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At Close Quarters: PT Boats in the United States Navy
Small though they were, PT boats played a key role in World War II, carrying out an astonishing variety of missions where fast, versatile, and strongly armed vessels were needed. Called "weapons of opportunity," they met the enemy at closer quarters and with greater frequency than any other type of surface craft. Among the most famous PT commanders was John F. Kennedy, whose courageous actions in the Pacific are now well known to the American public. The author of the book, another distinguished PT boat commander in the Pacific, compiled this history of PT-boat operations in World War II for the U.S. Navy shortly after V-J Day, when memories were fresh and records easily assessable. The book was first made available to the public in 1962 after Kennedy's inauguration as president of the United States interest in PTs was at a peak.
Bulkley provides a wealth of facts about these motor torpedo boats, whose vast range of operation covered two oceans as well as the Mediterranean and the English Channel. Although their primary mission was to attack surface ships and craft close to shore, they were also used effectively to lay mines and smoke screens, to rescue downed aviators, and to carry out intelligence and raider operations. The author gives special attention to the crews, paying well-deserved tribute to their heroism, skill, and sacrifice that helped to win the war.
Bulkley provides a wealth of facts about these motor torpedo boats, whose vast range of operation covered two oceans as well as the Mediterranean and the English Channel. Although their primary mission was to attack surface ships and craft close to shore, they were also used effectively to lay mines and smoke screens, to rescue downed aviators, and to carry out intelligence and raider operations. The author gives special attention to the crews, paying well-deserved tribute to their heroism, skill, and sacrifice that helped to win the war.
604 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 4, 2017
Unsung heroes!
The work these crews and boats did, can never be truly appreciated unless you read this book. Great details of many unknown battles in little known locations. Thank God we were blessed with such Sailors!
The work these crews and boats did, can never be truly appreciated unless you read this book. Great details of many unknown battles in little known locations. Thank God we were blessed with such Sailors!
December 9, 2017
Official histories are frequently that. Official, bureaucratic, and basically tedious. Bulkley's account of PT boats, prepared for the US Navy in 1946 and released for a mass publication in 1962 after a PT boat skipper became President of the United States, is a decent example of the type. It's a comprehensive list of campaigns that the PTs were involved in across the world, from the Pacific to the Mediterranean to the Aleutian (and early model boats lacked heaters). Actions get a few paragraphs: boat number, skipper, any crew injured or killed, targets likely destroyed. It gets repetitive fast. A few sections quoting the men involved on their narrative of the action liven up the book, but those are few and far between.
This is a shame, because the PT boats deserve a book as thrilling as their actions. Nothing embodies the words of US Navy legend John Paul Jones, "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast for I intend to go in harms way" than the PTs. A handful of men, under the command of at most a lieutenant, the PTs bristled with automatic weapons which they used in slashing attacks against enemy barges, lighters, planes, and destroyers, and used stealth and subterfuge to survive against far superior naval and air force. A routine patrol could turn into disaster in seconds in so many ways, from grounding on a coral reef under a shore battery, to friendly fire, to stumbling into an enemy convoy and having to escape under a hastily laid shore barrage. PT boats were based out of temporary facilities, constantly moving up support the frontline, with bases offering a respite from combat along with attempts to keep the high-performance boats and torpedoes running on shoestring logistics. Despite the fact that Bulkley served as a PT commander, this official history is almost free of color or excitement. It feels like government-issued metal desks, not a life at sea.
This is a shame, because the PT boats deserve a book as thrilling as their actions. Nothing embodies the words of US Navy legend John Paul Jones, "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast for I intend to go in harms way" than the PTs. A handful of men, under the command of at most a lieutenant, the PTs bristled with automatic weapons which they used in slashing attacks against enemy barges, lighters, planes, and destroyers, and used stealth and subterfuge to survive against far superior naval and air force. A routine patrol could turn into disaster in seconds in so many ways, from grounding on a coral reef under a shore battery, to friendly fire, to stumbling into an enemy convoy and having to escape under a hastily laid shore barrage. PT boats were based out of temporary facilities, constantly moving up support the frontline, with bases offering a respite from combat along with attempts to keep the high-performance boats and torpedoes running on shoestring logistics. Despite the fact that Bulkley served as a PT commander, this official history is almost free of color or excitement. It feels like government-issued metal desks, not a life at sea.
October 6, 2019
My Father served onboard a PT boat during WWII in the South Pacific. He rarely spoke about the war. I wanted to gain some insight to his life during that period. This book gave me a peek inside his experience.
June 5, 2023
I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
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Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/jupiter-29-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/jupiter-29...
https://theboatyacht.com/leisure-17-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/leisure-17...
June 9, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/used-mini-je...
https://numberoneboats.com/used-mini-...
https://theboatyacht.com/grumman-alba...
https://numberoneboats.com/grumman-al...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/used-mini-je...
https://numberoneboats.com/used-mini-...
https://theboatyacht.com/grumman-alba...
https://numberoneboats.com/grumman-al...
April 28, 2021
If anyone remembers the US Navy’s PT boats at all these days, it’s probably from the tale of the sinking and rescue of John F Kennedy’s PT 109, or the mad hijinks of the PT crew from the TV sitcom “McHale’s Navy”. That’s a shame, because the fleet of little PT boats played as large a role in winning World War II as their bigger siblings. Robert Bulkley’s excellent history of their service shows us exactly how vital a role they played.
There were very few PT boats at the start of World War II; the Navy knew they’d be needed; they’d come up with two designs for them and had begun deploying them in December 1941. They fired on enemy planes at Pearl Harbor and in the Philippines in the first days of the war, and except for a couple of brief periods, they were involved in the fight all the way until the Japanese surrender. They fought not just in the South Pacific but also in Alaska and the Mediterranean, and they were there on D-Day. They supported special operations, small landing parties, and big invasions; when the big invasion fleets moved on, they were responsible for making sure the enemy forces left behind or skipped couldn’t be resupplied or escape. Fighting ships and boats with more firepower than they had was common, and they weren’t afraid to take risks or be aggressive. All of it was done by a fleet of small wooden ships whose primary means of protection from attack were speed, maneuverability, and stealth, manned by crews willing to take the battle straight to the enemy no matter what the odds.
Robert Bulkley, himself a PT skipper who was deep in the fight from the beginning, does a great job of telling the stories of these little boats in the big fight, from the small force experimenting with boats and tactics before the war to the big force that seemed to be everywhere at the war’s peak - and that returned to a tiny force of experimenters soon after the war ended. The story as long and detailed, so this book isn’t a short read, but it continually gets across the bravery and heroism of the crews; the kinds of actions that JFK undertook on PT 109 were more common than you might think. There were a few spots that dragged a little, but for the most part, you gain a great appreciation for what these people and boats did and the role they played in winning the war.
If you’ve studied the Navy’s history during World War II and you haven’t read this book, you don’t know an important part of the story. Recommended!
There were very few PT boats at the start of World War II; the Navy knew they’d be needed; they’d come up with two designs for them and had begun deploying them in December 1941. They fired on enemy planes at Pearl Harbor and in the Philippines in the first days of the war, and except for a couple of brief periods, they were involved in the fight all the way until the Japanese surrender. They fought not just in the South Pacific but also in Alaska and the Mediterranean, and they were there on D-Day. They supported special operations, small landing parties, and big invasions; when the big invasion fleets moved on, they were responsible for making sure the enemy forces left behind or skipped couldn’t be resupplied or escape. Fighting ships and boats with more firepower than they had was common, and they weren’t afraid to take risks or be aggressive. All of it was done by a fleet of small wooden ships whose primary means of protection from attack were speed, maneuverability, and stealth, manned by crews willing to take the battle straight to the enemy no matter what the odds.
Robert Bulkley, himself a PT skipper who was deep in the fight from the beginning, does a great job of telling the stories of these little boats in the big fight, from the small force experimenting with boats and tactics before the war to the big force that seemed to be everywhere at the war’s peak - and that returned to a tiny force of experimenters soon after the war ended. The story as long and detailed, so this book isn’t a short read, but it continually gets across the bravery and heroism of the crews; the kinds of actions that JFK undertook on PT 109 were more common than you might think. There were a few spots that dragged a little, but for the most part, you gain a great appreciation for what these people and boats did and the role they played in winning the war.
If you’ve studied the Navy’s history during World War II and you haven’t read this book, you don’t know an important part of the story. Recommended!
August 28, 2024
This is a tough book to rate.
It reads as what it largely is; a report of individual PT boat encounters during WWII in the Pacific and Europe. Because of that, the reader will occasionally find themselves bogged down in after action detail rather than a story of those about those who manned PT boats. I've read way more WWII books than I can recall, this one is unique in that way.
The book was published in 1962, the author passed in 1965. If you appreciate military history, particularly that of WWII, give this book a look. Once I realized that the author's intent was to provide as accurate a picture of this aspect of the US navy during the war, it was (wait for it) smooth sailing thereafter.
It reads as what it largely is; a report of individual PT boat encounters during WWII in the Pacific and Europe. Because of that, the reader will occasionally find themselves bogged down in after action detail rather than a story of those about those who manned PT boats. I've read way more WWII books than I can recall, this one is unique in that way.
The book was published in 1962, the author passed in 1965. If you appreciate military history, particularly that of WWII, give this book a look. Once I realized that the author's intent was to provide as accurate a picture of this aspect of the US navy during the war, it was (wait for it) smooth sailing thereafter.
October 3, 2020
This a short poignant read about coastal, shallow water naval warfare in Theaters of Operation preceding and through WWII. The amount of close quarters combat, patrolling, intelligence gathering and covert waterborne insertions are amazing. The author has covered a lot of ground with just the facts as a requirement for coalescing Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB), "PT Boat", operations across the globe.
The amount of knowledge amassed is amazing and there was and is a requirement to interdict and interrupt naval supply lines. Second, the amount of damage sustained by basically a wooden boat and it to remain functional is noteworthy.
This is a good read and easy to read as well.
The amount of knowledge amassed is amazing and there was and is a requirement to interdict and interrupt naval supply lines. Second, the amount of damage sustained by basically a wooden boat and it to remain functional is noteworthy.
This is a good read and easy to read as well.
March 12, 2019
A very complete history of all the PT action during WW II. It is incredible the bravery and commitment of the captains, crews and support staff. I loved and eventually was drowning in the detail. The actions get pretty repetitive and I stuck with it for the times when unique things happened. All in all if you are a WW II history buff this is still a great read especially as a break from the other books on the major naval campaign which give little to no attention to the PT boats.
May 28, 2020
Interesting for the serious history buff...but you’d better be serious!
It is everything that you would expect an ‘official’ history to be....full of facts, some of which are interesting; many of which get boring quickly. A very ‘non nonsense’ straight forward recounting of US PT Boat operations. No story telling here...just the bone dry facts. Don’t expect to be entertained by this one.
It is everything that you would expect an ‘official’ history to be....full of facts, some of which are interesting; many of which get boring quickly. A very ‘non nonsense’ straight forward recounting of US PT Boat operations. No story telling here...just the bone dry facts. Don’t expect to be entertained by this one.
August 14, 2020
Into harms way they do go!!!
As a student of history this is something I have heard little about. Sure we all know the story of JFK, but little more. I never realized just how much these little bad ads boats did do in the second World war. The men who men those boats were knowing go into battle in wooden boat, up against the largest Navy in the world. Face it, they were bravest guy's or just down right crazy. You read this book and you'll have a better understanding of what make the American fighting man the best in the world then and now.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
As a student of history this is something I have heard little about. Sure we all know the story of JFK, but little more. I never realized just how much these little bad ads boats did do in the second World war. The men who men those boats were knowing go into battle in wooden boat, up against the largest Navy in the world. Face it, they were bravest guy's or just down right crazy. You read this book and you'll have a better understanding of what make the American fighting man the best in the world then and now.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
October 27, 2021
The Definitive History of USN PT Boats
An authoritative and detailed account of the accomplishments, bravery, and sacrifices of the U.S. Navy PT boats during the Second World War (European and Pacific Theatres alike), written by an author who himself had Been There, Done That, Got The (proverbial) T-Shirt as a PT boat skipper in his own right (though he always refers to himself in the 3rd person in the text…a bit Bob Dole-ish).
An authoritative and detailed account of the accomplishments, bravery, and sacrifices of the U.S. Navy PT boats during the Second World War (European and Pacific Theatres alike), written by an author who himself had Been There, Done That, Got The (proverbial) T-Shirt as a PT boat skipper in his own right (though he always refers to himself in the 3rd person in the text…a bit Bob Dole-ish).
July 9, 2018
This is a well-researched chronicle of PT boats in WWII, from their development until their decommissioning. Almost a day to day account, this history covers the use of the PT boat in the SW Pacific, the Central Pacific, the Aleutians, the Med and off Europe. Very impressive. Like any history of this sort, it can get repetitive.
February 2, 2019
Factual but dry reading.
This book reads like an after-action report, all fact and no feeling. I expected a lot more about PT-109, for instance., and personal notes and memoirs.
It could rely benefit from simple area maps and diagrams or photos of the boat types described in the subject matter.
This book reads like an after-action report, all fact and no feeling. I expected a lot more about PT-109, for instance., and personal notes and memoirs.
It could rely benefit from simple area maps and diagrams or photos of the boat types described in the subject matter.
July 8, 2020
PT’s
A very good read for me. Navy Lt. Stan Marshall was a PT commander in the South Pacific first,then the Med. We are from the same home town. Growing up I was greatly impressed by some of his stories. I thought this book was well written and very informative. I am an old Marine and I thought the Boats and Crews were awesome. I enjoyed it...
A very good read for me. Navy Lt. Stan Marshall was a PT commander in the South Pacific first,then the Med. We are from the same home town. Growing up I was greatly impressed by some of his stories. I thought this book was well written and very informative. I am an old Marine and I thought the Boats and Crews were awesome. I enjoyed it...
July 17, 2023
Small and powerful craft
At Close Quarters was written about the PTs and the role of PTs in the war in the largest theater of world war two. The exploits of the crew's manning the small craft during the war was heroic. They have earned a place in history that should not be forgotten
At Close Quarters was written about the PTs and the role of PTs in the war in the largest theater of world war two. The exploits of the crew's manning the small craft during the war was heroic. They have earned a place in history that should not be forgotten
January 18, 2017
Great and detailed narratives regarding the PT boat actions of USN during WW2. However, contrast to common imagination, most of the USN PT boat actions were against unarmed or lightly armed small Japanese Army motor crafts used for resupplies in the Pacific.
June 21, 2017
stedIt is way to much repeating but it is interesting you need to be interested in IT bo
Same thing repeated way to much and you need to be interested in the Navy of WE two back in the begining
Same thing repeated way to much and you need to be interested in the Navy of WE two back in the begining
March 10, 2018
An untold story
I have an appreciation from this book like no other about the logistics of naval warfare. A number of interesting stories concerning the difficulty and the true mission of the PT boat that shortened WW2.
I have an appreciation from this book like no other about the logistics of naval warfare. A number of interesting stories concerning the difficulty and the true mission of the PT boat that shortened WW2.
April 8, 2018
A very thorough and informative look at a little-known theater of operations in WWII. A bit tedious at times given the level of detail presented, often sounding like an official report, but well-done and interesting from start to finish.
August 8, 2018
A very informative history of PT Boats
A good historical account of the history of the PT Boats and their service in the Pacific during WW II along with the brave men who served on them. I did find it a bit tedious and repetitive as the missions seemed to repeat over and over.
A good historical account of the history of the PT Boats and their service in the Pacific during WW II along with the brave men who served on them. I did find it a bit tedious and repetitive as the missions seemed to repeat over and over.
January 15, 2020
OR Boat Operations and missions
This book on OR Boat Operations in the Pacific theater and the European theater is very detailed and well documented.
It can be a little dry, however it can be good source for initial investigation s into specific boats,people etc.
This book on OR Boat Operations in the Pacific theater and the European theater is very detailed and well documented.
It can be a little dry, however it can be good source for initial investigation s into specific boats,people etc.
May 21, 2020
Not many books on the subject, so I read this one. It does a great job detailing PT boat combat in WWII in both theaters, but seems like a summation of combat reports. Would have like to heard more stories.
July 16, 2020
Everything you need to know about PT's in WWII
While extremely though, the narrative is somewhat laborious.It is so complete that one often wanted to skip to what was accomplished without regard to who and at boat was involved.
While extremely though, the narrative is somewhat laborious.It is so complete that one often wanted to skip to what was accomplished without regard to who and at boat was involved.
October 20, 2020
A detailed and exciting history of PT boasts in WWII
Fascinating history. With all the later denigration of PTs as not doing much and never sinking a capital ship out there. This book proves that to be wrong. Bravery, stamina and tremendous damage to the enemy. A great read.
Fascinating history. With all the later denigration of PTs as not doing much and never sinking a capital ship out there. This book proves that to be wrong. Bravery, stamina and tremendous damage to the enemy. A great read.
January 22, 2021
Great story of PT boat crews during WWII.
Enjoyed this book,could not put it down. This book also contains everything that any reader who wants to know about the history of the PT boats used in WWII and their crews and what they were asked to do during WWII.
Enjoyed this book,could not put it down. This book also contains everything that any reader who wants to know about the history of the PT boats used in WWII and their crews and what they were asked to do during WWII.
August 16, 2021
Dry, but very factual and interesting account of the PT Boats of WWII. A breakdown of each member of a typical PT's crew and their responsibilities aboard the boats would have been good, but still, not a bad read.
August 31, 2021
A very good job getting into the world of PT Boats all over the world.
I already had some knowledge on the subject, but it would be expanded after reading this book. It was very informative.
I already had some knowledge on the subject, but it would be expanded after reading this book. It was very informative.
June 21, 2022
Would have been a five star review. . .
Except for the complete absence of photos. Not even public domain photos are included. I’m sure USN archives could have been used.
Otherwise it’s a good read.
Except for the complete absence of photos. Not even public domain photos are included. I’m sure USN archives could have been used.
Otherwise it’s a good read.
August 19, 2024
Mostly Boring
Reading his book is like reading a list of names, boat numbers, etc. etc. etc. with very little detail to just what went on as a whole. No personal insights or stories of the great men who served on these plywood machines.
Reading his book is like reading a list of names, boat numbers, etc. etc. etc. with very little detail to just what went on as a whole. No personal insights or stories of the great men who served on these plywood machines.
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