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The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors
“This will be a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can.”
With these words, Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland addressed the crew of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts on the morning of October 25, 1944, off the Philippine Island of Samar. On the horizon loomed the mightiest ships of the Japanese navy, a massive fleet that represented the last hope of a staggering empire. All that stood between it and Douglas MacArthur’ s vulnerable invasion force were the Roberts and the other small ships of a tiny American flotilla poised to charge into history.
In the tradition of the #1 New York Times bestseller Flags of Our Fathers, James D. Hornfischer paints an unprecedented portrait of the Battle of Samar, a naval engagement unlike any other in U.S. history—and captures with unforgettable intensity the men, the strategies, and the sacrifices that turned certain defeat into a legendary victory.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James D. Hornfischer's Neptune's Inferno.
Praise for The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors
“One of the finest WWII naval action narratives in recent years, this book follows in the footsteps of Flags of Our Fathers. . . . Exalting American sailors and pilots as they richly deserve. . . . Reads like a very good action novel.”—Publishers Weekly
“Reads as fresh as tomorrow's headlines. . . . Hornfischer's captivating narrative uses previously classified documents to reconstruct the epic battle and eyewitness accounts to bring the officers and sailors to life.”—Texas Monthly
“Hornfischer is a powerful stylist whose explanations are clear as well as memorable. . . . A dire survival-at-sea saga.”—Denver Post
“In The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, James Hornfischer drops you right into the middle of this raging battle, with 5-inch guns blazing, torpedoes detonating and Navy fliers dive-bombing. . . . The overall story of the battle is one of American guts, glory and heroic sacrifice.”—Omaha World Herald
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Reviews
*The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors* by James D. Hornfischer** *The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors* by James D. Hornfischer is an extraordinary account of one of the most heroic naval engagements in U.S. history during World War II: the Battle off Samar, which took place on October 25, 1944, as part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf. The book focuses on the actions of a group of small, lightly armed American destroyers, destroyer escorts, and escort carriers (nicknamed "tin can sailors") as they faced off against the vastly superior Japanese fleet. Summary of the Battle The book recounts how a small and outgunned U.S. force, Task Unit 77.4.3 (known as "Taffy 3"), was tasked with protecting the landings at Leyte Gulf. The sailors aboard the escort carriers and their destroyer escorts did not expect to face significant surface action, as the main Japanese battleships and cruisers were believed to have been driven off or destroyed. However, as Hornfischer describes, the reality was quite different. The Japanese Center Force, led by Admiral Kurita, managed to pass through the San Bernardino Strait undetected and suddenly bore down on Taffy 3. The American sailors were faced with a nightmarish situation: their small, under-armed ships were being attacked by a fleet of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. In response, the American forces mounted a courageous and desperate defense, launching torpedoes and firing their limited guns at the much larger enemy ships. Themes and Analysis One of the most striking themes of the book is the concept of duty and courage. Hornfischer emphasizes that the sailors aboard these small ships knew they were severely outmatched but still fought with everything they had, often making the ultimate sacrifice. The destroyers Johnston, Hoel, and others led daring torpedo attacks, while the escort carriers launched their aircraft in continuous waves, despite the overwhelming odds. Hornfischer also highlights the confusion of war. The Japanese forces were initially unsure about the size of the American force they were facing, and the sheer audacity of the American attack led to significant confusion on the part of the Japanese commanders. This played a crucial role in allowing the Americans to inflict enough damage to turn back the Japanese fleet. In addition to the individual acts of heroism, Hornfischer provides a detailed account of the strategic decisions and mistakes made by both sides. Admiral Kurita’s decision to withdraw, despite having a clear advantage, is portrayed as a crucial turning point in the battle, sparing the U.S. invasion forces at Leyte. Characterization Hornfischer’s portrayal of the individual sailors and officers is deeply moving. Figures like Captain Ernest Evans of the USS Johnston and Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland of the USS Samuel B. Roberts stand out as examples of leadership and bravery under fire. Evans, in particular, is described as a leader who embodied the fighting spirit, charging headfirst into battle despite knowing that his ship had little chance of survival. The book also highlights the camaraderie and bonds between the sailors, giving the reader a sense of the human cost of the battle. Many of the sailors were ordinary men who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances, and Hornfischer does an excellent job of giving a voice to their stories. Writing Style James D. Hornfischer’s writing is engaging and vivid. He uses detailed research, including interviews with survivors and official reports, to bring the battle to life. The narrative is fast-paced and gripping, making the reader feel the tension and chaos of the battle. His descriptions of the naval action are clear and accessible, even for readers who may not be familiar with naval terminology. Conclusion *The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors* is a powerful and poignant account of a pivotal moment in World War II. It is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the sailors who fought in the Battle off Samar. Hornfischer’s meticulous research and storytelling skillfully capture both the broader strategic context and the individual heroism that defined the battle. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in naval history or the human dimensions of warfare.
By Gary Manko
I read this in hardcover many years ago and could never forget it. I happen to hear about this battle recently and decided to buy it on my phone app. Such an amazing story of courage that I can barely comprehend. A must read.
By Nate2460
Incredible detail of one of the most unknown naval battles in the history of our nation. There sacrifice and service is something we fail to appreciate in today’s day and age. I can’t believe this account hasn’t turned into a major motion picture.
By Flashdance
What a marvelous book. Perhaps the best I have read in years. If you want to know about the mettle of the greatest generation, this is a good place to start. Could we do it again with the current generation? That’s the $64 question.
By Say-Say Jane
After reading The Admirals and The BattIe of Leyte Gulf, I was encouraged by a Navy veteran to read this book. The research and the writing come together in a novel like presentation that captured my attention. I came to have a much better understanding of the Japanese plans as well as those of the Americans and their Allie’s. Some of the heroes of The Greatest Generation don’t show up very well in historic facts 75 years later. Anyone who wants to write history should use this as a text book example.
By tennisbarn