USS Laffey DD-724 / The Ship That Would Not Die / Rear Admiral Frederick Julian Becton USN (Ret.) / AllNavyBooks.com

Author Frederick Julian Becton was the commanding officer aboard the American destroyer USS Laffey (DD-724). Commissioned in 1944, Laffey was quickly placed in harms way and saw action in the Pacific war against the Japanese. Stationed off the island of Okinawa, on April 16, 1945, the little tin can fought for 80 horrifying minutes against 22 Japanese kamikaze planes and bombers. Although the ship's gunners downed many incoming aircraft, seven suicide planes managed to crash into the hapless vessel. The attacks killed 32 sailors and wounded 71 more, but despite fires, smashed and inoperable guns, and a jammed rudder––Laffey somehow managed to survive. Commander Becton, Laffey's CO pressed forward and saved his ship. Becton became famous for his reply to an officer asking him whether they would have to abandon Laffey stating; "We still have guns that can shoot. I'll never abandon ship as long as a gun will fire!” He continued to serve in the Navy after World War II and reached the rank of Rear Admiral. The USS Laffey received a Presidential Unit Citation. “The Ship That Would Not Die” gives the remarkable story of why the American public considered this World War II destroyer as a hero ship.

New Softbound edition, 295 pages, 27 black and white photographs, 2 maps, a copy of the ships' Presidential Unit Citation, a USS Laffey crew roster and an index.

New Book --- $12.95

"Off Okinawa the Laffey fought off the greatest kamikaze attack in naval history with 22 planes waiting to fireball into her... These chapters burst with action." Kirkus Reviews

"The saga of Laffey is far more than just another sea story. I urge every sailor... and every American proud of this country and its heritage to read this true and exciting story." Admiral Thomas Moorer, USN (Ret.) Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

"The book is interesting, gripping and a war story at its best." The San Diego Union

"The ship and her men suffered the most intensive Japanese Kamikaze air attack ever hurled on one ship. The reader relives the ship's missions: rescuing downed airmen, her active fighting in the Normandy Invasion; her part in freeing the Philippines and the devastating assault on Iwo Jima." The Birmingham News

Note: USS Laffey (DD-724) photos below appears in the book.

Above photo: Skipper of the USS Laffey, Commander Frederick J. Becton, USN.

Above photo: A Kamikaze ripped through the thin waste-level shield around the three 20-mm guns on Laffey's fantail killing and wounding many of her crew.