Book Description
“This will be a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can.”
With these words, Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland addressed the crew of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts on the morning of October 25, 1944, off the Philippine Island of Samar. On the horizon loomed the mightiest ships of the Japanese navy, a massive fleet that represented the last hope of a staggering empire. All that stood between it and Douglas MacArthur’s vulnerable invasion force were the Roberts and the other small ships of a tiny American flotilla poised to charge into history.
In the tradition of the #1 New York Times bestseller
Flags of Our Fathers, James D. Hornfischer paints an unprecedented portrait of the Battle of Samar, a naval engagement unlike any other in U.S. history—and captures with unforgettable intensity the men, the strategies, and the sacrifices that turned certain defeat into a legendary victory.
Customer Reviews:
An extraordinary well done history.......2007-09-27
It is often said that teaching and learning in high school is a mile wide and an inch deep. All I ever heard and read in high school about WWII and the naval battles against the Japanese Navy in the Pacific is that the United States won the war! This book capably presents the truth that it was never quite a certainty as the battles unfolded. It is a wonderful thing to have a talented writer and researcher as Hornfischer dedicate his extraordinary talent in presenting this excellent well written definitive history of the US and Japanese naval battles near the Phillipines in October of 1944. This book is very highly recommended as an excellent and thought provoking history as well as a true testimonial to the bravery of U.S Navy personnel in battle.
Learned A Lot That Is New.......2007-09-16
I'm about two-thirds of the way through the book. Even at this point, I've learned a lot that I hadn't really appreciated before.
First of all, sometime back I read a book about the naval battle of Guadalcanal. In that battle, it seems as if all the Japanese had to do to sink one of our ships was to get just one hit on it. By the time of the Battle Off Samar, American ship building must have radically improved. Even the American ships that went down were hit literally dozens of times before finally succumbing to the inevitable. And lots of other American ships were hit but kept fighting and were still fighting at the end of the war.
Another realization was the awful damage 16-inch naval guns do to the human body when they hit a ship and explode. The mental picture I used to have of WW II naval warfare was antiseptic. Yes, guys died -- but I saw it as ever so much cleaner than the awfulness of land warfare. The author of the book has descriptions of what the results were. Naval guns were far bigger than anything in land warfare. The biggest shell for field artillery was about the size of a football. In the Navy, the plentiful six- and eight-inch guns had shells as big as a five footballs. And the 16" (or 18" for two of the Japanese Navy's "super" battleships") were as big as a garbage can and weighed as much as a Volkswagen. When they exploded, huge chunks of the sides of ships would be opened up like a tuna can even though it was inch-thick steel. The effect on the human body was even more devastating. Guys were literally ripped apart and sometimes whole compartments of guys were ripped apart so badly that one guy couldn't be identified from another. It was, literally, like an explosion in a meat locker. Never again will I think that naval warfare was antiseptic. (This is also something of a warning that if you read the book you're going to get all those descriptions too. If you don't think you can stomach it, then you'll either have to skip over those sections or skip the book.)
The book also follows the survivors of the ships that went down as they bobbed in the water waiting for rescue. Their time in the water was made more troubling by the fact that they were constantly being circled by sharks. It was their "good fortune" to be covered with bunker oil from the sunken ships that apparently acted both as a shark repellent and a sun block. But, unlike every other book I've read or movie I've seen, the whole story of a naval battle isn't over when the shooting stops. And, it isn't easy to spot guys in the water with a whole ocean to look at. It was also interesting how, despite the desperate situation they were all in, they all worked to help the wounded among them first. (Unlike the movie warriors who are all fight, the tenderness displayed to the worse off among them is remarkable.)
This is a great book for anyone wanting to know what World War II naval warfare was really like.
Also, there are a lot of maps that help to follow ship movements.
Great book, but..........2007-09-14
I enjoyed the book and the heroism of the sailors and airmen who fought the battle has seldom been equaled. However, the whole reason they were in this terrible position to begin with was poor decision making and poor communication from the higher levels, esp Halsey. I found that after a while that fact made the book a bit depressing for me. It seems obvious that such a powerful Japanese fleet should have been given more respect (watched closely, etc.) since Halsey knew it was in the area.
Gene's review of Tin Can Sailors.......2007-09-13
A very good narrative with human interest about an important naval engagement of the WWII. How the US Navy reacted to an almost impossible situation that seemed hopeless. Read his other book about the sailors of the USS Houston who sank and survived to help build the highway in the jungle which included the Bridge over the River Quai. He is a very good author!
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors.......2007-09-13
Having served on 3 destroyers (Tin Cans) 1952-1965, two of the Fletchers, this book brought back many memories, both good and bad, of those years of service and sailing on those ships. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it difficlut to put down. There are so many heroic stories to be told that have not been revealed, and so many more that will never be told, but I thank this author for telling this one.
Kenneth E. Irons
Book Description
Two hundred and eighty-two ships, some of them the largest and most powerful ever built...nearly 200,000 men, many sent to the bottom of the sea...a cast of characters that included MacArthur, Roosevelt, Halsey, and Nimitz...more than 100,000 square miles of fire and blood...they all came together in one unique battle, the singular turning point in the tide of WWII and in the history of warfare. Now, using materials previously unavailable, award-winning author Thomas J. Cutler captures the awe-inspiring heroism, the flawed strategies, the brilliant deception, and the brutal reality of the greatest naval battle of all time. From seaman to admiral, from aerial to surface to submarine combat, every facet, every weapon, every controversy -- on both sides of the firing line -- explodes off the page in this impressive account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Customer Reviews:
Mostly Name Dropping.......2007-03-05
The book is more about the biographies of the Pacific military big wigs than it is about the Battle of Leyte Gulf. If you are looking for a first rate description of the battle itself there's no better book than The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors.
Courage Under Fire.......2006-09-05
A moving and inspiring portrait of men most people will never know about but will always be remembered by those touched by their deeds and courage in places we don't remember much anymore. I am thankful for the sacrifice they made so I could freely write this.
great read.......2002-08-01
My only complaint is the book is too short. A battle of this magnitude would benefit from a little more detail.
History's Biggest Naval Battle...........2002-07-21
This is a superb book. I've not read (yet) "Afternoon of the Rising Sun" but I think this is the best primer on the subject ever written. It's clear, precise and you don't have to know a whole lot on the subject to read it. The chapter on the Battle Samar, "Charge of the Light Brigade," is a terrificly exciting account of Sprague's pitifully small group's collision with Kurita's Main Battle Line. Military history doesn't get any better than this. I extend my thanks to the Naval Institute Press for bringing this classic back in print.
The Full Story of the Biggest Naval Clash.......2002-04-07
Cutler's account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf is a remarkable and detailed account of the greatest naval battle in history. What makes the book great is the details that Cutler provided for the reader to learn about what happened. The reader is given the background first of what led to the battle: the initial air strikes by Halsey, MacArthur's arguement to invade the Phillipines over Formosa, and the initial invasion. But he covers both sides as to why the Japanese committed the rest of their fleet and how the arrived at their plan.
The account of the battle is fully covered as well. From the Dace and Darter commencing the attack, to the smashing victory in Surigao Strait, Halsey's initial attacks and blunderous move north, and the herioc and desperate fight of Taffy 3 to protect themselves and the landing forces. Cutler doesn't just say wahy Halsey blundered, but he gives every reason why and what the consequences after the battle were.
Now I would be lying if I said I was totally satisfied though. I was a little disappointed in the pictures included, I have seen more in other books, but Cutler managed to get ones I have never seen before. That is minor though when compared to the satisfaction of getting the facts about the victory that guaranteed the US could win the war. The maps are helpful in seeing the Japanese plan of attack and the US plan of defense. I would recommend this to any historian or lover of war novels.
Book Description
The Battle of Leyte Gulf -- four major actions -- was the greatest sea battle in history. The Surigao Strait action is considered the Navy's greatest single triumph, a model of timeing, coordination and execution. This is a unique, behind-the-guns view; a gripping eye-witness account riding the battle line at Surigao int he last Crossing of the 'T'.
Customer Reviews:
FANTASTIC YOU-ARE-THERE READ.......2007-07-13
A great WWII eyewitness book. The author served onboard the USS Maryland, one of the battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor, then raised and repaired to rejoin the war with her crew burning for revenge. Sauer tells what it was like to serve during the height of the war and the amazing single-minded training it took to prepare for the moment when it was do-or-die: What it took to load and shoot the Big Guns, firing trajectories, how you "turn" an enormous convoy of huge ships... The absolutely best chapter takes you front row center at the battle of Surigao Strait in October of '44 -- U.S. battleships, destroyers, cruisers, and torpedo boats against the biggest guns of the Japanese navy. A catastrophic defeat for Japan, which retaliated with ferocious kamikaze attacks. Truly riveting stuff. Lots of pictures and other visuals including a diagram of the battle and the last crossing of the "T". I only wish there were more books like this! Obviously highly recommended.
Disappointing Book.......2007-01-09
The title is misleading, there is a chapter that very briefly narrates what went on onboard the Maryland during the battle, but there is little else. While the discussion of the life on board the Maryland is interesting, there is little in the way of substance.
battle of Surigao Strait.......2006-11-10
Wonderful book. God I love our Veterans and our Military. Must reading for WW2 buff
straight-foward.......2005-11-18
written by a non-literary type, the book is in a straight-foward manner with no diversions, not even for the dead. It is the history of the WW11 battleship "Maryland". One of the ancient ships raised from the mud of Pearl. For a flavor of WW11 sea battles it serves a purpose. It is as advertised, "An eyewitness account".
Worth more then just one read.......2003-01-09
I've read this book from front to back numerous times and each time I pick more and more visual out of its pages. Howard spent a great deal of time gathering and putting all of this together. Thank you Howard for your effort!
Book Description
"The Battle of Leyte Gulf was an extremely unusual battle. It was unusual on five separate counts that are so obvious that they are usually missed. It was unusual in that it was a series of actions, not a single battle. It was unusual as a naval battle in that it was fought over five days; historically, naval battles have seldom spread themselves over more than one or two days. It was unusual in terms of its name. This battle involved a series of related actions subsequently grouped together under the name of just one of these engagements, but in fact none of the actions were fought inside Leyte Gulf. . . . More importantly, it was unusual in that it was a full-scale fleet action fought after the issue of victory and defeat at sea had been decided, and it was unusual in that it resulted in clear, overwhelming victory and defeat." --from Chapter One
The Battle of Leyte Gulf--October 22-28, 1944--was the greatest naval engagement in history. In fact the battle was four separate actions, none of which were fought in the Gulf itself, and the result was the destruction of Japanese naval power in the Pacific. This book is a detailed and comprehensive account of the fighting from both sides. It provides the context of the battle, most obviously in terms of Japanese calculations and the search for "a fitting place to die" and "the chance to bloom as flowers of death." Using Japanese material never previously noted in western accounts, H.P. Willmott provides new perspectives on the unfolding of the battle and very deliberately seeks to give readers a proper understanding of the importance of this battle for American naval operations in the following month. This careful interrogation of the accounts of "the last fleet action" is a significant contribution to military history.
Customer Reviews:
Not an easy read...but rewarding.......2007-06-01
Willmott's fourth or fifth book on the Pacific War is perhaps not as groundbreaking as Empires in the Balance and The Barrier and the Javelin (both fantastic reviews of the early months of the war). And this is not one of those popular history seen and told through the eyes of the participants, like much of the junk popular trash at Borders and Barnes and Noble (Stephen Ambrose was the best known of this type). Instead, Willmott takes a long look at the strategic situation in the fall of 1944 with an especially welcome look from the Japanese side. Willmott does not follow the details of the battles but instead asks how the parties strategic and operational doctrines lead them to the battle, and how did the deal with the battle. Willmott thoroughly analzyes the options available to the decision makers and pulls no punches in criticizing many of the leaders. Willmott's style is not always easy to follow, but that is because many of his sentences are complex, as he tries to explain complex situations. I have over 1000 WWII books in my library and put this in the top 10%. I recommend it, as I do Empires in the Balance and The Barrier and the Javelin.
Rich in technical detail, yet woefully short on style.......2006-12-13
Let me first caution any would be reader of this book that this is NOT a combat narrative. This book is an academic study of the political and strategic events leading up to, during, and after the battle of Leyte Gulf. The purpose of the book is for the author to give his critical analysis of the tactics and decisions of the various commanders and the American effort in the Pacific itself. To those ends, and for only the most serious of scholars, I believe the author is successful. However, as an entertaining read for the lay history buff, this book fails miserably.
It is unfortunate, as this is easily one of the most compelling of all the naval battles of the Pacific theater of World War II. Other authors present the action in vivid and personal detail, but not Willmott. Here the actual combat is rendered in dry - I would go as far to say boring - and technical fashion. The author writes from a vantage point that does not put you in the middle of the battle; he write as if he is above it, looking down from his ivory tower. But perhaps that is what academic studies are all about. All I know is I found this to make for very tedious reading.
That said, if you're looking for someone to armchair quarterback the entire battle in an analytical fashion, all the while feeding you endless dates, times, facts, figures, and of course harsh critiques of everyone from Halsey to MacArthur, then this book is for you. But if you're looking for something that's actually enjoyable to read then I would suggest the following: for an overall picture of the battle and its ramifications, yet still with tactical detail, check out Afternoon of the Rising Sun by Kenneth Friedman. For a gripping and moving account of the action that reaches down to the level of individual sailors and pilots, check out Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James Hornfischer.
For the most part just annoying.......2006-11-27
If you watch political pundints for the sheer pleasure of yelling back at the TV, this is the book for you. To call it annoyingly pedantic is overgenerous. The author offers little new research, but lots of new analyses. Unfortunately, he often dances around his analysis so long it becomes difficult to find his conclusion. Occassionally he takes the exact opposite approach by stating a concise conclusion without supporting analyses. Take for example the disembodied statement, that "...Kurita was the only person in the Pacific war able to make Halsey appear intellectually gifted."
The maps are too few and relatively elementrary. The photos you've seen a hundred times elsewhere.
The book does contain useful tables of formation compositions and overall strengths, and provides a solid basis for some points that are othewise vaugely obvious. An example here is the fact that a Japaneese victory at Leyte would not have changed the outcome of the war.
There are 4 good reasons to read this book. First, for the visceral pleasure of yelling back at the author in the middle of a crowded coffee shop. Second, for the intellectual excercise of discerning the author's actual point and then, as appropriate, building your case for why it is nonsense. Third for a few good analytical nuggets.
For these reasons, I found the book entertaining. However, Morison's volume XII, "Lete," is much more informative.
By the way, I didn't forget to list my fourth reason. I just decided not to tell you about it.
A tough read stylistically .......2006-07-07
I spend a lot of time reading history, the majority (at least as of now) regarding the WWII era. Therefore, I was surprised when I found this book to be rather tough going. The book is a first class work of non-fiction, no doubt about that, but I must say that the writer's style is difficult. Certainly, the writing is not what I would call fluid or elegant, or enjoyable, or even just plain easy reading. Buy if you're interested in the Pacific War, but be warned that it will take a while to get through the book.
Book in need of a critical editor.......2006-04-01
Wilmont has written a fascinating account of American and Japanese decision making before, during, and after the battle of Leyte Gulf, but his style is off putting to say the least. At times this book reads like a poor translation from another language. Consider the following quote from pp. 71-72 which is typical of his style:
" Some pages ago there was reference to the fact that amid various Japanese claims of victory 'five matters are worthy of note'. In fact, however, only three were then considered, hence the need to draw this chapter to a close by reference to the remaining two- this being quite deliberate and not a case of belated improvisation as a result of a sudden awareness of unintended negligence".
This book would have benefited greatly by a clear statement of his main theses upfront, defense of those theses, and a final summary. It would also have benefited from better use of maps and graphs or charts through out. There is not one reference to maps hidden in the back of the book, nor any charts of tonnage lost. Rather the author chooses to ramble on in obtuse text about such matters. This book's text could have been reduced by at least one-third by a good editor. It's a shame that someone with such knowledge can't write a decent English sentence!
Book Description
It was the greatest battle in naval history with over 250 vessels involved. Yet its outcome depended on the heroism of a handful of sailors and the nerve of the opposing commanders: one kept his nerve while the other lost his.
Customer Reviews:
Enjoyable, but .........2007-07-07
While this book may be not as well researched as other books on the same subject, I did like and find it easy to read.
I'm not an expert, but I like to read about WWII Pacific battles, so I found a little disturbing 2 mistakes that I read in the book:
1. page 47, it says Kurita was born in 1899. Page 48 it says 'When he was 55 years old, he led the bombardment group assigned to protect the Japanese invasion forces at Midway'. Midway was fought in 1942, so Kurita was 43 (or 42, but not 55);
2. page 365, listing fleet carries in task force 38 (as of Oct. 24, 1944), it names Intrepid, Lexington, Essex, Enterprise and Franklin. Page 366 it reads "You would see five Essex-class fast carries...". No, you would not, because Enterprise was a Yorktown-class carrier.
So if I could find these mistakes, I wonder how many more are still there.
I found maps and diagrams very interesting and helpfull in understanding the situation on the field, something I missed very much in Barrett Tillman's book about the Mariana Turkey Shoot.
A Commanding History of the Largest Naval Battle Ever Fought.......2006-08-04
This is perhaps one of the best scholarly histories of a naval battle you can buy, and a powerfully good account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Although this book is more historically oriented than popularly oriented it is still very enjoyable to read as the author makes a clear effort to humanize all the facts, analysis and context behind what became the largest naval battle ever fought. This makes its long 391 page length (and each individual page is fairly information packed) far easier to digest.
He goes through all phases of the battle, which was actually a campaign of four or five battles depending on how you count, giving equal weight to the American and Japanese perspective. This paints a canvas that allows you to understand the battle in its entirety; how the strategic interplay of both sides' plans, objectives, knowledge of each other, and actions inexorably cast the outcome. Context, fact, analysis and personalized stories are presented concurrently in a seamless and skillful fashion.
He proceeds from the seedlings of the battle, where the Americans and Japanese altered their grand strategies for the war after the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Here the American debates between MacArthur and Nimitz were particularly interesting. The preceeding battles, namely the Air Battle of Formosa, which played a critical role in the upcoming Leyte campaign are then described, followed by every naval facet of the actual Leyte campaign itself that you could want to know. Everything in the book is well researched and extremely detailed. There is also a particular, and highly justified, focus on the actions off Samar on 25 OCT 1944, also memorialized outstandingly in "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors."
This is a highly recommended read for any WWII or Navy history buffs! A lot can be learned about waging wars and fighting battles in general from this pivotal action, and the author does much to teach it to you.
From the daughter of a Leyte Gulf Veteran.......2005-11-07
Kenneth Freidland has done a wonderful job of bringing to life the detailed events leading to and surrounding this gripping story. If ever you wanted to feel good about the military or proud of the values that this country is built upon, you will find it here.
As a historical tribute, there are a lot of details (so many names of so many bombers and all of their targets) that many will be grateful for but some may find bothersome. Deal with it.
Perhaps lost prematurely in a world of competitive publishing that may have overlooked foresight, Freidland's work deserves a bigger audience. (Or perhaps a screenwriter!)
It just might be relevant to the world currently around us.
Compelling reading.......2003-06-10
Interesting book that moves along at a fast pace. Highly recommended for those interested in history.
Where is Task Force 34? The World Wonders.......2002-08-27
The battle of Leyte Gulf was the largest naval battle of World War II and for all practical reasons, the end of the Japanese navy as a fighting force. Kenneth Friedman has done a superior job of describing each encounter that took place between the Japanese and Americans off the Philippines.
The goal of the Japanese was to destroy the American troop ships anchored off of Leyte. They devised a bold plan to trap the Americans in a pincer movement. One force was to steam through the San Bernadino Strait and attack from the center, while a second group was to attack from the South out of the Surigao Strait. A 3rd force consisting of the Japanese carriers attempted to lure the bulk of the American carrier strength North from the Leyte beachhead, leaving it virtually defenseless. American submarines spotted the Northern force and sank 2 haevy cruisers. The force reversed course, but did not retreat, much to the later surprise of the Americans. Meanwhile, a group of American battleships, some of them Pearl Harbor veterans, thoroughly destroyed the Southern force. However, the center force had regrouped and continued through the San Bernadino Strait. The only force the Americans had guarding the beaches were 3 light carrier forces under the command of Admiral Clifton Sprague. What transpired over the next couple of hours can only be described as a naval miracle. Using sheer courage and excellent tactics, the tiny carriers managed to hold off a force consisting of battleships and heavy cruisers and kept the beachhead safe. Meanwhile, Admiral Halsey's tactics were severely scrutinized. He took the Japanese bait and led his entire force of fast battleships and fleet carriers north to attack the Japanese carriers while leaving the Leyte beachhead virtually defenseless. This prompted Admiral Nimitz to send his famous message: "Where is Task Force 34? The World Wonders". If not for Sprague's heroics, the outcome of this battle could have been much different.
I thought this book was very well written. The author included many tables and charts which helped me understand the battle much better. Perhaps my favorite part of the book was the story of Sprague's escort carriers. The author credits Sprague with saving the day for the Americans. I would highly recommend this book. It flows along at a good pace and does a good job of explaining one of the major battles in U.S. Navy history.
Customer Reviews:
A Masterpiece of Research and Analysis.......2006-04-26
The battle for Leyte was one of the big ones. It was one of the few where Nimitz and MacArthur worked together to come up with the forces needed to begin taking back the Phillipines. In this book Mr. Vego shows an extraordinary amount of research in what both the Allies (mostly American) and the Japanese were doing to prepare for and fight the battle.
The most famous part of the battle was Halsey's decision to take virtually all of his carrier force north to fight the Japanese northern decoy force. This, of course, left the naval forces around Leyte very weak. This event again shows the careful research that characterizes the book.
Years later Halsey still defended his actions saying, 'given the same circumstances and the same information ..., I would make it again.' The author's conclusion, 'no decision can be considered sound if the commander does exactly what the enemy wants him to do.'
Writing many years after the battle Mr. Vego has the ability to draw a whole series of conclusions about the battle (too many to go into here) and his final chapters are a masterpiece of conclusions and lessons learned.
Book Description
This moving tale uses personal accounts of the veterans who achieved victory in the biggest and last great naval battle, largely fought with aging ships, untested reserve crews, and teenaged combat aircraft pilots. Often overshadowed by other Pacific War engagements such as Midway or Guadalcanal, the Battle of Leyte Gulf was characterized by some of the most gallant hours in seagoing history: the U.S. Navy's defeat of the combined Japanese fleet during the invasion of the Philippines in October 1944. Involving more ships than even the gargantuan First World War Battle of Jutland and two hundred thousand men, it was the biggest naval battle in world history. It marked the last time huge capital ships fought within sight and sound of each other. Using the personal accounts of the men who were there, Sears tells this mammoth and compelling story. The Battle of Leyte Gulf could have been the Pacific War's Battle of the Bulge. In a space of 12 hours, Japan, a beaten, cornered enemy, was able to devise and execute a strategy that very nearly pierced the heart of America's war machine. The real margin of victory would come from surprising quarters: from aging ships risen from the graveyard of the war's infamous first day; from small, hastily constructed ships with largely untested reserve crews; from fragile support ships never intended to be anywhere near battles of this scale; and from combat aircraft piloted by teenagers.
Customer Reviews:
Good but not Great.......2007-07-29
This book did an excellent job of presenting the memories of the men who fought in this battle. The generation that fought in World War II is dying off at a rapid rate; Sears has done a great service by preserving this material.
The book contains several inaccuracies that should be corrected before another edition goes to press. For example, the USS Pennsylvania is identified as having 16-inch guns (page 152). In fact, the Pennsylvania carried 12 14-inch guns. It is stated that the USS Fletcher was named for Admiral Frank Fletcher, the father of Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher (page 240). In actuality, Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher, for whom the Fletcher was named, was the uncle of the famous World War II admiral.
More importantly, the author fails to fully explain Halsey's race to the north with his carries and his failure to leave his battleships behind to guard San Bernardino Strait. Halsey's actions almost lead to catastrophe for the United States. The blood of those who died aboard the ships of Taffy 3 is on his hands.
Those who want a far better account of the battle should read "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.
Duty first.......2006-03-21
When a World War II Sailor went to General Quarters in proximity to the suspected presence of the enemy, he wasn't aware of any "big picture" strategy for the action his ship was about to see. Mr. Sears, in this marvelous book, captures the devotion to duty regardless of the inherent danger of everyday Sailors and Navy airmen. His approach, exploring the backgrounds and action activities of his subjects as this battle unfolded, makes for most enjoyable and exciting reading. We see in vivid detail the way Sailormen of the "Greatest Generation" conquered their fears and lived with the terror of combat and survival by remembering that they had a job to do and a duty to their ship and shipmates. Exploring the battle through those eyes and memories, as opposed to the records of the Admirals and Historical Section officers, makes this one of the best books in my military history collection.
A book that everyone should read........2006-03-09
My wife purchased a copy of this book for my Christmas present. I had a chance to read it on my last business trip and I want to thank Mr. David Sear for the great job recording the history of this amazing event and action of all the hero's who were there.
I was on the USS Boyd during Vietnam and its last years in our Navy. It was very active during WWII in the Pacific and operated in the area of the Leyte battle. We have a few of the original crew from WWII, when the ship was put into commission, attending our reunions and they have related some of the stories of the battle.
It is very important that we continue to record and read the history of our brave men and women so our future generations know why we have to standup and fight for our freedom.
Mr. Sear has recorded well these events and the actions of our brave men who were willing to give up their own lives so our Nation would continue to exist.
Thanks for reminding us what the United States of America is all about.
William Daughtrey, Richmond, Virginia.......2005-10-01
The book fails to engage the reader in the events of the battle and does not provide significant insight into the strategy of the battle or the context within which it was fought. For example, where was Nimitz, why was he pulled away, what was MacAtrhur doing at this time, etc. In comparing this book to William Manchester's "Out of Darkness" it is apparent that David Sears has neither the breadth of vocublary or the command of the English language to cobble together one of those "can not put it down" books for which "Out of Darkness" qualifies.
A five star book.......2005-08-05
David Sears expertly blends personal experiences of sailors in the Battle of Leyte Gulf with historical facts to bring to the reader a clear picture of events surrounding that combat action. It's the personal accounts interwoven into the clash of forces which make this book an exciting read. The reader is made to feel the danger and excitement which provide an understanding of the sacrifices made by those young men. One example is the incident during the battle when the PT boats are deployed against Japanese warships. Two crewmen were operating a 20 mm gun near the boat's stern when a Japanese 3 inch shell passed between them. One can only imagine their feelings. I highly recommend this book.
Average customer rating:
- Reprinting
- If I could give this book more than five stars, I would!
- Outstanding insight into secret construction of a behemoth!
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Build the Musashi: The Birth and Death of the World's Greatest Battleship
Akira Yoshimura
Manufacturer: Kodansha International (JPN)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 4770015798 |
Customer Reviews:
Reprinting.......2000-06-05
This book has been reprinted with the new title: Battleship Musashi, The Making and Sinking of the World's Biggest Battleship.
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would!.......1999-03-30
This is one of my favorite books on one of these behemoths. Before reading this book, I had very little information on the Musashi, except that which I could gather up from other books I have read. This is one of the best.
Outstanding insight into secret construction of a behemoth!.......1998-12-11
This is an easily readable, attention-holding account of the secret construction of one of the three largest ships ever built up to 1944. The author gives detailed insight into the naval architects, the naval commanders, shipyard workers, and ship's personnel who planned, built, commanded, and lived in the Musashi. Central to this story is the incredible extent the Japanese went to in order to hide the battleship's existence from the outside world. Monumental camoflage efforts, security procedures, and clandestine actions fill the chapters. Detailed descriptions are provided on the technical aspects of building and launching a 68,000 hunk of steel carrying the largest (18.1" dia. shells) naval guns in the world. The political infighting amongst the Japanese military factions in developing the strategies to use the Musashi and her two sisters, Yamato and Shinano (converted to an aircraft carrier) is covered quite well. Photographs and descriptions of the Musashi's combat employment and eventual sinking by an overwhelming amount of ordnance in the Sibuyan Sea in October 1944 are well done and clearly constructed. This book is a fast-reading saga which gives us a fascinating picture of a determined people and the pride they placed in creating a magnificent seagoing monument to the last of the Japanese warrior empire.
Average customer rating:
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The Battle of Leyte Gulf (His World at War)
G. C. Skipper
Manufacturer: Childrens Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding
Europe
| History & Historical Fiction
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| History & Historical Fiction
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ages 9-12
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| World War II
| Military
| History
| Subjects
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ASIN: 0516047884 |
Book Description
Leyte Gulf was a key victory for the United States: its scale dwarfed previous sea conflicts and its result created an opportunity for the US forces to invade the Philippines. Four different battles - Leyte, Samar, Cape Engaño and the Surigao Strait - occurred almost simultaneously as part of a Japanese plan to claim a Trafalgar-style victory over US forces. Yet they were defeated in the battles on the surface, under the sea and in the air. This highly-accessible book describes the conflict's interweaving battles and the personalities of the commanders involved in what has been called 'the greatest sea battle of all'.
Customer Reviews:
A Decent Primer.......2006-06-14
Bernard Ireland's Leyte Gulf 1944 is a solid addition to Osprey's campaign series. In this volume, Ireland summarizes the greatest naval battle in history, based primarily upon traditional sources such as Samuel Eliot Morison's History of US Naval Operations. Overall, the volume is well-written but the author does not offer particularly fresh information or insights. Most of the Japanese material also comes from material in other standard secondary sources, such as Paul S Dull's volume on the Imperial Japanese Navy. Overall, this volume is written as a primer for those readers who desire a basic run-down of the campaign, rather than as an incisive work for those readers who are already familiar with this subject.
The volume begins with a short introduction outlining the background to the campaign and sections on opposing commanders and opposing forces. These sections are adequate, but rather basic. The next section on opposing plans is a bit better, outlining the arguments about strategy among US commanders and the Japanese development of the Sho Plans. The bulk of the volume comprises the main campaign narrative, beginning with the US landings on Leyte (there is essentially no mention of the ground fighting after the initial landings) and the Japanese naval moves that opened the battle. The author does a good job describing the American C2 problems that resulted in the fog of war having such a profound effect upon the outcome. He also mentions the poor coordination that dogged Japanese naval operations in what was an overly complex plan. The author then uses the traditional approach of covering each of the sub-battles in turn: Cape Egnano, Sibuyuan Sea, Samar and Surigao Strait. The volume includes six 2-D maps (the Philippines as an objective; approach of Japanese attack and decoy forces; Leyte assault organization; Japanese plan of attack; the Battle off Samar; the Battle of Surigao Strait), two 3-D maps (Northern landing, 20 October 1944; the Battle off Samar, 25 October 1944) and three battle scenes (Orange Two Beach, 20 October 1944; the sinking of the Musashi, 24 October 1944; Kamikaze Attack on CVE Kitkun Bay, 25 October 1944). I was a bit disappointed that the order of battle did not even list the capital ships for each side, only task groups.
The author discuses Halsey's mistakes at some length and it is clear that he nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. The Battle of Leyte Gulf - and the German Ardennes offensive two months later - are classic examples that even nearly-defeated enemies are capable of achieving operational-level surprises and inflicting serious short-term damage. In both cases, American hubris about the inevitability of victory contributed to underestimating enemy intentions. The author's descriptions of the primary air and sea engagements are rather succinct, with no primary accounts used to bolster the narrative. The dramatic action off Samar - which is described so well in Morison and Roscoe's US Destroyer Actions - is rather tepid here. The author does make some good points about the developments in US tactical air power, but his description of the "kamikazes" (i.e. Shinpu Tokkobetsu - Special Attack units) does not incorporate the better research available from Japanese sources.
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