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A Grand Pause: A Novel on May 14, 1945, the USS Randolph, Kamikazes, and the Greatest Air-Sea Rescue
A Grand A Novel on May 14, 1945, the USS Randolph, Kamikazes, and the Greatest Air-Sea Rescue Gary Santos
Based on an incredible true story that took place in the midst of World War II, on May 14, 1945, A Grand Pause follows two American airmen, Ensign John Morris and his gunner Cletis Phegley, after they are stranded on a raft in the middle of the Japanese islands, surrounded by a cutthroat enemy. What follows is a daring rescue mission by the Randolph and her war-weary crew, as they struggle against enemies both physical and psychological to bring their brethren home safely. A story almost lost to time comes alive in this book about honor, duty, and the toll of war on human life.
About the Author
Gary Santos has worked in aviation for over thirty years. A lifelong New Yorker, he currently resides on the South Shore of Long Island. He has extensively studied the history of the ship his father, Eugene Santos, was stationed on during WWII, the USS Randolph, and collects WWII memorabilia.
Based on an incredible true story that took place in the midst of World War II, on May 14, 1945, A Grand Pause follows two American airmen, Ensign John Morris and his gunner Cletis Phegley, after they are stranded on a raft in the middle of the Japanese islands, surrounded by a cutthroat enemy. What follows is a daring rescue mission by the Randolph and her war-weary crew, as they struggle against enemies both physical and psychological to bring their brethren home safely. A story almost lost to time comes alive in this book about honor, duty, and the toll of war on human life.
About the Author
Gary Santos has worked in aviation for over thirty years. A lifelong New Yorker, he currently resides on the South Shore of Long Island. He has extensively studied the history of the ship his father, Eugene Santos, was stationed on during WWII, the USS Randolph, and collects WWII memorabilia.
314 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 27, 2026
Received this book as a gift, inscribed by the author, very grateful. Author does a fantastic job of explaining the nuances of everything in a Naval Battle Group, especially the carriers and pilots, and the sections that support them. A book that must be passed on to friends and family. Thank you!
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June 16, 2024MWSA Review
A Grand Pause: A Novel on May 14, 1945, The USS Randolph, Kamikazes, and the Greatest Air-Sea Rescue by Gary Santos is an action-packed historical fiction book that takes place in the war-torn Pacific Ocean during World War II.
Gary Santos had me (the reader) inside and atop the ships and planes during the heart-stopping action of fighting the Japanese and the kamikazes. His knowledge of the ships and their inner workings was apparent through his portrayal of characters responsible for the myriad of jobs to keep the craft functioning.
Santos paints a graphic picture of Ensign John Morris and his gunner Cletis Phegley as they are shot down in the Seto Inland Sea in the heart of Japanese territory. Morris and Phegley are convinced they are doomed to be prisoners of war if they live, but the brass of the Navy mount an all-out effort to rescue them. The plan put together and executed by the bravest of the brave was insane but insanely successful.
If you like U.S. Naval history or World War II action, A Grand Pause is bound to have you on the edge of your seat.
Review by Nancy Panko (June 2024)
A Grand Pause: A Novel on May 14, 1945, The USS Randolph, Kamikazes, and the Greatest Air-Sea Rescue by Gary Santos is an action-packed historical fiction book that takes place in the war-torn Pacific Ocean during World War II.
Gary Santos had me (the reader) inside and atop the ships and planes during the heart-stopping action of fighting the Japanese and the kamikazes. His knowledge of the ships and their inner workings was apparent through his portrayal of characters responsible for the myriad of jobs to keep the craft functioning.
Santos paints a graphic picture of Ensign John Morris and his gunner Cletis Phegley as they are shot down in the Seto Inland Sea in the heart of Japanese territory. Morris and Phegley are convinced they are doomed to be prisoners of war if they live, but the brass of the Navy mount an all-out effort to rescue them. The plan put together and executed by the bravest of the brave was insane but insanely successful.
If you like U.S. Naval history or World War II action, A Grand Pause is bound to have you on the edge of your seat.
Review by Nancy Panko (June 2024)
December 23, 2025
Gary Santos reminds us of the determination, courage, and bravery of our service men and women. They risk their lives to fight for their country, and can still fight with determination to rescue fellow military personnel. Would make an excellent movie!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews