ePub The U.S. Navy Against the Axis: Surface Combat; 1941-1945 by Vincent O'Hara in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Another great book about surface combat in World War Two.By Jonathan MattsonI like Vincent O'Hara's writting style. While I preferred his book on the German Navy in world war two more; I still loved this book. If you are looking for a book that will give you the narrative of the US Navy defeating the Japanese at Coral Sea; Midway; Philipine Sea; and Leyte Gulf you will be disapointed. As the title says this book will focus on surface combat only.Just like with the German Navy; he covers some minor little surface engagements that you normally don't read anything about; i would assume they were covered in Morison's 15 volumes but I don't recall off the top of my head. I also appreciate that contest has a map to help you visualize the engagement as it proceeds.I actually think I enjoyed the portion of the book more where he wasn't discussing the actual surface combats. When discussing the opposing strengths and weaknesses of the surface fleet I loved that portion. To be able to see in such an easy to understand format the difference in destructive power of the different sizes and rate of fire of guns was evaluable. It's something that stuck with me and i carryover when I read different books on the US Navy. I think they spent too much time in the Solomon’s not bringing their firepower to bare.I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the US Navy in the second world war.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. My introduction to Pacific warBy Paul S. LakowskiHaving already bought and digested Vincent O'Hara's previous work; "The German Fleet at War 1939-1945"; I was already familiar with the excellent systematic and balanced treatment; which Mr. O'Hara brings to his work.As a new reader of naval warfare in the pacific; I appreciated the systematic approach to the details of each battle; allowing comparisons to be drawn up and a more objective view to be established. Unfortunately too much of naval discussions and books get caught up in technical details;and ignore the vital human aspect. Except for the most informed reader; these technical discussions only tend to cloud and obscure the nature of these battles. Vincent O'Hara's writing style seems to cut through and clarify; rather than obscure.Vincent's two works clearly re affirmed the importance of the human decision making in warfare and the manner in which leadership 'snap judgments'; can decide the outcome of a naval clash. In fact it seems that most of the naval clashes covered in both of his books; are decided by such judgments and the technical merits of each weapon system can only have a limited passing effect on any given battle.I highly recommend this book [and his previous work] to any reader interested in WW-II naval warfare.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good readBy emerson w. sherrodGreat book