Never to Return

by Randall Peffer

Never to Return is the harrowing tale of the torpedoing and sinking of a Coast Guard ship and the loss of 171 Coast Guardsmen off the coast of Iceland during WWII.

The USS Leopold was a U.S. Coast Guard destroyer escort in a convoy of merchant ships carrying war materiel to England, on the lookout for the deadly U-boat wolf packs lurking in the North Atlantic. The Leopold was largely unarmored, lightly armed, and no match for the U-255's torpedoes. Never to Return is the story of gunner Sparky Nersasian and his shipmates' struggles to survive the Leopold's sinking.

Genres: Nonfiction

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2017

About the author

Randall Peffer is the author of over 300 travel-lifestyle features for magazines like National Geographic, Smithsonian, Reader's Digest, Travel Holiday, Islands and Sail; he teaches writing and literature at Philips Academy in Andover.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can feel their hearts and soul out in the Atlantic. While station in Alaska in the 50's as a Coast Guardmen, I experienced what that cold water feels like. With in two minutes my feet were turning blue. Their is no way I can explain what those poor coastie's when through.

[Eric Takakjian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randall Peffer and Robert Nersasian have done a tremendous job with this book about the tragic loss of the USS Leopold in March of 1944. Meticulously researched this book examines both the technical aspects of both sides of the story as well as the personal and human aspects of the people involved. A very important addition to the history of the US Coast Guard during WWII.
A fast paced and exciting book, I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.
Outstanding!

[Mhorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about the worst loss of life the US Coast Guard suffered during WW2. Tragic and engrossing, a story of life and death in the brutal waters of the North Atlantic. Well written and worth reading. Historical note: the USS Leopolds sister ship, the USS Slater, the only surviving member of the class, pictures of who are used in this book, US a museum ship in Albany, NY.

[Terry Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of the seat excitement, fear and danger. I was physically cold reading through the book. Description was vivid. Appreciated the “2 sides” of the story.