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Jock Miles WW2 Adventure #2
Operation Long Jump
The Allied invasion of Papua New Guinea begins. Badly.
Alternative history takes center stage as Operation Long Jump, the second book in the Jock Miles World War 2 adventure series, plunges us into the horrors of combat in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. As a prelude to the Allied invasion, Jock Miles and his men seize the Japanese observation post on the mountain overlooking Port Moresby. The main invasion that follows quickly degenerates to a bloody stalemate, as the inexperienced, demoralized, and poorly led GIs struggle against the stubborn enemy. Seeking a way to crack the impenetrable Japanese defenses, infantry officer Jock finds himself in a new role—aerial observer. He’s teamed with rookie pilot John Worth, in a prequel to his role as hero of Grasso’s East Wind Returns. Together, they struggle to expose the Japanese defenses—while highly exposed themselves—in their slow and vulnerable spotter plane. The enemy is not the only thing troubling Jock: his Australian lover, Jillian Forbes, has found a new and dangerous way to contribute to the war effort.
Alternative history takes center stage as Operation Long Jump, the second book in the Jock Miles World War 2 adventure series, plunges us into the horrors of combat in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. As a prelude to the Allied invasion, Jock Miles and his men seize the Japanese observation post on the mountain overlooking Port Moresby. The main invasion that follows quickly degenerates to a bloody stalemate, as the inexperienced, demoralized, and poorly led GIs struggle against the stubborn enemy. Seeking a way to crack the impenetrable Japanese defenses, infantry officer Jock finds himself in a new role—aerial observer. He’s teamed with rookie pilot John Worth, in a prequel to his role as hero of Grasso’s East Wind Returns. Together, they struggle to expose the Japanese defenses—while highly exposed themselves—in their slow and vulnerable spotter plane. The enemy is not the only thing troubling Jock: his Australian lover, Jillian Forbes, has found a new and dangerous way to contribute to the war effort.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2013
647 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
William Peter Grasso
24 books75 followersA lifelong student of history, William Peter Grasso served in the US Army and is retired from the aircraft maintenance industry. His devotion to all things historical, military, and aviation remains unabated and continues to inspire his fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 8, 2016
This book takes place at a critical moment. Although the US Navy is still hampered by a critical shortage of fuel, the Allies are prepared enough to begin offensive operations. In the Eastern edge of the Solomon's, the Marines have landed on a place called Guadalcanal. And, in the Western edge of the Solomon's, Jock Miles and his company are joining the Allied invasion of Papua-New Guinea.
This story was actually pretty cool from a sheer combat perspective. Jock and his unit (hahahahaha!) are expected to take and hold an observation post high in the mountains. The OP happens to have a fantastic view of both the planned invasion beaches and the main Japanese positions. Whoever controls that post will be able to call down deadly accurate artillery fire on the other guy's positions.
In typical military historical fiction fashion, shit goes down almost immediately. Sure, Jock and his unit (hehe) take the base, but the invasion is late and they have to survive repeated Japanese attempts to dislodge them. Then, when the invasion arrives, it bogs down and Jock engages in some solo work with a pilot.
Of course, Jock being basically Ward Cleaver during the war. Despite terrible senior leadership, everything he does works like magic and proves the critical difference. The Japanese are slowly driven back and the Allies are clearly on a path to victory. The tide of the war has turned a good 18 months later than in the real world.
Three and a half stars out of five. It was fun, but, again, it is probably more something that the military history / alternate history nerds (like me) would get into than the average reader. Good stuff but not blow the socks off of your feet good.
This story was actually pretty cool from a sheer combat perspective. Jock and his unit (hahahahaha!) are expected to take and hold an observation post high in the mountains. The OP happens to have a fantastic view of both the planned invasion beaches and the main Japanese positions. Whoever controls that post will be able to call down deadly accurate artillery fire on the other guy's positions.
In typical military historical fiction fashion, shit goes down almost immediately. Sure, Jock and his unit (hehe) take the base, but the invasion is late and they have to survive repeated Japanese attempts to dislodge them. Then, when the invasion arrives, it bogs down and Jock engages in some solo work with a pilot.
Of course, Jock being basically Ward Cleaver during the war. Despite terrible senior leadership, everything he does works like magic and proves the critical difference. The Japanese are slowly driven back and the Allies are clearly on a path to victory. The tide of the war has turned a good 18 months later than in the real world.
Three and a half stars out of five. It was fun, but, again, it is probably more something that the military history / alternate history nerds (like me) would get into than the average reader. Good stuff but not blow the socks off of your feet good.
February 15, 2018
Another solid alt-hist adventure, in which Jock Miles helps allied forces retake Port Moresby, in various roles, from leading troops on the ground to aerial reconnasance.
April 6, 2022
Excellent book. Unique story loosely based on real events in the South Pacific in WWII. Well written and engaging. Author has skillfully turned these semi-historical novels in an action packed series of books that each incites you to read in each sequence to follow all the key players in their war adventures. You will feel that you are accompanying them in all experiences, good or bad. If you have any military background, you will love this series. I guarantee it.
February 25, 2022
Rick's opinion
I am really enjoying the Jock Miles character. He is do everything kind of guy. Fighting the bad guys and dealing with military bureaucracy. On to the 3rd book. Thanks
I am really enjoying the Jock Miles character. He is do everything kind of guy. Fighting the bad guys and dealing with military bureaucracy. On to the 3rd book. Thanks
October 8, 2022
Amazing
Well written would be an understatement. Grass is a wonderful writer, his understanding of situations and the military is just amazing. Add a little female companionship and the stories just get better.
Rock on!
Well written would be an understatement. Grass is a wonderful writer, his understanding of situations and the military is just amazing. Add a little female companionship and the stories just get better.
Rock on!
January 17, 2018
Another Good Book by Mr Grasso
I have enjoyed this book as much as the first one. This is a great series. Have already downloaded book 3.
I have enjoyed this book as much as the first one. This is a great series. Have already downloaded book 3.
February 4, 2018
You will wanted to read on to find out what was happening next few pages......
At every point in the book you need to read just a little more to find what will happen next.
At every point in the book you need to read just a little more to find what will happen next.
October 5, 2019
Another terrific book in a great series.
Well written, plenty of action, excellent pace. It may be fiction but it seemed real. Highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys WWII stories
Well written, plenty of action, excellent pace. It may be fiction but it seemed real. Highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys WWII stories
January 21, 2020
Jock Miles
Very interesting book. I have read one and two. I ready for the next book. The author keeps your interest all the way through the book.
Very interesting book. I have read one and two. I ready for the next book. The author keeps your interest all the way through the book.
August 30, 2020
Good read
Easy to read, quick paced, and hard to put down. The best thing is this is a series of four books and one is sure to more than get his fill of W2 action.
Easy to read, quick paced, and hard to put down. The best thing is this is a series of four books and one is sure to more than get his fill of W2 action.
March 17, 2022
its good.
May 17, 2022
Wow!! What a read!!
Mr grasso sure has a way with words. Knowing it to be a novel takes nothing away from the anticipation. I continue to read everything I find by him.
Mr grasso sure has a way with words. Knowing it to be a novel takes nothing away from the anticipation. I continue to read everything I find by him.
November 10, 2022
Review
I enjoy grasso. Does a great job. Always plenty of action . thank you very much. A very enjoyable author.
I enjoy grasso. Does a great job. Always plenty of action . thank you very much. A very enjoyable author.
November 17, 2022
Great Book
April 12, 2023
series Second book
Captain Miles is being sent to Port Mosby to be used as a recon force. There are some screwups happening in this part of the world. Fast pace and good read.
Captain Miles is being sent to Port Mosby to be used as a recon force. There are some screwups happening in this part of the world. Fast pace and good read.
April 26, 2023
great book
Another great one from Grasso. He knows how to keep you riveted to your seat and the action is so believable. Presents the good and bad of a military operation.
Another great one from Grasso. He knows how to keep you riveted to your seat and the action is so believable. Presents the good and bad of a military operation.
March 2, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this series of WW2 adventure books I got hooked on it when I read the series that was the Vietnam war with Jock Miles son after I finished everything written up to that time now waiting for the new one to come out I decided to start reading other series from the author so far I am really enjoying the books lots of action lots of adventure.
November 1, 2015
Aw, man! Not another cliff hanger!
Our hero, who single handedly drove the Japanese from Northern Australia, with the help of his new Aussie girlfriend, a real Annie Oakley, is now the only competent officer in Papua New Guinea. It's 3am, end of DST. So now it's been 2am twice! That's how I got to finish the book! Read it!
Our hero, who single handedly drove the Japanese from Northern Australia, with the help of his new Aussie girlfriend, a real Annie Oakley, is now the only competent officer in Papua New Guinea. It's 3am, end of DST. So now it's been 2am twice! That's how I got to finish the book! Read it!
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January 4, 2016Good Read - Jock Miles Series is one of a kind
I enjoy reading the Jock Miles adventure series about WWII alternative history with several minor occurrences making a major difference in the historical outcomes. Very interesting reads.
I enjoy reading the Jock Miles adventure series about WWII alternative history with several minor occurrences making a major difference in the historical outcomes. Very interesting reads.
May 24, 2016
GREAT Story!
I have to admit that this book has REALLY captured me. I find it hard to put down! Besides the fact that Jock Miles is superman in an army uniform, it REALLY is great alternate history. I'm starting book 3 tomorrow!
I have to admit that this book has REALLY captured me. I find it hard to put down! Besides the fact that Jock Miles is superman in an army uniform, it REALLY is great alternate history. I'm starting book 3 tomorrow!
December 19, 2016
Intriguing WW2 story
I am of the age than remember those days. The descriptions of bodies and body parts is accurate described. I personally would prefer less detailed sexual exploits. A sentence or paragraph would more than suffice.
I am of the age than remember those days. The descriptions of bodies and body parts is accurate described. I personally would prefer less detailed sexual exploits. A sentence or paragraph would more than suffice.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews