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The Little Giants: U.S. Escort Carriers Against Japan
The substantial accomplishments of the U.S. Navy's mini-carriers in such battles as Leyte Gulf, Guadalcanal, the Marianas, and Okinawa never gained the attention given the fast carriers, but there is little question that their vital operations played an important role in the Pacific campaign. These remarkably versatile vessels--called CVEs, baby flattops, and even jeeps--hunted submarines, escorted convoys, provided air support, and performed dozens of other tasks that are vividly described in this book. Based on interviews with the CVE crewmen and on war diaries, ship histories, and other documents, it tells a moving story of escort carrier operations, from the work of the first CVEs to their final assignment transporting GIs home after the war. Seldom-seen photographs add to this fascinating portrait of the little giants.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 7, 2014
A war history of and a record of the evolution of the escort carrier in the U.S. fleet in World War Two.
A lot of detail in regards to the various battles and actions involving the "jeeps" as well as how they fared in the engagements. There is some detail on construction, weaknesses and overall appearance, but not enough to give a real understanding of how they were made - fair to poor photos does not add much in this regard.
Written more for war historians than the casual reader - in my opinion.
Much discussion of the kamikaze attacks involving the jeeps and a lot of information regarding the air squadrons assigned to them.
Good read for those interested in the contribution of these useful and gallant ships of WW2.
A lot of detail in regards to the various battles and actions involving the "jeeps" as well as how they fared in the engagements. There is some detail on construction, weaknesses and overall appearance, but not enough to give a real understanding of how they were made - fair to poor photos does not add much in this regard.
Written more for war historians than the casual reader - in my opinion.
Much discussion of the kamikaze attacks involving the jeeps and a lot of information regarding the air squadrons assigned to them.
Good read for those interested in the contribution of these useful and gallant ships of WW2.
May 13, 2012
Fine study of the "Jeep" carriers in the Pacific War. Companion book to his story of this class of aircraft carriers in the Atlantic called "Hunter Killer". Much more readable than I imagined it would be. The author spends a lot of time on the kamakaze attacks since they were the most devestating to these ships. Good study.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews