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Condition Red: Destroyer Action in the South Pacific
Condition Destroyer Action in the South Pacific , first published in 1943, recounts the adventures of US Navy destroyer USS Grayson (DD 435) during the early days of the South Pacific campaign of World War Two, as related by her commander, Frederick Bell. The book is an in-depth, readable look at life on a destroyer, with details of daily routines and intense action, including encounters with the enemy on land, sea, and air; damage control, navigation, rescue, submarine attacks, gunnery, meals, and other aspects of the life of the officers and enlisted crew while aboard the Grayson. Included are 20 pages of maps and photographs.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1943
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 2, 2021
Condition Red was written by Frederick J. Bell who, at the time, was a naval officer and captain of the destroyer USS Grayson (DD-435). Therefore, a few words about naval captains could help place the tone and content of this book in perspective.
To start, naval captains are conditioned through a long tradition of unforgiving responsibility. This usually manifests itself in the form of a God complex, merciful if satiated. Next, naval captains and their ships are one in the same. If a ship undertakes a mission, the captain of the ship is the one undertaking the mission. The crew is perceived by the captain as the biological components of the machine he drives. And lastly, naval captains are trained to be deadpan serious while in command. They speak in a calm serious voice and they write as they speak. All of these traits set the tone, mood, and content of Condition Red.
With the above in mind, Condition Red comes across as a mundane naval captain’s report on how he spent the initial months of the war. The destroyer actions recorded by Bell are not that unusual and can be found in other books about destroyers during the war that have much more color and energy. Overall, Condition Red seemed to be mostly intent upon impressing Bell's fellow officers, informing junior officers of their future responsibilities, and contributing to the tradition of creating naval captains in the image of God.
To start, naval captains are conditioned through a long tradition of unforgiving responsibility. This usually manifests itself in the form of a God complex, merciful if satiated. Next, naval captains and their ships are one in the same. If a ship undertakes a mission, the captain of the ship is the one undertaking the mission. The crew is perceived by the captain as the biological components of the machine he drives. And lastly, naval captains are trained to be deadpan serious while in command. They speak in a calm serious voice and they write as they speak. All of these traits set the tone, mood, and content of Condition Red.
With the above in mind, Condition Red comes across as a mundane naval captain’s report on how he spent the initial months of the war. The destroyer actions recorded by Bell are not that unusual and can be found in other books about destroyers during the war that have much more color and energy. Overall, Condition Red seemed to be mostly intent upon impressing Bell's fellow officers, informing junior officers of their future responsibilities, and contributing to the tradition of creating naval captains in the image of God.
June 21, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this account of World War II destroyer life during the Guadalcanal campaign, written by a destroyer captain just a few months after leaving his ship. Since it was published during the war, most names of ships and places have been disguised or blanked out (though it's easy to trace them now with plenty of records and histories available—the "G" is the USS Grayson), and the tactical aspects of campaigns are not discussed. One also senses a bit of wartime attitude in the gung-ho, "let's-go-get-'em" tone that surfaces now and then, which seems mostly for the benefit of the reading public's morale; and a determinedly positive take on American operations in general. Condition Red doesn't attempt to downplay the hardships and trauma undergone by sailors and Marines at Guadalcanal; in fact it discusses some of their harrowing ordeals frankly; but never lets a hint of doubt or pessimism regarding the ultimate outcome of a campaign creep through.
But most importantly, there's a ton of good "local color" about life on a destroyer—sights, sounds, emotions, practical aspects of everyday shipboard life under wartime conditions. It's exactly the kind of personal account a researching novelist looks for. Bell has an engaging writing style and an excellent sense of humor; there isn't a dull page in the book.
But most importantly, there's a ton of good "local color" about life on a destroyer—sights, sounds, emotions, practical aspects of everyday shipboard life under wartime conditions. It's exactly the kind of personal account a researching novelist looks for. Bell has an engaging writing style and an excellent sense of humor; there isn't a dull page in the book.
August 21, 2018
A must read for all that enjoy WW2 history. The author aptly describes life on a U.S. Destroyer during early war years concentrating around the invasion of Guadalcanal. Coincidently enough the authors description of day to day life on a Destroyer during WW2 is quite similar to what I experienced in the 60’s on Destroyers with the exception of the battles of course.
September 13, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was written 1943, five months after the author handed over the "G" (the USS Grayson) to his replacement. One thing I really appreciated after reading a number of other books was that the author knew the level where he wanted to write, and stayed there. Too many other authors have started at one level and then either moved into the clouds to write there or gotten stuck in the weeds for a while.
One thing I particularly enjoyed was that he was writing while not knowing the outcome; since most books about WW II were written well after the fact with knowledge about how things turned out (often with the benefit of many later analyses to compare and contrast) having an author who writes while the outcome is in doubt (as is the importance of individual actions) was different and I enjoyed it.
The level of detail is very appropriate - not so deep that you know the inner workings of, say, a 20 mm cannon, but not so high that you lose sight of the fact that there are people manning the 20 mm cannon either.
I recommend this to anyone interested in how the war appeared to those who fought it (as opposed to those who analyzed it later).
One thing I particularly enjoyed was that he was writing while not knowing the outcome; since most books about WW II were written well after the fact with knowledge about how things turned out (often with the benefit of many later analyses to compare and contrast) having an author who writes while the outcome is in doubt (as is the importance of individual actions) was different and I enjoyed it.
The level of detail is very appropriate - not so deep that you know the inner workings of, say, a 20 mm cannon, but not so high that you lose sight of the fact that there are people manning the 20 mm cannon either.
I recommend this to anyone interested in how the war appeared to those who fought it (as opposed to those who analyzed it later).
February 5, 2019
I spent 4 years in the U.S. NAVY from 1965 to1969 making a West Pac cruise onboard the USS Intrepid in 67 and a Med. cruise onboard the USS Forrestal in 68. And I'm glad I only paid a buck for this book. I only read 10% because that's all I could stomach.
Sailors don't take baths onboard ship. A naval loo vessel the size of a cruiser does not just" turn around to pick up a man overboard before he knows he's wet. And lastly picturing a chief P.O throwing his shoe at a gun crew who in turn respond by then shooting down an enemy aircraft lo that was flying at 200mph+ is laughable.
This ranks up with the book written about the Forrestal fire as pure fantasy.
Thank heavens for James Hornfisher
Mark McNerney AE2
Sailors don't take baths onboard ship. A naval loo vessel the size of a cruiser does not just" turn around to pick up a man overboard before he knows he's wet. And lastly picturing a chief P.O throwing his shoe at a gun crew who in turn respond by then shooting down an enemy aircraft lo that was flying at 200mph+ is laughable.
This ranks up with the book written about the Forrestal fire as pure fantasy.
Thank heavens for James Hornfisher
Mark McNerney AE2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2021
Not Condition Red, but Condition Dull..
It's been said that combat is hours of boredom punctuated by seconds of stark terror; this is a book about the former. If you want to know what day to day life was like aboard an American destroyer in WWII, this is the book for you; if you want to read about destroyer combat, read something else.
The one thing I found interesting was the author's opinions of recent/current battles; battles that we now know were solid defeats for the U.S. Navy, such as Tassaforanga are hailed by the author as great victories where we crushed the IJN. Did he know better and this was simply wartime propaganda, or did he truly believe what he was writing?
It's been said that combat is hours of boredom punctuated by seconds of stark terror; this is a book about the former. If you want to know what day to day life was like aboard an American destroyer in WWII, this is the book for you; if you want to read about destroyer combat, read something else.
The one thing I found interesting was the author's opinions of recent/current battles; battles that we now know were solid defeats for the U.S. Navy, such as Tassaforanga are hailed by the author as great victories where we crushed the IJN. Did he know better and this was simply wartime propaganda, or did he truly believe what he was writing?
January 8, 2015
Great book!!
What an excellent narrative in destroyer tactics.....a must read for those who would like some insight on Tin Can operations
What an excellent narrative in destroyer tactics.....a must read for those who would like some insight on Tin Can operations
March 18, 2019
Well written — a fun read.
June 15, 2024
Condition Red is a contemporary memoir of life on a World War 2 destroyer, written and published by a destroyer captain in the middle of the war to give the folks back home some idea of what it was like at the front. Bell commanded the USS Grayson, referred to as the G-- throughout the book for security reasons. It's a pretty fine tale, though not one that's particularly thrilling for anyone without a specific interest in the period.
The Grayson, star of this book
Bell's overall picture is one of dedicated professionalism and endurance. "Condition Red" is the call for the ship to go to battle stations: guns manned, damage control parties on standby, and every eye searching the skies and seas for targets. For more than six months in the waters around Guadalcanal, the Grayson was on constant alert and frequent Condition Red, as it escorted convoys, swept the channels for the survivors of lost ships, fending off Japanese bombers, and conducted shore bombardment.
Again and again, Bell applauds the crew of the Grayson as clever and dedicated men who do their duty under arduous circumstances, ready to go to battle at an instant. The basic message to the home front is "don't worry, and send more ammo!", your sons and husbands are surrounded by brave sailors, commanded by skill professionals, and supplied with every necessity. While the Grayson and its crew are the star, other US Navy ships, Marines, merchant sailors, and allies from the Netherlands and New Zeeland receive praise as well.
Some of the descriptions of battle, such as the action alongside the USS Enterprise which opens the book, are quite thrilling. But there's not much of that, and there's a lot more of the day-to-day work of keeping the destroyer in fighting trim while taking care of the innumerable tasks of being in the Navy. It sounds like hard work, and while destroyermen do get three hot meals and a cot, there isn't much time to enjoy them, or to do anything but work, scrub, and sleep.
The Grayson, star of this book
Bell's overall picture is one of dedicated professionalism and endurance. "Condition Red" is the call for the ship to go to battle stations: guns manned, damage control parties on standby, and every eye searching the skies and seas for targets. For more than six months in the waters around Guadalcanal, the Grayson was on constant alert and frequent Condition Red, as it escorted convoys, swept the channels for the survivors of lost ships, fending off Japanese bombers, and conducted shore bombardment.
Again and again, Bell applauds the crew of the Grayson as clever and dedicated men who do their duty under arduous circumstances, ready to go to battle at an instant. The basic message to the home front is "don't worry, and send more ammo!", your sons and husbands are surrounded by brave sailors, commanded by skill professionals, and supplied with every necessity. While the Grayson and its crew are the star, other US Navy ships, Marines, merchant sailors, and allies from the Netherlands and New Zeeland receive praise as well.
Some of the descriptions of battle, such as the action alongside the USS Enterprise which opens the book, are quite thrilling. But there's not much of that, and there's a lot more of the day-to-day work of keeping the destroyer in fighting trim while taking care of the innumerable tasks of being in the Navy. It sounds like hard work, and while destroyermen do get three hot meals and a cot, there isn't much time to enjoy them, or to do anything but work, scrub, and sleep.
June 25, 2019
I really struggle to know how to adequately rate this in a "star" system. On the one hand, this is a destroyer captain's personal account of convoy and battle action in support of the Solomon Islands campaign. It was originally written in 1943, so it is a "live" memoir or recent recollection. However on the other hand it was written by an active duty military officer during a literal war. It is very clearly censored at minimum and probably outright propaganda. The self congratulatory writing style which is typical of government productions of the time period makes this self-evident to me.
With that being said, the book does serve a useful purpose in your library. It has a detailed account of the search and rescue for another destroyer lost to Japanese air attack and the account of the survivors. Now some of this should probably be taken with a grain of salt and it was obviously edited, but I found that section particularly noteworthy.
It also offers an alternative perspective to the high profile Pacific War histories and stories focused on the major carrier battles or even the cruiser and battleship engagements. Though it references some of them, this destroyer was mainly involved in anti-air and anti-sub patrols for military taskforces or supply convoys. It really focuses on the fatigue of being under constant threat of air attack (condition red from the title).
Bottom line: It's easy reading and there are interesting things if you are into American WW2 propaganda or daily life on a destroyer doing typical escort and support duty in the South Pacific.
With that being said, the book does serve a useful purpose in your library. It has a detailed account of the search and rescue for another destroyer lost to Japanese air attack and the account of the survivors. Now some of this should probably be taken with a grain of salt and it was obviously edited, but I found that section particularly noteworthy.
It also offers an alternative perspective to the high profile Pacific War histories and stories focused on the major carrier battles or even the cruiser and battleship engagements. Though it references some of them, this destroyer was mainly involved in anti-air and anti-sub patrols for military taskforces or supply convoys. It really focuses on the fatigue of being under constant threat of air attack (condition red from the title).
Bottom line: It's easy reading and there are interesting things if you are into American WW2 propaganda or daily life on a destroyer doing typical escort and support duty in the South Pacific.
November 6, 2017
Blast from the Past
This is a true account of six months aboard a US navy destroyer during the first year of WW II. The action takes place in the Pacific, around Guadalcanal. It was written in 1943, fresh off the experience and with the war not yet won. The author, captain of the ship, has an interesting, breezy style of writing that well conveyed what life on a destroyer was like. It creates the atmosphere well and transports one back to that time and place. A fascinating read.
This is a true account of six months aboard a US navy destroyer during the first year of WW II. The action takes place in the Pacific, around Guadalcanal. It was written in 1943, fresh off the experience and with the war not yet won. The author, captain of the ship, has an interesting, breezy style of writing that well conveyed what life on a destroyer was like. It creates the atmosphere well and transports one back to that time and place. A fascinating read.
September 22, 2020
Had I read this in 1943 or 1944, I probably would have given it 5 stars. Being written by an active duty officer during wartime he was limited as to what he could disclose. At the time of the writing his story would have been most informative and revealing.
Almost 80 years later there was little in the story that hasn't been disclosed with greater accuracy given the benefit of additional information and hindsight. The books importance has suffered with the pass age of time. But still enjoyable and interesting.
Almost 80 years later there was little in the story that hasn't been disclosed with greater accuracy given the benefit of additional information and hindsight. The books importance has suffered with the pass age of time. But still enjoyable and interesting.
August 20, 2017
Excellent,Excellent how many times can I say it.
A well written book that flows from chapter to chapter. The authors gift of placing you in the action on board the Navy ship is extroantary.
I really enjoyed this book very much. I felt sorry for him when he lost all his friends during and finally at the end of the war.
I was a very young man during the war, but even so I can still remember some of the high lights that reminds me of things that took place at that time.
A well written book that flows from chapter to chapter. The authors gift of placing you in the action on board the Navy ship is extroantary.
I really enjoyed this book very much. I felt sorry for him when he lost all his friends during and finally at the end of the war.
I was a very young man during the war, but even so I can still remember some of the high lights that reminds me of things that took place at that time.
June 4, 2018
Excellent
Well written nonfiction description of what life was like aboard a Navy Destroyer during the period 1941 through 1945! Taken to me the perspective of the ship's commander, it makes you wonder how they managed to do what they did. Also to wonder if you could have done it all yourself. A little more of what it must have been like for the common sailor would have been good!
Well written nonfiction description of what life was like aboard a Navy Destroyer during the period 1941 through 1945! Taken to me the perspective of the ship's commander, it makes you wonder how they managed to do what they did. Also to wonder if you could have done it all yourself. A little more of what it must have been like for the common sailor would have been good!
December 21, 2018
Interesting factual account of Pacific WWII action
As a tin can sailor of a later decade, during the cold war, I was fascinated by the action reports presented in this account. I also was interested to see that the spirit of the destroyerman hadn't changed. The two ships i served on both had the same esprit you described so well. Bravo Zulu. Hope the new breed carries on the tradition.
As a tin can sailor of a later decade, during the cold war, I was fascinated by the action reports presented in this account. I also was interested to see that the spirit of the destroyerman hadn't changed. The two ships i served on both had the same esprit you described so well. Bravo Zulu. Hope the new breed carries on the tradition.
March 3, 2019
Condition Red
Without doubt this book will find its audience, especially those that have served in the Destroyer Forces. Others may decide that the pathway of the book is rather confusing and you will learn to push past some sections and enjoy others. There are some good chapters of events, but other chapters are more personal reminisces of common ties between associations from previous days in service.
Without doubt this book will find its audience, especially those that have served in the Destroyer Forces. Others may decide that the pathway of the book is rather confusing and you will learn to push past some sections and enjoy others. There are some good chapters of events, but other chapters are more personal reminisces of common ties between associations from previous days in service.
October 31, 2019
Condition Red Review
I really enjoyed this book. The stories within the story are oftentimes riveting, exciting, and enjoyable. Don't t expect Forester but a first person account from one who was there in the condition reds and other aspects of naval combat. Thank you all in this book for your service to us and thank you to "the Greatest Generation". Books such as these will make sure we do not forget.
I really enjoyed this book. The stories within the story are oftentimes riveting, exciting, and enjoyable. Don't t expect Forester but a first person account from one who was there in the condition reds and other aspects of naval combat. Thank you all in this book for your service to us and thank you to "the Greatest Generation". Books such as these will make sure we do not forget.
September 8, 2017
I was very disappointed, I expected stories of action and sea battles. What I received was a lot fluff about the ship and the various sections of the ship taking up 60% of the book. The names of this mans friends are nice for him to remember but relevance do they have to the battles that were taking place and the heroes that lost their lives sailing the ships.
December 4, 2017
The Smallest Battleship s
Being partial to destroyers myself, and having lived aboard one for a large portion of my stint in the Navy, I found this book to be one that accurately described what it was like to be in the "Tin Can Navy. The duty was hard, but there was a feeling of camaraderie that I don't think could be matched on any other man 'o war in the Navy.
Being partial to destroyers myself, and having lived aboard one for a large portion of my stint in the Navy, I found this book to be one that accurately described what it was like to be in the "Tin Can Navy. The duty was hard, but there was a feeling of camaraderie that I don't think could be matched on any other man 'o war in the Navy.
February 4, 2018
Unusual in its daily insights into life aboard destroyer during this period.
Written from The experiences of a destroyer captain it describes the day to day life during this period. Rather than the story of great battles and struggle it gives insights into the tedium life aboard a is navy destroyer interesting reading.
Written from The experiences of a destroyer captain it describes the day to day life during this period. Rather than the story of great battles and struggle it gives insights into the tedium life aboard a is navy destroyer interesting reading.
June 23, 2019
The book was written during the war years. The writing style is rather dated and some word expressions are very "old hat." Yet, the author's discussion of seeing some of his Annapolis classmates for the last time before they died in action was rather gripping. This is an "OK" read, but don't spend a lot of money to purchase it.
November 8, 2019
Navy Life - South Pacific
Real life action aboard a Destroyer during the early phase of WWII. Superbly written, brings you into the action and routine of shipboard life. You feel you are a member of the crew. Good history on our initial offensive to push the Japanese back to their islands. Fast read as it sticks to the facts of war on this ship.
Real life action aboard a Destroyer during the early phase of WWII. Superbly written, brings you into the action and routine of shipboard life. You feel you are a member of the crew. Good history on our initial offensive to push the Japanese back to their islands. Fast read as it sticks to the facts of war on this ship.
December 17, 2019
Interesting historical and biographical read
I have read many books on many different topics and battles the wars the United states has fought. World war 2 I the one I read on the most and itis because of their bravery and huge sacrifices for us to fight against a enemy that has the upper hand and is winning by giving their lives a chance for our freedom today.
I have read many books on many different topics and battles the wars the United states has fought. World war 2 I the one I read on the most and itis because of their bravery and huge sacrifices for us to fight against a enemy that has the upper hand and is winning by giving their lives a chance for our freedom today.
August 16, 2025
Interesting
I got a true feeling of the thoughts and fears residing in the mind of this ,officer. The color of language and the determination of actions was a great reminder of how we as primates function and act . take a snif of our past and look for its scent in our future!!!!!!
I got a true feeling of the thoughts and fears residing in the mind of this ,officer. The color of language and the determination of actions was a great reminder of how we as primates function and act . take a snif of our past and look for its scent in our future!!!!!!
October 4, 2017
A really enjoyable book on what it was like to serve on a Destroyer during the Pacific War of World War 2.
I really enjoyed and it was very insightful so often we get books on Carriers or land battles but not the workforce of the Navy.
I really enjoyed and it was very insightful so often we get books on Carriers or land battles but not the workforce of the Navy.
November 19, 2017
This is an excellent read for anyone intrested in knowing what it was like fighting in the Pacific during WWII -- this author was chief staff on a destroyer and gives a very broad lens view with a good, engaging style.
December 7, 2017
Very interesting read
Good detail about life aboard a destroyer in WWII. Stories about the officers and crew detailed and, at times funny, heart wrenching and deadly serious. Jumps around a bit, but overall I would highly recommend.
Good detail about life aboard a destroyer in WWII. Stories about the officers and crew detailed and, at times funny, heart wrenching and deadly serious. Jumps around a bit, but overall I would highly recommend.
February 4, 2018
This is a great first person account of the war in the South Pacific from the US point of view. Accept that because this was written during the war, some details had to be left out and there was a certain amount of cheerleading going on. Still, a very good read.
May 7, 2018
Eclectic
Good read but eclectic in presentation. I think he wrote this while in a hospital. Interesting read and we'll worth your time for early WW2 action on a destroyer in the south pacific.
Good read but eclectic in presentation. I think he wrote this while in a hospital. Interesting read and we'll worth your time for early WW2 action on a destroyer in the south pacific.
July 6, 2018
I have been following this kind of book for long time. I was ready to give it a so-so grade. I thought it started kind of slow,but I ended up giving it a five star review. I am glad that someone with this background and this ability to articulate the situation has followed up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews