The true story of the World War II Pacific naval battle that pitted the USS Intrepid’s naval aviators against Japan’s superbattleship Musashi during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. October 24; 1944: As World War II raged; six young American bombers from Torpedo Squadron 18 were sent on a search-and-destroy mission in the Sibuyan Sea. Their target: the superbattleship Musashi; the pride of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The pilots were tasked with preventing the immense enemy warship from inflicting damage on American supply ships. Little did these men know that they had embarked on the opening round of history’s greatest—and last—epic naval battle. Two bomber crews launched in the first wave of attackers were shot out of the sky. Only pilot Will Fletcher survived the crash landing. Adrift at sea; Will made his way to land and escaped into the jungles of the Philippines; where he eluded capture by the Japanese with the help of Filipino guerrillas; whose ranks he joined to fight against their common enemy. Intrepid Aviators is the thrilling true story of these brave bomber pilots; their daring duel with the Musashi; and Will Fletcher’s struggle to survive as a guerrilla soldier. The sinking of Musashi inflicted a crucial blow in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and marked the first time in history that aviators sank a Japanese battleship on the high seas.
#2774 in Books Twelve 2010-03-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.50 x 6.00l; 1.25 #File Name: 0446546925496 pagesGreat product!
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Dave Cullen is obviously a talented investigator and writer. ...By Peter B. PhillipsDave Cullen is obviously a talented investigator and writer. The book is a nonfiction masterpiece of research; documentation; and written presentation. I'm looking forward to his new book in 2018!Oh; and the book was delivered very promptly and brand new as advertised.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. UnrealBy smithml26One of the best written books I have ever read; no politics; no sides just the story of a horrible tragedy that shocked the world. A must read for anyone whom has kids or works with kids on a daily basis.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Truth of the TragedyBy Mary M. HashagenAfter reading this book; I feel I have a more truthful understanding of the events which occurred at Columbine High School in Spring of 1999. This understanding comes from the facts and interpretations provided by Dave Cullen; as he logically explains the motives and mindsets of the killers; victims; and media. Cullen begins by explaining the killers Eric and Dylan. In the beginning; he uses the boys' journals; tapes; and family interviews to negate the media's portrayal of the boys. He shows the boys are not entirely outcasts at their school and participate in normal teenage dilemmas such as finding prom dates. He uses interviews from family members and acquaintances to explain Eric's inescapable charm and Dylan's defeating shyness. He later uses F.B.I. agent Dwayne Fuselier's examinations of the boys to explain Eric's cool disposition to be caused by the inability to feel human emotion; or psychopathy. Cullen also uses Fuselier to explain Dylan's depression; which lead to his acceptance of Eric's idea to commit suicide. Next; Cullen gives the reader details about each victim's pain both during the tragedy and afterwards. Specifically; he gives graphic information concerning victims such as Patrick Ireland's experience of being shot in the head; and his determination to escape the school during the shooting. Cullen goes on towards the end of the book to narrate the victims' lives after the shooting such as Patrick's graduation; and later marriage. Finally; one of the most devastating parts of this book is the media's role in the tragedy. Cullen explains how the media misinformed the public because of its insistence to report as fast as possible. News reporters took information from unreliable students; who were oblivious as to even the existence of the shooters; while also broadcasting false facts from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. Cullen explains how the media; himself included; created false identities of the boys; while also placing the blame in numerous undeserving places. Overall; I highly recommend this book for those who are interesting in learning the actual occurrences before; during; and after the Columbine shooting. Although the format; which switches points of view rapidly; is not ideal; the facts in this book are overpoweringly enthralling. For prospective readers I also recommend having a box of tissues nearby; because the experience of the victims can become overwhelming.
