Synopses & Reviews
On March 19, 1945, a Japanese bomber screamed toward the USS Franklin and dropped two 500-pound bombs through the ship's decks, killing hundreds of officers and enlisted men in just the first few moments, and thrusting the lives of nearly 3,000 other American seamen and aviators into mortal danger. As the Franklin listed dangerously near capsizing, the light cruiser USS Santa Fe, nicknamed the Lucky Lady, bellied up alongside her flaming hull and attempted the most daring rescue in U.S. naval history. Lucky Lady recreates the legendary World War II careers of the Franklinthe most decorated naval vessel of the warand the Santa Feunparalleled in frontline service and avoiding casualtiesthrough the eyes of the men on board. Perspectives range from the highest levels of rank and flying altitude to deep within the ships' bowels. Through the bloody years of the Pacific campaignfrom Pearl Harbor to the Philippines to the waters just off the coast of Japan, and finally the decimated city of Nagasakithe crewmembers encountered all the circumstances of war. Now in paperback, this book will be cherished by readers of military history as a fitting tribute with stirring echoes in our present time. Photographs are featured.
Synopsis
Steve Jackson's Lucky Lady chronicles the saga of the aircraft carrier Franklin, the light cruiser Santa Fe, and their tragic encounter on March 19, 1945, when a Japanese bomber broke through U.S. air cover and dropped two 500-pound bombs on the Franklin. Fires were set off as ammunition and fuel exploded. The Franklin was near sinking, with all her 2,500 sailors in mortal danger. To the Japanese high command, American aircraft carriers represented supreme power. If several could be sunk, it might vanquish America's resolve. Against this backdrop, the Santa Fe, nicknamed the "Lucky Lady" for its unparalleled record of avoiding casualties throughout the war, came steaming to the Franklin's aid. In a maneuver heralded as one of the greatest feats of seamanship in naval history, the Santa Fe bellied up alongside the listing tinderbox of the Franklin, rescuing more than 800 sailors who were ferried across rope catwalks as flames on the burning sea licked at them from below. Despite the risk of being swamped by the much larger ship, the Lucky Lady remained alongside the Franklin, helping to shepherd the crippled vessel toward safety. Meanwhile, in the skies above, a vicious battle was fought, as the Franklin was stalked by Japanese planes eager to finish off their kill. In a haunting conclusion, Jackson measures the sacrifices and the triumphs of the two ships. This book is a fitting memorial that will move readers everywhere. 8 pages of black-and-white photographs heighten this dramatic saga.