Did L. Ron Hubbard battle Japanese subs off Astoria?

Did L. Ron Hubbard battle Japanese subs off Astoria?

From Offbeat Oregon History podcast by www.offbeatoregon.com (finn @ offbeatoregon.com)

April 22, 2026 · 10 min

About this episode

This episode explores the story of L. Ron Hubbard's involvement in the so-called 'Battle of Cape Lookout' against Japanese submarines off the Oregon coast during the 1940s.

Pulp writer and religious figure L. Ron Hubbard figures prominently in the most spectacular story of action against “Japanese submarines” in Oregon waters. It's called, with tongue firmly in cheek, the “Battle of Cape Lookout.” (Off Cannon Beach, Clatsop County; 1940s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1407a.sunken-submarine-rumors.html)

Topics covered

  • L. Ron Hubbard
  • Japanese submarines
  • Oregon history
  • World War II
  • pulp fiction
  • naval battles

Keywords

  • L. Ron Hubbard
  • Japanese submarines
  • Cape Lookout
  • Oregon history
  • naval battles
  • 1940s
  • Cannon Beach

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Astoria, Cape Lookout, Cannon Beach, Clatsop County

More episodes of Offbeat Oregon History podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Offbeat Oregon History podcast podcast page.