Truly common boys, truly uncommon heroes

books:


	• The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors James D. Hornfischer Random House Audio, 2004 average customer review:based on 121 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

KLO-Idaho

Totally amazing story. A good "history" lesson on WW II in the Pacific and the Japanese mentality.

A Great book Inspired by the Greatest

I'm not sure it's possible to find a book written about World War II history that is more captivating and inspiring than this novel. I couldn't put it down. And the men whose lives inspired it deserve an eternal debt of honor for their actions on the fateful day. Well-written, entertaining, and informative, it is definitely a must read--even for those who aren't history buffs.

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Truly common boys, truly uncommon heroes

What an amazing, moving and inspiring book. It reads almost as a work of fiction, it moves so fluidly and thoroughly from character to character, ship to ship, and side to side. But every bit of it is true. It is hard to imagine that the white haired, slow-moving gentlemen we see at the malls or at church are some of the same who lived through the flames, the shrapnel, the bullets, the fear, and the courage. One has no idea of how brutal and violent war at sea can be unless they have either experienced it, but reading this book surely comes close to bringing it home. That so few small ships could make such a huge stand against what remained of the mighty Japanese navy almost seems like the script of a Hollywood movie, but no writer could have created such an incredible and courageous underdog story.

The author does a yeoman's job of getting inside the command decisions of both the Japanese and American captains and officers. He explains the strategies and tactics in a way that any layman can easily fathom. One can argue that the Battle of Leyte Gulf was the greatest stand the US Navy took in World War 2. The Battle of Midway was certainly pivotal, but, not to at all diminish the bravery of the airman and sailors, was the product of much good luck for the US Navy and bad luck for the Japanese Navy. Leyte Gulf was all nerves and wills of steel for the Americans, and a realization for the Japanese that the end was nigh. It was the last great naval battle in history and the young men of the US Navy proved worthy of being the final victors.

For anyone who has an interest in naval warfare, profiles of personal courage, leadership, and general history -- this is one of the most all-encompassing and engrossing books one can hope for. Highly, highly recommended.

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Well worth reading for all

The Last Stand is an engaging account of the little known battle of Samar in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Even more important it is a reminder of what kind of men we have in our military: real people, with families and friends who willingly give their all for the country they love. It is clean of any fowl language which often pepper books dealing with the Navy so I recommend it to any young person interested in a Navy career or any young man who wants to see what courage and heroism looks like.

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

I am a former Navy man aboard the USS New Jersey. My brother was one of these Tin Can Sailors. Great book, recommended by one of my doctors. Really brings back memories.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

?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

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