Thomas F. (hardtack) -
For quite some time I've considered that Admiral Halsey's reputation was overblown. Now I'm pretty convinced it was. He was not that great a leader as was thought. But the Navy pretty much covered up his mistakes so as not to make one of its heroes look bad.
I've read mention of the typhoon described in this book many times, but, until now, have not done any reading on it. As I learned in the service, many men get promoted beyond their capabilities. The WW II generation was a great generation, but like everything else there are men who should have been side-lined. The skipper of one of the destroyers lost is one one them, but he went on to complete a career in the Navy.
I've read mention of the typhoon described in this book many times, but, until now, have not done any reading on it. As I learned in the service, many men get promoted beyond their capabilities. The WW II generation was a great generation, but like everything else there are men who should have been side-lined. The skipper of one of the destroyers lost is one one them, but he went on to complete a career in the Navy.
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
Well, as you can see, after five years I read the same book again, having forgotten I read it before....
An outstanding book, and an easy read, about a little known incident in the Pacific war, which I've only seen mentioned in passing in my extensive reading on World War II.
In fact, I never even knew of a second typhoon Admiral Halsey's fleet experienced, which caused extensive damage. The fact he made the same mistake twice, not even counting his stupid decision at Leyte Gulf, should have be enough cause for his 'relief.'
But then this might have been part of the Navy's plan, to keep it all undercover. With prior military experience myself, I was not surprised to see how senior officers who make mistakes get away with them. Fortunately, the Navy seems to be trying to over come this, as news from the last few years seems to indicate.
One bright spot in this book is the incredible heroism of some of the sailors, officers and enlisted men, who risked their lives, or died, helping other shipmates to survive.
An outstanding book, and an easy read, about a little known incident in the Pacific war, which I've only seen mentioned in passing in my extensive reading on World War II.
In fact, I never even knew of a second typhoon Admiral Halsey's fleet experienced, which caused extensive damage. The fact he made the same mistake twice, not even counting his stupid decision at Leyte Gulf, should have be enough cause for his 'relief.'
But then this might have been part of the Navy's plan, to keep it all undercover. With prior military experience myself, I was not surprised to see how senior officers who make mistakes get away with them. Fortunately, the Navy seems to be trying to over come this, as news from the last few years seems to indicate.
One bright spot in this book is the incredible heroism of some of the sailors, officers and enlisted men, who risked their lives, or died, helping other shipmates to survive.
