The Last Epic Naval Battle - Annotated by David Sears (Paperback)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

By October, 1944, Japan's once-mighty naval power was almost extinguished. But in one last desperate bid, the Japanese gathered and combined their forces to defeat the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy.

With more ships engaged than there were even in the gargantuan World War I Battle of Jutland-and 200,000 men fighting on the sea and in the air- the Battle of Leyte Gulf was a hellish cacophony of cannon fire, murderous strafing airplanes, and deadly explosions.

Here, in the words of the men who were there, are the dramatic accounts of what really happened at Leyte. Though often overshadowed by other Pacific War engagements, such as Midway or Guadalcanal, the Battle of Leyte Gulf was, and remains, the largest battle in the history of naval warfare.

Review Quotes

"An enthralling book to read... I thoroughly recommend it."--The Naval 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... [Sears] has added an invaluable perspective to naval history."--Proceedings

"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."--Allan Topol, author of Enemy of My Enemy

"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."--Admiral Vern Clark, USN (ret.)

About the Author

David Sears is a former U.S. Navy officer and author of four previous books, including Such Men As These and At War with the Wind. He lives in New Jersey.