Overview

Battleship Commander: The Life of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr "Battleship Commander: The Life of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr." by Paul Stillwell is a biography that brings to life the remarkable story of one of America's most distinguished naval officers. Through great research and engaging writing, Stillwell provides a comprehensive account of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr.'s life, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a prominent figure in the U.S. Navy. One of the book's greatest strengths is its portrayal of Lee's leadership style and strategic brilliance. Stillwell vividly depicts Lee's command of battleships during World War II, including his pivotal role in the Battle of Guadalcanal, where his innovative tactics and fearless leadership earned him widespread admiration. In August 1942, Rear Admiral Lee was sent to the Pacific to command Battleship Division Six, consisting of the battleships Washington and South Dakota. Lee engaged an Imperial Japanese Navy surface fleet under the command of Vice Admiral Kondō during the second night of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on the night of 14–15 November 1942. While commanding the battleship Washington, which served as his flagship during this sea fight, Lee's battleship decisively shelled the battleship Kirishima into a wreck, resulting in her scuttling shortly afterward. Lee's flagship, Washington, was the only American battleship during World War II to sink an enemy battleship in a "one-on-one" gunfight. Lee used the SG radar installed aboard Washington to maneuver his ships skillfully at night during the battle. He also recommended improvements in the Navy's AA and radar. The book also offers valuable insights into Lee's character, painting a portrait of a man who was not only a skilled tactician but also a compassionate leader who deeply cared for his men. Through personal anecdotes and letters, Stillwell humanizes Lee, allowing readers to connect with him on a personal level and gain a deeper understanding of his motivations and values. Readers will gain a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by naval officers during wartime and the sacrifices they made to defend their country. In summary, "Battleship Commander" is a compelling biography that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr. Stillwell's research, vivid storytelling, and insightful analysis make this book a must-read for anyone interested in military history and the remarkable individuals who shaped it - like Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr.

"The War - An Intimate History 1941-1945" by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns offers readers a deeply intimate portrayal of the human experience during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history. The book spans the years from 1941 to 1945. The authors creatively weave together personal accounts, archival images, and historical analysis to create a vivid read of the Second World War and its aftermath. What sets this book apart is its focus on the individual stories of ordinary people from four American towns: Waterbury, Connecticut; Mobile, Alabama; Sacramento, California; and Luverne, Minnesota. Through these diverse perspectives, readers are given a nuanced understanding of the war's impact on communities across the United States. The authors do not shy away from the horrors of war, depicting the unfathomable sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is also a profound sense of resilience and humanity that shines through. Ward and Burns capture moments of courage, camaraderie, and compassion that serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the war's lasting legacy on American society. From the struggles of returning veterans to the civil rights movement and the changing role of women, Ward and Burns deftly examine the social, political, and cultural upheavals that defined the post-war era. By contextualizing these developments within the broader narrative of the conflict, they offer readers a deeper appreciation of how the war reshaped the fabric of American life. Furthermore, "The War" is accompanied by a wealth of visual material, including photographs and maps, which enrich the reading experience and provide additional insight into the events and individuals discussed in the book. In conclusion, "The War - An Intimate History 1941-1945" is an excellent read for anyone seeking to understand the "human cost" of war and its enduring impact on society. Through its rich storytelling and research, Ward and Burns have crafted a work that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. This book serves as both a tribute to the generation that endured the hardships of war and a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

John Ringo Title: The Black Tide Rising Series Link to Amazon for the Books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=john+ringo+black+tide+rising+series&crid=1WQTY4PXVZK3E&sprefix=john+ringo%2Caps%2C156&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_4_10 Four Major Books and several anthologies. Review: a Solid A for this series Ever imagine a zombie apocalypse at sea>? Where the only safe place to not easily get eaten, is on a boat? And then, for some obscure reason, you and your entire family decided to save as many people stranded at sea as you are?? Well, if you think fighting Zombies on land is bad......imagine fighting your way into the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) to rescue survivors trapped in compartments.... And, if that isn't the stuff of some very bad PTSD nightmares, imagine seeing a "Freedom Class" cruise ship being infected and, in a very bad way, fighting to free survivors on a vacation to hell......? This is a great series of Four Major books and several anthologies about the rest of the world...!

With over a thousand pages, "Delivered From Evil—The Saga of World War II" is a one-volume history of WW2, beginning with the Treaty of Versailles and concluding with Japan's surrender. As with most books dealing with the history and facts about WW2, there are debatable inaccuracies. The book's author is Robert Leckie. Robert Leckie (author) - Wikipedia Of interest Leckie's war memoir, "Helmet for My Pillow", along with Eugene B. Sledge's book "With the Old Breed", formed the basis for the HBO series "The Pacific" (2010), the follow-up series to "Band of Brothers". In the miniseries, Leckie is portrayed by James Badge Dale. Whereas most books about WW2 cover a rather narrow topic, this is, without a doubt, a massive undertaking. Because of this, certain aspects may be underrepresented in a reader's view, while other theatres of operations are given much more attention by the author. A one-volume retelling of World War 2 may seem dubious, but this veteran writer of popular history has done an outstanding job. Wisely beginning with Versailles, he uses a topical approach to illuminate the characters (all real) and events. There is more storytelling than serious analysis here, but the wartime drama is related with deftness and interesting detail. His portrayal of personalities is excellent. He does for World War II what author John Costello did for "The Pacific War." There are three ways to write about a war: from a foxhole, providing a narrow, intensely human view of a very small piece of hell; from the generals' vision of the tactical or battlefield situation; and, most difficult of all, from a global or strategic perspective. Many journalists and historians have written from one or another of these vantage points. Occasionally, someone can combine these parts. Very rarely does a popular or academic writer combine into a coherent whole. Still, military historian Leckie attempts just that sort of comprehensive work in his history of World War II. To reduce the task, he has all but eliminated or overly simplified the geopolitical factors that drove the war. The result is a distended history, one that gives too much credit to field commanders like Eisenhower and too little to staff officers like the almost forgotten Brehon Somervell, a master of military procurement, and Leslie McNair, the man who trained the 8.5 million soldiers the United States would field. Understandably, mobilization and armament are complex and not very sexy, but considering that the United States did serve as "the arsenal of democracy," the subject surely deserves serious review in a comprehensive history. This book would be ideal for someone interested in WW2 as a whole. It provides a platform for the reader to explore other, more focused events of WW2. Amazon Books Other book retailers