From the author of
"Ship Of Ghosts." This wonderful piece of World War II naval
history reads like a particularly good novel. It is a full-account of the
October 1944 naval battle off the Pacific island of Samar, in which a force of American
destroyers, destroyer escorts and small escort carriers (CVE’s) successfully
endured a major surface engagement with the vastly superior Japanese fleet––at
least 10 times the American’s strength. The struggle was a key element of the
epic Battle of Leyte Gulf, which was the beginning
of the campaign to liberate the Philippines. It was also the largest naval
battle of all-time. Author James Hornfischer focuses on the men of the
escort carrier unit titled Taffy 3 (the radio call
signal for Task Unit 77.4.3), who fought, flew, and fired to nearly the last
shell in a battle that at least one commander commenced by saying, “Survival
cannot be expected.” Most of the men in Taffy 3 had never seen salt water
before World War II but here, bravely fought, flew, and kept the crippled ships
afloat, and doomed ships fighting almost literally to the last shell. Finally,
Hornfischer provides a perspective on the Japanese approach to the battle,
modifying the traditional view of Japanese Admiral Kurita as a fumbler or even a
coward––while exalting
American sailors and pilots as they richly deserve.
New Softbound edition. 499 pages, a staggering
127 black and white photos, 5 maps and 26 diagrams. A list of all American ships
sunk in this battle. Also a full roster of the men listed a KIA. Extensive
appendix and an index.
New Book --- $16.95
The Last Stand of the
Tin Can Sailors
The
Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour
by James D. Hornfischer
New Softbound edition
499
pages,
127 black and white photos, 5 maps, 26 diagrams.
New $16.95
- "Hornfischer
writes of the little-known Battle off Samar, a smaller clash in the larger
Battle of Leyte Gulf, in which the US Navy destroyed the Japanese Navy for
good. This book personifies the notion that truth is more exciting than
fiction. As Admiral "Bull" Halsey's Third Fleet was drawn off to the north
by a Japanese diversionary tactic, and as Admiral Jesse Oldendorf's Third
Fleet was destroying the main force in the Battle of Surigao Strait, Admiral
Clifton Sprague's Task Unit 77.4.3 ('Taffy 3') was caught completely by
surprise by a vastly superior Japanese Force. In the best traditions of the
Naval Service, Sprague's destroyers and destroyer escorts pointed their bows
at the enemy and engaged in repeated torpedo runs at the enemy force (even
after their torpedoes were depleted), drawing fire from the cruisers and
battleships, and buying time for the fleet carriers to withdraw to safety.
Taking heavy casualties from the better-armored foe, Taffy 3 remained
undeterred, and eventually drove the force away. In the best traditions of
Naval literature, Hornfischer pens an unforgettable classic, gripping and
inspiring throughout. You don't have to be a Navy officer to appreciate this
magnificent work!" Jason Carter
-
- "This book is
extremely well written and provides in- depth information about a critical
WWII battle that is often glossed over in other accounts of the war in the
pacific. In addition to providing a wealth of factual information, the
narrative is gripping. Even though I knew the outcome of the battle before I
bought this book, I still felt that the narrative created a sense of
suspense that made me want to keep on reading to find out what happens next
to the men and ships who populate the story. The descriptions of the battle
and its aftermath do a superior job of communicating the horrors of war. In
that regard, right up there with some of the greatest works of fiction. If
you want to appreciate what our veterans did for us, and what the members of
our armed services are prepared to do for us today, you must read this
book." Neal Stevens
-
- "I've been an avid
reader of World War II literature for 50 years. This has to rate as one of
the best, if not the best of all those years. The writing is superb, but the
story is unparalleled. A must read!" Kenneth A. Slocumb
ISBN # 978-0-553-38148-1
