BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James D. Hornfischer’s Neptune’s Inferno. “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 … 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.
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Best book I have read on the battle of Leyte Gulf.
Gripping research based tale of a naval encounter in 1944 in the modern history approach with personal stories of the men (and their families) involved.
Hard to put down but a difficult read due to the brutal descriptions or Naval warfare during WWII. Amazed at the personal sacrifice that young men were willing and able to endure.
Very informative and seemed factual.
amazing piece of Naval history and an impossible stand against long odds
Wonderful story-telling and first-person accounts of an important WWII battle. Inspiring.
A great memorial to the sailors who manned the tin-can navy of converted liberty ship destroyer escorts.
Excellent book on history of pacific war
Very sobering; factual and inspiringadditionalnrespect for all vets
one of the greatest stands of destroyers against all odds attacking the mighty Yamato and making the imperial navy blink, thinking that they were being attacked by a far superior force. The Pluck of the destroyers and smaller destroyer escorts and the small force of the Taffy jeep carriers turned certain defeat into a rout that sent the Japanese …
I would recommend it to anyone interested in ww2
Excellent account of a little known but extremely significant navel battle….. demonstrates how battles are won or lost based on just a few decisions of commanders….
Very good history of the naval battle in the Leyte gulf – WW II
Probably the best description of a naval battle I’ve ever read. Wonderful book.
This was a great book. Heavily researched and factual. A story that few people know about but was part of WWII and a aturning point in the war. Brave men going against impossible odds.
The story of the small destroyer escorts and their critical role in attacking the Japanese Navy during the Philippine invasion. Not for the squeamish. Naval battles are long on preparation but short in duration. Sometimes slow and repetitive, all in all a detailed view of the “little guys”
Eye-opening account of how close to disaster the battle of Leyte Gulf was.
Interesting but a slow read.
He brings history alive.
So many lives lost due to one arrogant admiral taking off on his own despite careful plans that involved several carrier groups! At least we have better communication systems over great distances now. Too bad there is no way yet to weed out puffed up individuals at the top who can harm so many. Time will tell if having more women in senior …