Last Stand... is a decent collection of anecdotes from the men who fought off Samar, assembled with some unreliable historical narrative and mediocre-looking but useful maps. It is clear in the book that the author focused most of his attention on telling the story of the men, combining new interviews with material previously published by the various ship memorial associations. By and large, I think Hornfischer succeeds in telling the stories of these men's experience as they remembered it. It is always difficult to draw together narratives from people telling different levels of detail and using different kinds of vocabularies, but Hornfischer meshes the stories together well. His ability to jump from man to man in a given ship and then from ship to ship is impressive. The only time the narrative starts to break down is about the time the Hoel is sunk, and so much is happening in that time that I think a completely coherent narrative isn't possible.

What fails in this book, though, is the material that Hornfischer himself brings to the table. He clearly has little experience dealing with Navy terms, and so has ships arrive in port and "weigh anchor" when weighing anchor is, in fact, the process of raising the anchor. He gets himself completely turned around a few times on the difference between a naval gun's shell and its round (the former is what leaves the barrel, the latter includes the power and casing), and he uncritically accepts the memories of the veterans as to how many people were at a given battle station, despite the lack of room for that many people. He twice notes that the Gambier Bay was the first carrier sunk by surface gunfire, when that fate had befallen HMS Glorious in 1940.

Perhaps the least professional element of Hornfischer's scholarship is in recounting the damage inflicted by the Taffy 3 escorts (particularly torpedo hits and the effects of strafing) without checking them against Japanese records of the battle. There is nothing wrong with reporting what the men claimed, but there is something wrong with leaving the impression that these claims were all valid. It takes away nothing from the bravery of these men to note that none of Heerman's torpedoes actually hit (contrary to what the her crew believed).

The book makes an attempt to provide tactical maps of the engagement at key periods, which I applaud. Maps are getting all too rare in history books. These maps are usable but ugly, the artist having chosen to represent the ships as black squares rather than as hull shapes. The maps do a nice job illustrating how the weather affected visibility at these points in the battle, though, and that is a welcome change from the style of naval maps I am used to seeing. Taking the time to do the maps as snapshots, rather than a single plot with tracks on it, makes the action far more understandable.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story told by the people who were there, and who either can filter out the inaccuracies or doesn't care about them. I wouldn't recommend that anyone use this book as a reference for more than sailor's anecdotes, because it just isn't reliable.

The book was shipped on time and the condition as described. I would gladly use this seller again in the future.

This should be required reading for all those who serve in the Navy--on or above the sea. It is the story of Taffy 3, a WWII force of America's smallest ships--Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts. Tasked with protecting the carriers that were part of MacArthur's return to the Philippines, they ended up the front line against Japan's largest collection of battleships and the island nation's last gasp to turn the tides of WWII. No one expected these tiny ships--therein lies the name, 'tin cans'--to face down Japan's massive force of light cruisers, heavy cruisers and carriers. In fact, one of the Destroyer captains said, "This will be a fight against overwhelming odds, from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can."

And damage they did. They flitted in, their tiny guns booming and flashing. When they had no more torpedoes (each only carried 10), they charged anyway, shooting their small caliber deck-mounted guns. Wave after wave of aircraft buzzed the Japanese ships, American pilots continuing to attack even when their bombs ran out, hoping to frazzle and frighten the enemy. Despite the bravado, the sailors knew they had no chance to stop such a superior force. They could do little but pray for the best, understanding if the enemy got past them, they would get to the carriers.

But this isn't as much an historic account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf--that can be found in other books--as it is the story of the men who fought, their all-American roots, their unquestioning commitment to fight the good fight, their bottomless courage. They joined the war in response to Pearl Harbor, giving their brains and muscle to defend what was most important to them, and ended up giving their lives.

Hermon Wouk wrote of this battle, "The vision of Sprague's (the commander of Taffy 3)three destroyers--the Johnston, the Hoel, and the Heermann--charging out of the smoke and the rain straight toward the main batteries of Kurita's battleships and cruisers, can endure as a picture of the way Americans fight when they don't have superiority. Our schoolchildren should know about that incident, and our enemies should ponder it."

When the battle ended, Japan lost almost 10,000 men while America lost 800+ brave sailors, three of the tin cans and only one of our carriers--the only American carrier ever sunk in a naval battle. When the tiny ships sank and the sailors tredded water, fought off the sharks who smelled their blood, one incident stood out: A Japanese heavy cruiser approached. The stranded sailors didn't know if they'd be killed or captured. Instead, as the ship sailed by, the Japanese lined the side and saluted the bravery of their enemy.

If you are an American soldier or the parent of one, read this to see what will be expected of him or her. If you are our enemy, read this and beware.

Not often, but every now and again you run across a book you cannot put down and this is one of them. It reads like a suspense-laden, action adventure and one must continually remember it is really a history of actual events. By the halfway point you get to know the characters personally and the need to know how events are going to unfold begins to grow beyond the point of putting the book down until you know. I read a lot of military history and this book easily ranks in the top 5 best of all time. Very highly recommended.

As former "tin Can" sailor on a WW2 type destoryer I can tell you, this book tells it all. Our Gearing class destoryer had 6-5 inch, 6-3 inch, and torpedoes. We also were lucky to have a John Wayne type skipper and we all knew what we would have done if we were a part of Taffy-3. I think General Patton would have summed it up about those guys on the DE SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, "They were a bunch of heroic son's of bitches" If you would like to know what a Naval battle at sea is like when you're out numbered and out gunned, read this book and you will see what the "Greatest Generation" was all about. There was one not so heroic skipper in that battle. Hornfisher did a magnificent job and you won't want to put it down. If you liked this book, you will probably be compelled to read "HALSEY'S TYPHOON" by Drury & Clavin.

This was one of the best books on destroyermen and the war they fought from the decks of small ships against overwhelming odds. Being a retired chief gunnersmate, I can relate to the different stories as well as the tactics used by both sides. I've studied modern naval tactics as well as being versed in modern gunnery doctrine. The example of GM2 Carr who stayed at his battle station despite fatal wounds as his ship was sinking is a testament to the tenacity of the American sailor during this battle and hopefully one that others will seek to emulate in modern times. It is a story that will stand out the test of time.

There's nothing i can say that hasn't already been said about this book. All I can say it is a must read ! I cried when I thought of all those brave Sailors lost in the battle. James Hornfischer brings the battle to you.

This is hands down the best historical war book I've ever read. It starts a little slow in setting the stage with the people and ships but hold on to your seat when the battle starts. This book puts you sweating into the battle that you know can't be won but is. I never really heard about this battle before reading this book and can't believe that it was never put to film.

In late October 1944 the US Navy guarded the seas off the Philippines protecting the return of General MacArthur. With the 7th Fleet (Kinkaid) guarding from the south, and the 3rd Fleet (Halsey) guarding the north, those in the middle didn't expect to see much action. But Japan knew it's days were numbered and invented a daring plan to protect their position and resources in the Philippines by attacking from both sides. Kinkaid's troops soundly defeated Nishimura and Shima in the Surigao Strait, but Halsey abandoned the San Bernardino Strait in the north after a minor skirmish and took the bait offered by Ozawa and was drawn away to the north. This let Kurita through and left the small destroyers and carrier escorts of Taffy 3 to bear the full brunt of the largest ships to ever sail the seas.

Outnumbered and outgunned, the men put up a brave front against the monstrous Japanese ships, trying to protect the important small carriers. Between daring torpedo runs by the destroyer escorts (known to the sailors as "tin cans") and relentless attacks by those planes which were able to get airborne (almost all without proper armaments and some without any at all) the Americans put up such a fierce fight that Kurita was unsure of the true strength he faced, even thinking it was the absent Halsey. In the end he suffered serious losses and retreated, but not before sinking 3 destroyers and the only American carrier sunk by enemy surface fire. (The battle also saw the first sinking of an American ship by a feared new Japanese weapon - the kamikaze suicide pilot - when the St. Lo of Taffy 2 was sunk.)

This is an excellent and highly inspirational account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, or more specifically the Battle off Samar, fought by the men of Taffy 3 Task Unit. While Halsey skillfully and unjustly took credit for the victory, the bravery of the men who fought it generally went unsung. They endured relentless pounding by far bigger ships with bigger bombs and many spent 48 hours floating in the wide ocean waiting for a rescue that came shamefully late. But this is a story of the kind of bravery that won the war in the Pacific - even retreating Japanese soldiers saluted the men in the water as they steamed by. It's the kind of story that makes you appreciate the incredible valor and sacrifices men made during the war.

I've seen a number of comparisons to Flags of Our Fathers, and while this book is every bit as good, I found it a bit more challenging to read due mainly to my unfamiliarity with ships and planes. But once I stopped worrying about trying to understand and remember all the technical details it became a lot more enjoyable. I *highly* recommend this book.

I enjoyed the book but was disappointed that it was a large print addition. This was NOT noted when I ordered it and I do not like it. You must notify people of this in the future.

One of the airmen featured in this book is a friend of mine. His name is Earl "Blue" Archer and you will see a picture of him in this book. The book is worth reading if you just read what he did the day he flew over the Japanese battleship after a fellow airman had been killed. I met Blue on a company trip about 5 years ago. He is nearly 88 now. He is still working for the same firm as myself. The man is a bonifide American hero. Buy this book and learn a little bit about a great man and a great story of heroes.

This book is a very excellent read. It was received in a timely
fashion and in the described condition.

Meticulous research, including interviews with battle survivors, is spun into a very readable history of the naval battle of the Leyte Gulf. The incredible bravery exhibited by U. S. Navy personnel is contrasted with major errors of leadership, and marvelous, gutsy leadership of other commanders. This is a story that deserves more exposure, as it shows us the finest in what makes America great.

I found Hornfischer's account of one of the greatest US Naval battle ever to be a very slow read at the start, but once the battle began, the account was very compelling. The depiction of ordinary American guys being lead by ordinary American officers to fight incredible odds and survive, despite the inactions of Halsey and others, is truly a great story. No wonder Brokaw termed this as 'The Greatest Generation'.

This is a great example of how to research and write the story of a battle.

I want to get that statement out there, right up front, so that you all understand that I really enjoyed this book and could barely put it down once I started reading it. And yet, I only give it four stars because of certain faults that I find in it.

The overall construction of the book is familiar to most readers of modern history books. The author picked a small episode in one of the key naval battles of World War 2 in the Pacific and tells a very detailed story of what transpired from the American point of view. The battle that we are reading about is the well-known battle of Leyte Gulf; the episode that is detailed in this book is the Battle off Samar where one of the main Japanese naval forces managed to get amongst three small support task forces and could have - in theory - done much to inflict major damage on General MacArthur's invasion of the Phillipines. The Japanese force was much superior to the American naval forces and so we have a classic David vs Goliath story. A story which is also full of heroism and sacrifices to the cause.

The story starts with the commissioning of each of the small destroyers and destroyer escorts that are involved on the American side as well as some anecdotes from at least one of the Escort Carriers - called Jeep Carriers. Some of the commanding officers and men's biographies are provided as well as some of the backstory of how they came to be in the Navy and in that location at that time.

The middle part of the book - and by far the largest - is dedicated to a detailed study of what each American ship did in an account that is detailed to the minute. The battle took almost three hours, and we seemingly hear about each salvo and shot that took place. This part of the book was completely riveting as it accurately describes what takes place in a modern naval vessel under gun (or missile) fire, and the vagaries of war. repeatedly we learn of how luck plays a bigger part in whether you survive a battle - or maybe even become a hero - than any skills. If you are well trained, execute your job well, you may still either die or survive due to completely random factors.

The third part of the book covers the aftermath of the battle as the survivors of the sunk ships drift in the Pacific and attempt to survive the onslaught of sharks and fatigue as well as enduring the wounds and the last stand of the wounded amongst them.

So, why not give this book five stars if it is so well written and so riveting to read? Because I think the author slanted the book in three main ways that detracted from it for me. First of all, the whole theme of the book is that three desperate destroyers and destroyer escorts (the tin cans of the title), take on a Japanese force of two battleships 4 cruisers, and 21 destroyers and somehow turn the battle around. However, a careful review of the facts presented in the book shows that the three tin cans had almost no effect on the Japanese. They did harm one of the cruisers, and did cause one of the battleships to turn briefly away from their torpedoes, but that was all. All of the real damage to the Japanese Navy was caused by the Navy fliers that arrived about two hours in to the battle and that caused several more sinkings to take place. There is one small admission that the Japanese turned away more from a realization that they were already too late to affect MacArthur's forces than from any puny impact the tin cans may have caused.

While tin can sailors performed heroically, their efforts were, unfortunately, not really decisive - merely suicidal.

The second main problem that I had with the book was its almost exclusive focus on the American side. Yet the author admits that almost 10,000 Japanese sailors died during the battle. In other words, there was much more going on in the Japanese side than merely having some ships show up, cruise around for a while, and then turn tail and run away to be sunk by airplanes. Why does this book not contain much more information and data from the Japanese point of view? In the timeframe that it was written (1998-2001) there was much Japanese information available.

Thirdly, the book tries valiantly to avoid assigning any blame to anyone. While it does take some mild pot shots at Bull Halsey (who took off in chase of Japanese bait thereby leaving this small force practically defenseless); it does not try to assign blame to the horrendous mistakes that lead to the survivors of the battle to be left at sea for almost three days following it. Here is a three hour battle that is over before lunchtime, there are planes aplenty that pass over the survivors and acknowledge having seen them, yet no one is picked up for three days? Why did this happen and how many unnecessary deaths were caused by this?

So, to reiterate, this is a great read and an important book that fills in the details of one minor engagement in the war. I wish it would have been a much better book if the Japanese side and the true imbecility of having destroyers go up against Battleships and Cruisers was told.

As an Ex destroyer Escort Sailor during WW 11, only in a different theater of operation, I was amazed at my lack of knowledge at what
our Ships and Sailors went through during this time period & location. We knew what was going on around us, but not in other Oceans or parts of the World.I presumw we had no need to know???? Regardless, it makes me proud
that many of the 600 or so DE's built did the job they were designed for
and some over and above their capabilities. Using a max 25 knot speed
platform to get within 4000 ft and fire up to 3 Torpedos was/is considered almost a kamikaze ( American Style) mission at the time.
Although, in "The last Stand of the Tincan Sailors" that's actually what
they did.Outstanding!!! I was never more proud of my Branch of the Navy.

After reading the continued and unblemished courage of these sailors, I could only sit back and reflect on how pathetically easy my life has been.

I cannot comment on the technical discrepancies mentioned by others, but they did not take away from the larger story in my opinion.

Wow - a great read.

In reading some of the other reviews, I understand there are some factual errors and I suspect this is true of most other historical accounts of about anything. Indeed, this is a modern book and it's written and reconstructed from a battle 60 years ago. I certainly appreciated the comments made by those folks to the reviews here.

Despite that, I think the writing style and the human angle makes this an exciting story to read and makes it easy to visualize what it must have been like to experience this battle close-up. It's hard to imagine the kind of determination of the destroyer (small) and destroyer escort (smaller) captains and crews to face down the large battle force that Taffy 3 unexpectedly encountered.

I've read other accounts of this battle, but this book was far and away more lively and human-based. The author has written a compelling story of the heroes of Taffy 3 and told a story that I have not yet appreciated - what the destroyers did in WW II. It's an awesome story and repeated in other battles during the war.

I'm glad to have the opportunity to add my voice to the many who have showered well-deserved praise on this book. As World War II and its almost unimaginable challenges and human losses recede futher into the past, books like this should be read by as many people as possible. The circumstances and details of the battle described by Hornfischer are mind boggling. It is so hard to believe that humans can endure and triumph under circumstances like those he so expertly describes. For anyone who wants to understand just exactly what humans are capable of achieving under horrifying conditions, you must read this book. I would give it 10 stars if I could.

This book was recommended to me and I enjoyed it so much I ordered one and gave it to my father, who was in WWII. He was actually on the fringes of that battle. It gave such insight that I had never had before and made it so human. A wonderful read!

Mr. Hornfishcher gives us a superbly written David versus Goliath tale bringing to the forefront America's love of the underdog and the American fightingman's trait of improvisation.

You can find any number of overall pictures of the battle of Leyte Gulf. C. Vann Woodward's is adequate but early enough that some information is missing or erroneous. Mostly they resemble maps of the engagement in their disinterest. This one is from the point of view of the crews of about a dozen small ships that constituted Taffy 3, the uppermost of three units centered around small aircraft carriers. Each carrier had a small complement of airplanes, the fighters obsolescent, designed to support the troops of MacArthur's army already ashore. They were neither prepared nor equipped to fight a surface action against a major Japanese fleet but that's what they were forced to do.

I didn't care much for the title -- "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors." Sounds like a comic book. "When the Nips appeared on the horizon, our boys dashed to their posts with stout hearts." But it's not like that at all.

Actually, we are pretty much deprived of the Japanese point of view, but the nature of the American crews is limned in -- warts and all. If a captain was unpopular with the men, the author isn't afraid to quote a crew member -- "He was a real SOB."

It's a terrifying story, full of blood and smoke and confusion. Much of the confusion, alas, was generated by Admiral William F. Halsey, whom the press called "Bull" Halsey. He was given to issuing dramatically phrased orders and advice, like, "Attack -- Repeat -- Attack," and "Kill Japs. Kill More Japs." "The Japanese language will be spoken only in hell."

Halsey was commanding the Third Fleet, full of large carriers, battleships, and whatnot. Halsey was responsible to Nimitz who was in Hawaii. In command of the Seventh Fleet, to which Taffy 3 belong, was the equally competent but far less razzle-dazzle Admiral Kinkaid, who was responsible to MacArthur who was in the Fillipines. It took literally hours for messages from one commander to reach the other.

Well, without getting into it, Halsey took his entire fleet off to attack a Japanese force that was specifically designed to lure him into doing just that. This left the back door to the landings at Leyte Gulf open and the Japanese charged in. Only a willingness for self-sacrifice on the part of the Americans managed to change Admiral Kurita's mind at the last minute. His communications were, in anything, worse than the Americans'.

Halsey and Kinkaid had been friends at the academy many years before and knew each other well. But after his retirement, Halsey could not admit having made a mistake. The sort of mind that indulges in categorical thinking -- "either everything or nothing at all" -- is less inclined to admit errors than other kinds of minds. He sounded off often enough, implicitly blaming Kinkaid, that Kinkaid finally responded tartly in a publication.

There is, I think, a more analytical and fair-minded book available on the Battle of Leyte Gulf -- Evans' "Sea of Thunder" -- but for what it was like on deck and below, this is about as good as it's likely to get.

This is must read for any WWII or Navy buff. It is incredible how the USS Samuel B. Roberts, destroyer escort, duels a heavy cruiser to a stalemate and blows off her number 3 turret while firing 600+ rounds of 54 pound 5 inch shells.

The Fletcher Class destroyers were the 5th greatest class of fighting ships in the world, according to the Military Channel's show of the "Ten Greatest Fighting Ships". The USS Johnston zigzagged into the teeth of the IJN Central Force and blew the bow off a heavy crusier with torpedos.

You feel like a sailor aboard the USS Johnston for her few minutes in the Battle of Samar and you also feel like a midshipman about the USS Samuel B. Roberts. Taffy 3 were the unsung naval heroes of WWII.

The Fletcher class destroyers were named after Admiral Frank Fletcher's uncle Frank Friday Fletcher.

Hornfischer writes of the little-known Battle off Samar, a smaller clash in the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf, in which the US Navy destroyed the Japanese Navy for good.

This book personifies the notion that truth is more exciting than fiction. As Admiral "Bull" Halsey's Third Fleet was drawn off to the north by a Japanese diversionary tactic, and as Admiral Jesse Oldendorf's Third Fleet was destroying the main force in the Battle of Surigao Strait, Admiral Clifton Sprague's Task Unit 77.4.3 ('Taffy 3') was caught completely by surprise by a vastly superior Japanese Force.

In the best traditions of the Naval Service, Sprague's destroyers and destroyer escorts pointed their bows at the enemy and engaged in repeated torpedo runs at the enemy force (even after their torpedoes were depleted), drawing fire from the cruisers and battleships, and buying time for the fleet carriers to withdraw to safety. Taking heavy casualties from the better-armored foe, Taffy 3 remained undeterred, and eventually drove the force away.

In the best traditions of Naval literature, Hornfischer pens an unforgettable classic, gripping and inspiring throughout. You don't have to be a Navy officer to appreciate this magnificent work!

In a nation that has become soft, where our heros are now volunteers and our politicians fail to support them, it was a pleasure to be transported back to one of America's finest hours. The courage of ordinary men who had ordinary and peaceful jobs into a fighting force that took on the most powerful task force ever assembled in naval history is both gripping and humbling. Hornfisher's narrative made me hear the shells and screams, smell the oil and salt air, and see the flash of the guns. A must read for anyone who thinks that there is romance in war. A triumpth of the human spirit that will make you want to find and thank a veteran of that conflict, before they rejoin their comrades who never made it home.

A detailed account, on a very personal, heroic basis,of what happens in war when those "running the show" screw up.Being a teenager during the war with Japan and reading avidly of the expoits, I don't recall any news of the massive U.S. Navy foul-up drscribed in this book.I use to wonder why Admiral "Bull" Halsey was never honored after the war as was Nimitz, Spruance, etc. Now I know why.

This book is extremely well written and provides in depth information about a critical WWII battle that is often glossed over in other accounts of the war in the pacific. In addition to providing a wealth of factual information, the narrative is gripping. Even though I knew the outcome of the battle before I bought this book, I still felt that the narrative created a sense of suspense that made me want to keep on reading to find out what happens next to the men and ships who populate the story.

The descriptions of the battle and its aftermath do a superior job of communicating the horrors of war. In that regard, right up there with some of the greatest works of fiction. If you want to appreciate what our veterans did for us, and what the members of our armed services are prepared to do for us today, you must read this book.

I served in the Navy in the 50's on a destroyer escort like the ROBERTS. I am a history buff to say the least, but my favorite theatre is the Pacific during WWII. This book by Hornfischer is the #1 best book I've ever read on the Pacific Theatre, or at least one small part of it. The description of small ships maneuvering around to get close to the Japanese capital ships is astounding. He was right on the money. I could almost feel the wind on my face and smell the smoke. I could feel my own ship under my feet. It brought back numerous images of a great time in my life. The bravery of ordinary men in a time of need, in a time when bravery was commonplace makes the book a must-read. The term 'must-read' is thrown around too much because what does one say about this book that will set it apart? In modern times, this is the best book I've read.

I have read many books on Leyte Gulf battles, but have never read one as riviting as this one. If you have any interest at all about naval battles, you must read this.

Leave all your skepticism at the door. I doubted that this book would meet my expectations after reading the positive reviews here. I was fully satisfied as I turned the last page and reflected on this tale of sacrifice and courage in the madness of war.

The author writes with clarity and the events of the battle are easy to follow throughout the work. Several black and white photos and an excellent set of supplemental position maps augment the words on the page. I was never confused and never lost track of who was going where and what they were doing. I also kept referring to a ship diagram that was provided each time a new crew was introduced. It was amazing to compare the smaller American ships to the behemoth Japanese ships while reading about them squaring off, and more times than not with the Americans getting the better of the confrontation, at least at first.

Not lost in all this is the struggle of the individual sailors and officers. You are there as they charge into oblivion, blast away with awesome precision, watch their friends die in often horrible ways, yet they keep going until their beloved "Tin Cans" are blown out from underneath them. An awesome testimony to this breed of soldier during ww2.

A large group of resources is included for further study including other books and websites, but I can't imagine it getting any better treatment than this. The only way you don't enjoy this is if you aren't interested in military history or you don't care. On second thought, maybe that's exactly why you should read it - to see what it took back then.

In the end, a highly recommended and inspiring book. A MUST for ww2 fans.

I stumbled on this book and am glad I did as it now has to be one of my favorite books. Well written and researched it's a fun adventure be it a morbid one but and adventure just the same.

I must admit to knowing next to nothing about the Battle off Samar Island. What little I have read paints it more or less as a lucky loss in that the Americans avoided a true calamity.

In an effort to stem the American advance on the Philippines and hopefully catch the carrier fleet unaware; the Japanese Navy set in motion a plan to trick the carriers away from the invasion forces. Admiral Ozawa offered a decoy force in an attempt to draw off Halsey and Halsey true to form charged after him.

The attacking force lead by the behemoth Yamato heads in an stumbles on a small task force of 6 escort carriers and their escorts.

What should have been a full slaughter turns into a loss due to the efforts of the force commander "Ziggy" Sprague and the suicidal bravery of the Tin-Cans. The image of the Johnston charging a cruiser force with guns blazing and torpedoes launching is the stuff of legends. Surprisingly she disables the lead cruiser Kumano. That and the other sorties by the Samuel B. Roberts, the Hoel and the Heermann buy time for the force to make a run for it and send planes to try and blunt the attack. The attack goes on with the Hoel, Johnston and Samuel B. Roberts disabled or sinking. The Gambier Bay is hit and sinks and the for reasons only know to the force commander Admiral Kurita, he calls off the attack and heads home.

Hornfischer does a splendid job telling this story. It is well researched and very detailed as it tries to convey what the men went through. Especially when trying to survive in the water while waiting for rescue that was foolishly delayed and probably caused the death of over 100 men.

The minutia of detail gives harrowing imagery to the battle. The bravery and the odd things people do. Such as men carefully lining up their shoes on the deck as they abandon ship. The sacrifice and the sad end for many. The doctor who stays aboard to ease the passing of the dying and dies in an explosion. The dying man who keeps trying to load his destroyed gun. The dog who returns to the sinking ship.

One odd thing I have read about is the dementia of long term exposure in the ocean. A common theme involves the belief that fresh water is below the surface water. It happens in this story as well.

Another interesting thing is the Japanese viewpoint. Hornfischer put an effort describing the leadup to the battle and gave a couple examples of humanity. Such as the commander of the cruiser Tone who orders the gunners to avoid the men trying to leave the ship. The sailors who toss tins of food to the men in the water.

There are numerous photos and there is a list of men who died during and after the battle. I found myself looking at the list when names appeared in the reading to see if they survived.

It's interesting that this battle is often overlooked as the author points out it was a battle of firsts and lasts. Firsts were: The first time a US aircraft carrier was lost due to surface gunfire, the first time a ship was sunk by a Kamikaze, the first time the Yamato fired her guns in battle. The lasts were: the last massed ship action, the last time a battleship fired it's guns at other ships, the last time destroyers charged a line of ships.

Overall, this was a fun read and the details in the book make it a worthwhile addition to anyone's library.

The accolades for this book you find here are extremely well deserved. I will add to the cheerleading only by saying that this book is without a doubt, the single best book I have ever read concerning any aspect of the war in the Pacific. And I've read a LOT of it. It is literally impossible to put this book down once the action starts. Too bad more of naval history isn't written by this author. I have read many books on the Battle of Leyte Gulf that left me scratching my head in frustration as the author utterly fails in his attempt to relate to the reader a complex and disjointed narrative of one of the most complicated battles in U.S. Naval history. Not so with this Last Stand. BTW, I have been trying to plow through Lundstrum's "First Team" for what seems like forever. Talk about a great story ruined by a guy who has no flair for writting. But back on topic and in conclusion I will say that this won't be the last time I read Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors. As far as Lundtrum's book, well, I'm really looking forward to finishing it and making a paper weight out of it.

Being a voracious reader of world war ii novels,This is quite simply one of the most exciting and heart rending novels of naval warfare I have ever read.What make's it all the more interesting is my late grandfather served on a destroyer escort and even though he told a few tales himself reading this novel I truly almost felt I could smell the cordite and feel the deck as the Samuel b Robert's charged at the Japanese fleet.Next time you see a vet shake his hand and thank him.They deserve it!

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors chronicles "The Battle off Samar", possibly the most lopsided battle ever fought by the US Navy. Due to an inexplicable decision by the legendary Admiral Halsey, on October 25, 1944 a small flotilla of Escort Carriers and their escorting squadron of "Tin Cans" (Destroyers, and their little cousins, Destroyer Escorts, the smallest ships in the blue water fleet) were the only thing standing between a powerful fleet of Japanese battleships and the US invasion force sent to liberate the Philippines.

For the Americans, trying to stand up against the heavily armed and armored Japanese behemoths with the minimal forces at their disposal was suicidal. Still they were the only ships available to prevent the Japanese steaming into Leyte Gulf and slaughtering the soldiers and Marines still on the beach, so stand up against them is what they did. Incredibly, the Japanese retreated...but only after blasting two Destroyers a Destroyer Escort and one of the Escort Carriers into oblivion.

It was once said (by William Manchester, I believe) that military history often focuses on battles because, once so much blood has been shed we humans seem compelled to justify all the loss and pain by giving the event meaning. By the time the Battle off Samar took place, the Japanese empire was certainly beaten. Win, lose or draw, on that day in October they were not going to significantly alter the course of the war. And yet the willingness of the outnumbered and out gunned American squadron to stand and fight when they should have had no chance of winning does elevate 3 hours of explosive action to that point where stories and poems will be written about it for decades.

James D. Hornfischer's book captures both the events and emotions of the men who made what they knew would be a suicidal last stand vividly. It is well worth reading for anyone interested in World War II history.

A couple of years ago, I read "Shattered Sword" (about the Battle of Midway) and proclaimed it the best WWII account of Pacific Theatre Naval history to date. I now have to say THE LAST STAND OF THE TIN CAN SAILORS by James Hornfischer ranks right beside it.

This is a brilliantly presented accounting of Halsey's folly when he let his enormous ego get in the way of following orders. The result is the death of some of the Navy's finest tin can sailors and the birth of legends in Naval history. Had Halsey been in position with the 3rd Fleet to guard San Bernardino Straits, it is quite possible that even more American lives would have been lost in the ensuing battle, but it is also quite probably that the Japanese Center Force would have also been dismantled piecemeal just as the Japanese Southern Force had been destroyed the day before.

But, as history has shown, Halsey couldn't contain his ego and went chasing after his own legacy, leaving the Straits to be guarded by the "little guys" a tiny group of escort carriers and accompanying destroyers and destroyer escorts. Hornfischer deftly tells the tale of the men of these greatly overmatched tin cans who faced down the Imperial giants. Many of them eventually paid the ultimate sacrifice.

This incredibly well researched story will have you glued to every page. The details are accurate to a flaw and riveting like no other account I have ever read. This is superbly written and also includes several pages of photos as well as maps of ship positioning during the battle. This is one of the best Naval warfare history books you will ever read.

This is an incredible story of true courage by the men of the U.S. Navy fighting in the Pacific during World War II. Words are not equal to the valor shown by the Tin Can Sailors who battled the best ships of the Japanese Navy and turned certain destruction into an unbelieveable victory. I dread to think that our nation may one day forget the courage and sacrifice of these men. The Tin Can Sailors are a shining examples of this nation's best. Highly recommend this book.

As a former Tin Can sailor it brought back a lot of good memories. I was lucky enough to come along after the second World War but as a sailor serving on Destroyers I new I was a member of a very exclusive club. Mr Hornfischer tells this story in such away that you just don't want to put the book down. We have had influx of books written on the "Greatest Generation" and this is a story that belongs with what has been written and what will be written about them.

I have just started reading "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors", but the more I read the more I want to read. When finished it will be taken to the next reunion of the USS SOLEY (DD707) for use as a raffle item for another Tin Can Sailor to enjoy.

Totally amazing story. A good "history" lesson on WW II in the Pacific and the Japanese mentality.

What an amazing, moving and inspiring book. It reads almost as a work of fiction, it moves so fluidly and thoroughly from character to character, ship to ship, and side to side. But every bit of it is true. It is hard to imagine that the white haired, slow-moving gentlemen we see at the malls or at church are some of the same who lived through the flames, the shrapnel, the bullets, the fear, and the courage. One has no idea of how brutal and violent war at sea can be unless they have either experienced it, but reading this book surely comes close to bringing it home. That so few small ships could make such a huge stand against what remained of the mighty Japanese navy almost seems like the script of a Hollywood movie, but no writer could have created such an incredible and courageous underdog story.

The author does a yeoman's job of getting inside the command decisions of both the Japanese and American captains and officers. He explains the strategies and tactics in a way that any layman can easily fathom. One can argue that the Battle of Leyte Gulf was the greatest stand the US Navy took in World War 2. The Battle of Midway was certainly pivotal, but, not to at all diminish the bravery of the airman and sailors, was the product of much good luck for the US Navy and bad luck for the Japanese Navy. Leyte Gulf was all nerves and wills of steel for the Americans, and a realization for the Japanese that the end was nigh. It was the last great naval battle in history and the young men of the US Navy proved worthy of being the final victors.

For anyone who has an interest in naval warfare, profiles of personal courage, leadership, and general history -- this is one of the most all-encompassing and engrossing books one can hope for. Highly, highly recommended.

The Last Stand is an engaging account of the little known battle of Samar in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Even more important it is a reminder of what kind of men we have in our military: real people, with families and friends who willingly give their all for the country they love. It is clean of any fowl language which often pepper books dealing with the Navy so I recommend it to any young person interested in a Navy career or any young man who wants to see what courage and heroism looks like.

I am a former Navy man aboard the USS New Jersey. My brother was one of these Tin Can Sailors. Great book, recommended by one of my doctors. Really brings back memories.

I'm not sure it's possible to find a book written about World War II history that is more captivating and inspiring than this novel. I couldn't put it down. And the men whose lives inspired it deserve an eternal debt of honor for their actions on the fateful day. Well-written, entertaining, and informative, it is definitely a must read--even for those who aren't history buffs.

"Resolution, sacrifice and success", to quote words attributed to the men who fought what history may record as the greatest naval surface ship battle of the twentieth century. There truly are no words capable of expressing adequately the heroics of these sailors aboard their diminutive but mighty warships, the Tin Cans of the Pacific fleet, and of the aviators of the carriers all of whom comprised Taffy 1,2 and 3. However, Mr. Hornfischer has done a splendid job of recording these historic events so they won't easily be forgotten.

The best audio book I have listened to because it combines a very good story, very good reading, and very good production. James Hornfischer's account of the encounter between a few escort aircraft carriers and their destroyer escorts with major elements of the Japanese Navy amid the larger backdrop of the Battle of Leyte Gulf is very fast paced, interesting, and entertaining. A layman like myself with an interest in naval encounters of the Second World War or the courage and resourcefulness shown in desperate situations will enjoy it. The abridged audio book can be appreciated without constant reference to a map which is very nice since most of us purchase audio books for times during which reading is impractical. It is probably the best read audio book I have heard: Mr. Gardner has a good speaking voice - not too fast, not too slow, good diction, good emphasis to where, quotations begin and end; all around very good. He was very pleasant to listen to. It was the best produced audio book I have listened to, especially how the volume levels were so consistent between tracks on the CD. You would think that would always be the case with the same person reading - but it never is, except here. As I listen to the books on the treadmill it was so nice to not have to keep reaching for the volume control! Good story, good reading, good producing. What could be better?

I never knew about this major WW II naval until I read the book. And, I thought I knew about the Pacific naval battles. As an engineer, I like the technical details about the ships and how the operate. There are just enough technical details to keep your interest without being boring. Good read about a battle that "saved" the Pacific Fleet. Even after reading the book, one still wonders how the Tin Cans and Jeep Carriers withstood the Jap battleships. Every one of Sailors and Pilots who took part in the Battle should have gotten a Navy Cross.

Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors is one of the most inspiring naval stories that I have ever read. That fact that it's a true story only makes it humbling. It was good that James Hornfisher had a chance to interview the surviviors so that the story can be shared with future genereations, as well.
Had I been in similar circumstances, I would hope to be able to show a fraction of the courage that these men did.

The author made me feel like I was a part of the action! It also gave me a whole new appreciation for the men and women who have served in a time of war. It does start off a little slow due to providing a lot of background on the sailors. But just hang on because once the action starts, you will not be able to put it down!

I found this a facinating look into the psyche of the American military man and the US Navy as a whole. Couldnt put it down and have re read it already!

First, until I read this book I was totally unaware of this great sea battle. Second being totally clueless about WW2 naval battles until very recently I had no idea how many shells each boat lobed before any of them hit. Obviously getting hit by a single battleship shell in a Destroyer could sink her, but until I read this book I had no idea about the carnage inflicted on the men in that hit ship. This book really brings home the last of the big gun battles of the navy.

Second, heroism at it's best, that's what we see here from the Americans. Knowing that you are in a tiny ship but all that is standing between an enemy flotilla was enough for these sailors to do their duty for their country and make a run at them. We see that improvisation was key for the Americans, the land based airfield with it's reserves of bombs and ammo really turned the day. There was no letup for the Japanese from the air.

Third, much has been made about how the Japanese Navy turned tail at a critical moment. However this book clearly shows how it in the end it would not have mattered. And that air power was the deciding factor, not gunnery. Had the Japanese had any reasonable air cover they would have beaten the Americans, but they were shooting blind and as we see it cost them dearly. However the controlled gunnery of the Americans made their smaller caliber weapons highly lethal. Aim matters as much as shell size.

Fourth in hind site it's easy to see that the ruse to the North worked. But we are looking at the battle with perfect 20/20 vision, something both navies did hot have. One can blame Adm. Bull Halsey for leaving the door open but with his sinking of the Japanese carriers that was the end of the Japanese navy power. Yes the two islands for the forward airbases had yet to be taken but there was now no way for them to be resupplied once under attack.

One last comment, I've read both of this authors books, and the "Ghost Sailors" is much better written. It's not that the story itself is any better but there is less "perky good Americans, bad stupid Japanese" type comments in the text. Yes I expect that when an American writes about a battle where the odds were great against wining that the sailors involved will show true courage, but it's a bit overdone in the early chapters of this book. But once you start to ignore it, the book moves right along. And in "Ghost Sailors" it's toned way back and makes for an easier to read book. Still 5 stars though.