Desperate Decisions: The Naval Odyssey of Professor James Brand

by J. Eugene Porter

In August, the Allies crushed the German armies in Normandy, launching a dash across France and into Belgium. But as they approach the German border, American and British forces begin to outrun their supplies, especially fuel. With manpower shortages becoming a problem, a risky plan is developed that could end the war by Christmas. But this operation requires diverting even more supplies to Montgomery’s army, starving the American advance toward Germany. In the Pacific, decisions are made which change the timing and direction of General MacArthur’s advance toward the Philippines. But first, the invasion of a small island must move forward, even with the knowledge the operation may now be unnecessary. Members of the Science Team continue to work with the Allied armies and the leadership in Washington to hasten victory, but this is complicated by different agendas, prickly egos, and the harsh realization the logistics needed to support these plans are stretched thin. All of these strategic plans and commitments require the men fighting in Europe and the Pacific to make Desperate Decisions...not only to win, but to live.

453 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2025