Synopses & Reviews
Often overshadowed by other Pacific War engagements such as Midway or Guadalcanal, the Battle of Leyte Gulf was characterized by some of the most gallant hours in seagoing history: the U.S. Navy's defeat of the combined Japanese fleet during the invasion of the Philippines in October 1944. Involving more ships than even the gargantuan First World War Battle of Jutland and two hundred thousand men, it was the biggest naval battle in world history. It marked the last time that huge capital ships fought within sight and sound of each other. Using the personal accounts of the men who were there, Sears tells this mammoth and compelling story.
Review
"David Sears has captured the life and death struggles of American sailors and airmen in the epic Battle of Leyte Gulf through a superb marshaling of dozens of first-person, eyewitness accounts. It's a fact-filled, thrilling read" < p="">Jim Hartz, former host, NBC Today Show <>
Review
David Sears has captured the life and death struggles of American sailors and airmen in the epic Battle of Leyte Gulf through a superb marshaling of dozens of first-person, eyewitness accounts. It's a fact-filled, thrilling readJim Hartz former host, NBC Today Show
Review
"The men came from across America, with little in common beyond a strong desire to serve their nation. Their personal accounts of valor in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds offer a window into a defining battle in our nation's history." < p="">Vern Clark, Admiral USN <>
Review
"David Sears has captured the life and death struggles of American sailors and airmen in the epic Battle of Leyte Gulf through a superb marshaling of dozens of first-person, eyewitness accounts. It's a fact-filled, thrilling read" - Jim Hartz former host, NBC Today Show
Review
"This fascinating book offers yet another story of the Navy's victory over the combined Japanese fleet during the U.S. invasion of the Philippines in October 1944. It was the largest battle in naval campaign history, marking the last time major capital ships fought within sight and sound of each other….The author's account relates events from the viewpoints of 60 seamen and airmen, including ship and PT boat commanders, pilots, gunner's mates, firemen, and torpedomen. He sees the true margin of victory coming from surprising quarters; aging ships risen from the graveyard of the attack on Pearl Harbor; small hastily constructed ships with largely untested reserve crews; fragile support ships never intended for battles on that scale; and combat aircraft piloted by teenages….By concentrating this book on deckplate and cockpit operations, heavily flavored with the heartfelt personal recollections of Leyte Gulf veterans, he has added an invaluable perspective to naval history." - Proceedings
Review
"Taking place in October 1944, the Battle of Leyte Gulf was the biggest naval battle in world history. Drawing upon the personal accounts of participants, Sears describes how the American forces overcame overwhelming odds to defeat the combined Japanese fleet during the invasion of the Philippines. The volume is illustrated with B&W historical photographs. Sears is a business consultant with a special research interest in military leadership." - Reference & Research Book News
Review
"Reading eyewitness accounts of these … Leyte actions makes this an enthralling book to read and I thoroughly recommend it." - The Naval Review
Review
"A valuable addition to the military history of the Second World War. By telling the story through the voices of survivors of the naval battles of Leyte Gulf, David Sears has given us a uniquely authentic perspective. The scenes are so vividly described that I felt as if I were an observer at this turning point in the war against Japan." < p="">Allan Topol, author of < i=""> Enemy of My Enemy < i=""> <>
Synopsis
Uses personal accounts of the veterans who achieved victory in the biggest and last great naval battle, largely fought with aging ships, untested reserve crews, and teenaged combat aircraft pilots.
About the Author
DAVID SEARS is a business consultant. For this book as he researched many battles for examples of military leadership applicable to business settings. He is the author of Successful Talent Strategies (2002) and Best Sellers (2004).
Table of Contents
Foreword by Thomas J. Cutler
Roll Call
Voices of Leyte Gulf and Glossaries
Prologue: Ships in the Seas of the South
Citizen Sailors
Forming Up
Opening Shots
Crossings
Night in Surigao
Morning off Samar
Divine Winds
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography