (41:30 – 43:46):
  • Frustration at lack of official recognition:

    “What we ought to do is get medals for those 20 guys that got sunk on that carrier ... more than just the Purple Heart.” (41:26, Bill)

  • Advocates a new set of awards exclusively for enlisted men:

    “Without us, you’re nothing. ... I’d like to see a whole set of medals for nobody but the enlisted guy.” (43:09, Bill)

Post-War Success: Education, Space Program, GPS

• From WWII to University and Aerospace (43:46 – 53:11):
  • GI Bill, got GED, graduated University of Florida, worked on defense and space projects.
• Pioneering GPS (53:13 – 59:16):
  • Led first software-based quality control for launch vehicles—working 90-hour weeks:

    “I worked 90 hours a week ... for my country, seriously.” (56:11, Bill)

  • Headed ground system development of GPS; project initiated in 1970, with first launches in 1978 and full capability by 1994.

    “When you pick up your iPhone today ... somebody ought to thank you, I’m gonna tell you.” (59:16, Bill)

Reflections on Family, Loss, and Legacy

• 80-Year Marriage and Loss (47:18 – 49:15):

  • Married high school sweetheart Janet; celebrated would-be 80th anniversary in 2024.
  • Lost wife after a car accident caused by another driver; candid emotion:

    “You have been together so long, you’re one person. ... That’s the way I’ve got to lead, you know.” (49:02, Bill)

• View on Generations and Gratitude (49:15 – 51:01):

  • Proud of the Greatest Generation; did not embellish achievements.
  • Deep pride in what he built after the war, not just during.

    “I'm more proud of what I did after the war ... facts speak for themselves.” (51:01, Bill)

• On Legacy and Purpose (61:56 – 63:41):

  • Believes his longevity and storytelling serve a purpose:

    “I think I’m here to tell the story.” (61:56, Bill)

  • Emotional tribute to his submarine comrades (showing book cover with their photo):

    “Every single solitary, that picture, is gone in the last stand. ... I cry when I see that.” (63:23, Bill)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Submarine Warfare:

  “The discipline during World War II was fantastic. So when the war came, we were ready…we were already in a position to take on the world.” (07:06, Bill)

• On Self-Reliance:

  “When we grew up, we did it ourselves ... used to knock on doors to make pennies.” (08:37, Bill)

• On Unsung Heroism:

  “They only put in the logs what is favorable to the officers ... I got so many things I want to say.” (33:19, Bill)

• On Recognition:

  “It's people like you ... that honor the hell out of me, not my government.” (12:34, Bill)

• On True Sacrifice:

  “How many guys—young guys—came out here ... after the war, I'm more proud of what I did after...” (51:01, Bill)

• On Perseverance:

  “I worked 90 hours a week ... I had to give up almost a year of my life... for my country.” (56:11, Bill)

• On the Meaning of Legacy:

  “Why am I here? ... I think I’m here to tell the story.” (61:56, Bill)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Guest Bio: 00:06 – 05:30
• Depression Era, Family, Early Influences: 05:30 – 11:03
• Enlistment and Boot Camp: 12:59 – 14:49
• Submarine Training and Qualifications: 14:52 – 22:11
• First Patrols, Officer Change & Crisis Dive: 23:02 – 35:01
• Depth Charges, Rescue Missions (Battle of Formosa): 35:02 – 41:26
• Medals and Recognition for Service: 41:30 – 43:46
• Post-War, Education, and Aerospace: 43:46 – 53:11
• GPS Innovation: 53:13 – 59:16
• Lasting Love & Marriage: 47:18 – 49:15
• Reflections, Advice, and Legacy: 49:15 – 64:47

Tone & Style

Bill Dillon alternates between direct, practical wisdom and moving nostalgia, never embellishing and rarely allowing bitterness to overcome his pride—or humor. Tyrus brings energetic respect, sometimes comedic but always heartfelt, serving as advocate and audience for Dillon's living history.

Closing Thoughts

This episode transcends typical interviews, providing not only firsthand WWII history but also lessons in character, perseverance, and gratitude. Bill Dillon stands as a literal living bridge between past and present—a true American treasure whose story is both a tribute and a warning not to forget the sacrifices and wisdom of the past. Tyrus vows to bring him back for more, promising there’s “not enough for one episode.”

For listeners and future generations, this is essential, unvarnished wisdom—history in the flesh.

Book Featured:
Strike of the Sailfish by William “Bill” Dillon

Memorable Signoff:

“You are an American treasure, and I cannot wait to have you back on. ... If you have young men you’re trying to mold, if you’re trying to inspire people ... you should be locked in.” (62:14, Tyrus)

[Suggested Follow-up: Listen for part 2! Read “Strike of the Sailfish.”]