The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

By James D. Hornfischer

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors - James D. Hornfischer
  • Release Date: 2004-02-03
  • Genre: History
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 280 Ratings

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.

BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James D. Hornfischer's Neptune's Inferno.

Praise for The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

“One of the finest WWII naval action narratives in recent years, this book follows in the footsteps of Flags of Our Fathers. . . . Exalting American sailors and pilots as they richly deserve. . . . Reads like a very good action novel.”Publishers Weekly

“Reads as fresh as tomorrow's headlines. . . . Hornfischer's captivating narrative uses previously classified documents to reconstruct the epic battle and eyewitness accounts to bring the officers and sailors to life.”Texas Monthly

“Hornfischer is a powerful stylist whose explanations are clear as well as memorable. . . . A dire survival-at-sea saga.”Denver Post

“In The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, James Hornfischer drops you right into the middle of this raging battle, with 5-inch guns blazing, torpedoes detonating and Navy fliers dive-bombing. . . . The overall story of the battle is one of American guts, glory and heroic sacrifice.”Omaha World Herald

Reviews

  • Wow

    5
    By Flashdance
    Incredible detail of one of the most unknown naval battles in the history of our nation. There sacrifice and service is something we fail to appreciate in today’s day and age. I can’t believe this account hasn’t turned into a major motion picture.
  • The last stand of the tin can sailors

    5
    By Say-Say Jane
    What a marvelous book. Perhaps the best I have read in years. If you want to know about the mettle of the greatest generation, this is a good place to start. Could we do it again with the current generation? That’s the $64 question.
  • An Excellent History Book

    5
    By tennisbarn
    After reading The Admirals and The BattIe of Leyte Gulf, I was encouraged by a Navy veteran to read this book. The research and the writing come together in a novel like presentation that captured my attention. I came to have a much better understanding of the Japanese plans as well as those of the Americans and their Allie’s. Some of the heroes of The Greatest Generation don’t show up very well in historic facts 75 years later. Anyone who wants to write history should use this as a text book example.
  • Great read

    5
    By dffyuytrc
    Gripping, vivid detail, so many heroes!
  • Amazing

    5
    By Kkids234
    One the most well written and captivating writings of US Naval combat in the Second World War. Mr Hornfischer is one of the best writers of US Naval history I have ever read
  • Tin Can sailor

    5
    By PJ&BR
    Excellent read. The bravery was palpable. The strength leadership and commitment can only reach such measure in war.
  • Inspiring

    5
    By mainediver218
    An incredible and inspirational account of bravery, courage, and spirit. Thoroughly researched and captivating in its telling.
  • Motivating Book

    5
    By Usnav8r
    The author did a nice job of seamlessly weaving history with personal accounts from survivors. By building a backstory for some of the key participants, he created an engaging narrative of an amazing story of courage against overwhelming odds. Great book.
  • An excellent read

    5
    By Tcartee
    Great piece of writing. My wife's grandfather was one of the survivors of the Johnston and spent those long days and nights in the water. Made me appreciate our WW soldiers even more!
  • Heroism

    5
    By crabtrem
    This is a great book that highlights one of the most courageous Naval battles of WWII. You will taste the salt, feel the heat of the guns, and live this battle as if you were there.