Author 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
Laffey managed to survive. Despite fires, smashed and inoperable guns, and a
jammed rudder. 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. "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. 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 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) photo below
appears in the book.
ISBN # 0-933126-87-5
by Rear Admiral F. Julian Becton, USN (Ret.) with
Joseph Morschauser III
New Softbound edition
295 pages,
27 black and
white
photographs and 2 maps
New $12.95
