An epic narrative of World War II naval action that brings to life the sailors and exploits of the war’s most decorated destroyer squadron When Admiral William Halsey selected Destroyer Squadron 21 (Desron 21) to lead his victorious ships into Tokyo Bay to accept the Japanese surrender, it was the most battle-hardened US naval squadron of the war. But it was not the squadron of ships that had … ships that had accumulated such an inspiring resume; it was the people serving aboard them. Sailors, not metallic superstructures and hulls, had won the battles and become the stuff of legend. Men like Commander Donald MacDonald, skipper of the USS O’Bannon, who became the most decorated naval officer of the Pacific war; Lieutenant Hugh Barr Miller, who survived his ship’s sinking and waged a one-man battle against the enemy while stranded on a Japanese-occupied island; and Doctor Dow “Doc” Ransom, the beloved physician of the USS La Vallette, who combined a mixture of humor and medical expertise to treat his patients at sea, epitomize the sacrifices made by all the men and women of World War II.
Through diaries, personal interviews with survivors, and letters written to and by the crews during the war, preeminent historian of the Pacific theater John Wukovits brings to life the human story of the squadron and its men who bested the Japanese in the Pacific and helped take the war to Tokyo.
more
A very well documented book. I especially enjoyed the book since I served on board USS O’Bannon DD-450 in 1968-1970 when she was de-commissioned from the Navy active service list. Proud ship – proud Navy Retiree.
After spending three years on a “TIN CAN” Fletcher class destroyer this book brought back many memories. Mine was during a peace time and it gave me the opportunity to see the world. But I now have great respect for destroyer men during WW II.
An emotional and detailed account of the men and ships of Destroyer Squadron 21 (Desron 21) that served in the Pacific theatre of WW2 from Guadalcanal up to the surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay. John does an excellent job of not only recounting the technical aspects of the battles fought, but also the human experiences of the sailors – officers and crew – who served on these ships. You learn a lot about the men who served in the hardest working ships of the US Navy during WW2.
As the son of a Tin Can Sailor from WWII, I was very pleased to see this book published. Some of the statistics were dry, but it’s hard to create excitement over numbers and lists. The descriptions of encounters with the Japanese forces was very well written.
Wonderful synopsis of the Navy war in the Pacific.
If You want to get a view of the challenges of the escort ships, like destroyers during WW2 this is an interesting book. It tracks some new destroyers, 12 in all, in the pacific throughout the war. They were sometimes the smallest ships during fleet operations and sometimes working alone or in small groups where the big ships didn’t go. Rarely was anyone in a ships crew was over 30 old.
Life aboard a destroyer in the South Pacific during WWII. Well written, draws the reader right onto the deck. Very informative of WWII navel engagements.
An accurate review of a limited number of American destroyers, especially in the first months of the war when the main Naval action in the Pacific was focused on the Solomon Islands. After that (Part 2 of the book) it is much less interesting, as the mission of the destroyers became less interesting.
As well, the over-the-top patriotism of the author (while common among American authors of the WWII variety) is clearly on stage. Use of racial epithets to Japanese solders and sailors, even in quotes, is not noted or called out. While this was pretty common for the period, it should be called out as a lesson for the future.
An easy to read, informative description of destroyer combat in W.W.II. It focuses mainly on the battle for the Solomon Islands.
Stopped reading because it was boring and I was a sailor on a tin can.
As a follower of WW2 battles, this was a very good read.
As a Naval history buff and a Destroyer Veteran I thought this book a great read!
Great tale of great courage.
As a Fletcher Class Tincan Sailor, I can relate.
A good history of the destroyers in the Pacific after Pearl Harbor to the surrender of Japan. Goes into detail with actual participants and veterans who served on the ships.
Bery detailed but almost repetitive at times
Great read putting you in the mist of a naval battle.
Provided you know the overall history of the naval engagements in the Pacific this is an excellent book. It brings home what it was like at the sailor’s level by a very good use of primary sources, effectively linked together for a personalized context. A reader less well versed in USN WW2 history would probably appreciate a little more narrative context of the bigger picture to help frame the heroic actions of the Tin Can Titans.
A great book about the Pacific WWII action. It follows three destroyers (tin cans)
from their launching to the Peace Surrender in Tokyo Bay – including specific individuals involved. In addition to covering the specific island battles, the book provides a lot of History I knew nothing about – after months of fighting (and dying) Guadalcanal was abandoned by the Japanese in a night operation; the destroyers and cruisers did most of the gun support for the Marines/Army in their landings; McArthur had complete charge of the landing force and the US Navy in the campaign for the Philippines (neither Navy Admiral wanted that invasion); and the US Navy regularly bombarded Japanese cities prior to dropping the atomic bombs.
It was interesting to follow the order of the island invasions as I had forgotten many of them. Also mentioned was the constraints placed upon the Pacific Fleet due to the invasion of North Africa..
Well researched history of Naval action in WWII. First hand stories from sailor’s diaries lend a lot to this narrative. The surface battles in 1942 and 43 and the air attacks in 1945 are well documented.
In some cases the author was repetitive, but overall a great read.