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Destroyer Squadron 23 (Annotated): Combat Exploits of Arleigh Burke’s Gallant Force
Destroyer Squadron 23 is the epic account of Commodore Arleigh Burke and the men and ships under his command in the South Pacific in World War II. Burke's leadership skills and innovative tactics, described in detail in the book, proved crucial to the U.S. defeat of the Japanese navy in the Pacific.
*Original annotations.
*Handpicked, curated images throughout.
*Original annotations.
*Handpicked, curated images throughout.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1959
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 27, 2020
With the title containing the words "combat exploits", the book is not what I expected. Only towards the end of the book does the author begin to describe the Little Beavers' actions and the first part of the book is filled with the lives of the officers and men who served on the boats. A bit of a laborious read about a truly magnificent and aggressive fighting force under the command of a great commander. The story deserved better from the author.
November 15, 2024
This is a (relatively) immediate post-War book. So Samuel Elliot Morrison had written a far better history, but in neither book was the codebreaking of Purple/Magic yet declassified. It’s also written in a style long out of fashion: Dialogue among the Japanese includes “Ah, so.” And more like that of speech of Americans, which anyone can guess.
But that’s not the flaw here. Instead, this combat history turns stone-cold in the middle half with relatively uninteresting discussion of how each skipper came to be in the Navy; how they met their wives. The beginning (which appears to come directly from Morrison) is the most lively part, but that’s before Burke makes it to the Pacific. The end is highlighted by the explanation of the 31-knot Burke, Yet the battle(s) descriptions aren’t merely quaint—they’re rendered uninteresting.
But that’s not the flaw here. Instead, this combat history turns stone-cold in the middle half with relatively uninteresting discussion of how each skipper came to be in the Navy; how they met their wives. The beginning (which appears to come directly from Morrison) is the most lively part, but that’s before Burke makes it to the Pacific. The end is highlighted by the explanation of the 31-knot Burke, Yet the battle(s) descriptions aren’t merely quaint—they’re rendered uninteresting.
April 6, 2019
What a disappointment. I was interested in learning more about Arleigh Burke and his service in the Navy. Instead, I was greeted with more frivolous information and eloquent sentences than I could shake a stick at. If I would have been wanting to read a “Soap Opera” this would have been the ticket. However, that is not what I was after. And there is the mass of punctuation and grammatical errors that cropped the work. The Publisher and their editing team should be ashamed of themselves! Good example, Right out of the gate it’s Connodore Arleigh Burke. Can someone tell me what a Connodore is? Can’t seem to find it in the dictionary anywhere. And that is just the start. It gets worse.
Why were none of the ship’s names italicized or put in quotation marks? Made no sense and make the reading confusing at times.
The structure of the book is more like a tennis match. Just when you are settling in and getting ready to learn something, BAM!, the author decides to go back or forward twenty to thirty years. Why? I have no idea.
This reads more like a great American novel that never was. The use of adjectives and long, frivolous sentences punctuate every page and add not an iota of freshness to any of the action packed, long winded references.
What was most disturbing was the build-up to the action at Empress Augusta Bay. I mean, for 2/3 of the story you can’t wait to get to it and then, NOTHING. One small chapter is dedicated to what should have been Arleigh’s triumphant revenge for Tassafaronga and Savo Island. Instead, it become a side note for the author. I guess he couldn’t come up with any flowery words or uninspiring sentences to enlightened and excite the dulled senses of those plodding through this travesty of recounting history.
This is the opening sentence. Think it’s long enough???
“The quartermaster on the bridge of destroyer Waller took an appraising look at the barrel-shaped brass clock on the bulkhead, then stepped around to the flag bridge behind and struck six sharp taps on the ship’s bell affixed to the foremast, thus officially certifying the instant to be 2300 hours on the night of 5th May, 1943. Waller, the “flag boat” of Destroyer Division 43, swung obediently around her anchor in Havannah Channel off the island of Efate at the bottom end of the New Hebrides group, 18 degrees south of the equator”.
“His patronymic was Bjorkegren, which means limb of a birch tree. His grandfather had changed the name to Burke many years before and thus young Arleigh, upon entering the Naval Academy in 1919, had registered as Burke, and he never was known by any other name in the Navy.”
“The announcement elicited nods and murmurs of kindled interest around the table. Heraldo turned momentarily away to dislodge the dottle from his pipe against the horny heel of his hand, and immediately began refilling the briar from an oversized rubber pouch.”
If you don’t have a problem with the above, then you might like the story.
I would return this work if I could but Amazon isn’t taking it back.
Two Star Push
Why were none of the ship’s names italicized or put in quotation marks? Made no sense and make the reading confusing at times.
The structure of the book is more like a tennis match. Just when you are settling in and getting ready to learn something, BAM!, the author decides to go back or forward twenty to thirty years. Why? I have no idea.
This reads more like a great American novel that never was. The use of adjectives and long, frivolous sentences punctuate every page and add not an iota of freshness to any of the action packed, long winded references.
What was most disturbing was the build-up to the action at Empress Augusta Bay. I mean, for 2/3 of the story you can’t wait to get to it and then, NOTHING. One small chapter is dedicated to what should have been Arleigh’s triumphant revenge for Tassafaronga and Savo Island. Instead, it become a side note for the author. I guess he couldn’t come up with any flowery words or uninspiring sentences to enlightened and excite the dulled senses of those plodding through this travesty of recounting history.
This is the opening sentence. Think it’s long enough???
“The quartermaster on the bridge of destroyer Waller took an appraising look at the barrel-shaped brass clock on the bulkhead, then stepped around to the flag bridge behind and struck six sharp taps on the ship’s bell affixed to the foremast, thus officially certifying the instant to be 2300 hours on the night of 5th May, 1943. Waller, the “flag boat” of Destroyer Division 43, swung obediently around her anchor in Havannah Channel off the island of Efate at the bottom end of the New Hebrides group, 18 degrees south of the equator”.
“His patronymic was Bjorkegren, which means limb of a birch tree. His grandfather had changed the name to Burke many years before and thus young Arleigh, upon entering the Naval Academy in 1919, had registered as Burke, and he never was known by any other name in the Navy.”
“The announcement elicited nods and murmurs of kindled interest around the table. Heraldo turned momentarily away to dislodge the dottle from his pipe against the horny heel of his hand, and immediately began refilling the briar from an oversized rubber pouch.”
If you don’t have a problem with the above, then you might like the story.
I would return this work if I could but Amazon isn’t taking it back.
Two Star Push
May 16, 2019
This book was ok. I like the background info on arleigh burke. But beyond that, most of this book 60% or more, is background info on the sailors. Very little action until the last two chapters
April 26, 2019
Doesn't get any better!
This is one of the best Naval History books I've ever read!. What differentiates it from the back are the character portrayals. It's simply not a recitation of who did what to whom. It's a story of the beating heart of indomitable courage of the Officers and men of Destroyer Squadron 23. It should occupy a place of honor on anyone's book shelf!
This is one of the best Naval History books I've ever read!. What differentiates it from the back are the character portrayals. It's simply not a recitation of who did what to whom. It's a story of the beating heart of indomitable courage of the Officers and men of Destroyer Squadron 23. It should occupy a place of honor on anyone's book shelf!
January 1, 2017
Incredible Historical Story
Raleigh Burke was an incredible leader, and as valiant a commander as ever fought and sailed in the U.S. Navy. He had a knack for getting more from his men than seemingly humanly possible. He is a credit to the Navy and an unforgettable part of The Greatest Generation.
Raleigh Burke was an incredible leader, and as valiant a commander as ever fought and sailed in the U.S. Navy. He had a knack for getting more from his men than seemingly humanly possible. He is a credit to the Navy and an unforgettable part of The Greatest Generation.
October 9, 2021
Edge of the seat action
Ken Jones storytelling was realistic, vivid, and detailed. I felt like I was there in the ships, inside the minds of the commanding officers and crews. I recommend this book to Navy fans and sailors. It is soaked in nautical language and humor, while describing tense times and courageous leadership.
Ken Jones storytelling was realistic, vivid, and detailed. I felt like I was there in the ships, inside the minds of the commanding officers and crews. I recommend this book to Navy fans and sailors. It is soaked in nautical language and humor, while describing tense times and courageous leadership.
May 27, 2017
Much longer than it needed to be
This book reads slow; the story is overly wordy and drags through many chapters. This is far from being a favorite WWII book.
This book reads slow; the story is overly wordy and drags through many chapters. This is far from being a favorite WWII book.
August 3, 2020
This is an interesting and historically significant story. It was well researched, but the author's writing style is fatiguing with his constant use of an accurate, but outdated vocabulary and a penchant for lengthy, compound sentences where simple language would better serve the reader. He attempted to make a saint of Arleigh Burke and the other captains of the Squadron 23 destroyers, as though each was specifically selected for the squadron, when in reality they were not. The final Battle of St. George was successful, but could have ended in disaster for the entire squadron and the some 1.200 personnel aboard when Burke choose to pursue two of the fleeting Japanese destroyers while they were deep in Japanese controlled territory and close to the Japanese main naval base. Instead of calling the destruction of three of the five Japanese destroyers good and fleeing for home before daylight he chose to pursue instead of turning for safe waters. They expected a Japanese air attack on the American ships at dawn only a few hours away, which would have caught the destroyers far away from home and safety. Burke, couragess no doubt, but irresponsible to the end result of risking the safe return of the five destroyers and hundreds of men on board. The only reason they escaped unharmed is because, for reasons unknown, the Japanese did not launch their planes in pursuit.
August 16, 2020
Lightweight book on a gallant subject
Just too many inconsistencies. The book names Japanese air bases on New Guinea, including one at Port Moresby. Their attempt to take Port Moresby was historically fought off, and recorded in many annals.
The numerous descriptions of 6 in. guns on the destroyers of DesRon23 is erroneous, destroyers did not carry 6 in. guns, but a main battery of 5 in. guns. And cruisers either carried 8 in. guns (heavy) or 6 in. guns (light), not both.
Recording times such as 0160? Editorial errors? Maybe editorial errors explain 6 in. guns where 5 in. guns should be expected.
Just too many inconsistencies. The book names Japanese air bases on New Guinea, including one at Port Moresby. Their attempt to take Port Moresby was historically fought off, and recorded in many annals.
The numerous descriptions of 6 in. guns on the destroyers of DesRon23 is erroneous, destroyers did not carry 6 in. guns, but a main battery of 5 in. guns. And cruisers either carried 8 in. guns (heavy) or 6 in. guns (light), not both.
Recording times such as 0160? Editorial errors? Maybe editorial errors explain 6 in. guns where 5 in. guns should be expected.
December 29, 2020
More a hero worshipping bibliography than an actual history
This book came out in 1959. I don't know how it was received then but it doesn't stand the test of time. This book reads like a press release for someone running for congress showing all heroic deeds and no mistakes. I also have serious doubts about the authenticity of some of the conversations written despite what the author states in the preface. It also gives no respect to the Japanese, treating them with an obvious racially based belittling prejudice of a type often shown during the war. This Kindle edition also has numerous typographical errors and several technical errors (that might also be typos). On a whole, this is not a great read.
This book came out in 1959. I don't know how it was received then but it doesn't stand the test of time. This book reads like a press release for someone running for congress showing all heroic deeds and no mistakes. I also have serious doubts about the authenticity of some of the conversations written despite what the author states in the preface. It also gives no respect to the Japanese, treating them with an obvious racially based belittling prejudice of a type often shown during the war. This Kindle edition also has numerous typographical errors and several technical errors (that might also be typos). On a whole, this is not a great read.
November 28, 2020
Help wanted: Proof Reader!
Destroyer Squadron 23: Combat Exploits of Arleigh Burke and the Gallant Squadron is a good book on the history of the U.S. Navy and Destroyer tactics in the Solomon's campaign. Very informative and entertaining. But the spelling, OMG! I have never read a work of literature with so many misspelled words. Not that every misspelled word was misspelled per say, but incorrect words were used to complete phrases. A spell checker program is Not a proof reader!
Destroyer Squadron 23: Combat Exploits of Arleigh Burke and the Gallant Squadron is a good book on the history of the U.S. Navy and Destroyer tactics in the Solomon's campaign. Very informative and entertaining. But the spelling, OMG! I have never read a work of literature with so many misspelled words. Not that every misspelled word was misspelled per say, but incorrect words were used to complete phrases. A spell checker program is Not a proof reader!
December 10, 2020
To many fancy words
I gave the book four stars instead of five not because the book was not good but because of the way the authors use of grammar. It became hard to read because of the use of fancy words. There was no reason to take half a page to describe something that should take at most two sentences. The book became hard to read at points because of the attempt appear dramatic. The book was great but it wasted a lot of words trying to create drama. It was about men who fought and died for freedom. This was about war and death not a soap opera on tv.
I gave the book four stars instead of five not because the book was not good but because of the way the authors use of grammar. It became hard to read because of the use of fancy words. There was no reason to take half a page to describe something that should take at most two sentences. The book became hard to read at points because of the attempt appear dramatic. The book was great but it wasted a lot of words trying to create drama. It was about men who fought and died for freedom. This was about war and death not a soap opera on tv.
July 15, 2019
Way too much character-building; way to little combst
The author spent far too much time giving meaningless background on Commodore Burke and each of his subordinates rather than more details of Desron 23's combat exploits. Look to Samuel Elliot Morrison's "History of US Naval Operations in World War Two" if you want to see naval combat as it should be written. An extreme disappointment is all I can say about this book.
The author spent far too much time giving meaningless background on Commodore Burke and each of his subordinates rather than more details of Desron 23's combat exploits. Look to Samuel Elliot Morrison's "History of US Naval Operations in World War Two" if you want to see naval combat as it should be written. An extreme disappointment is all I can say about this book.
May 9, 2020
Leadership in Combat
A good look at what it takes to fight a ship in battle. Leadership of Burke (Burke's Doctrine) and each of his captain's plus what the author calls the "naval mystique" are what made DesRon 23 an effective fighting unit. The creation of effective crews, especially under trying circumstances, were also a major contribution. A excellent narrative of two textbook naval actions, Empress Augusta Bay and Cape St. George.
A good look at what it takes to fight a ship in battle. Leadership of Burke (Burke's Doctrine) and each of his captain's plus what the author calls the "naval mystique" are what made DesRon 23 an effective fighting unit. The creation of effective crews, especially under trying circumstances, were also a major contribution. A excellent narrative of two textbook naval actions, Empress Augusta Bay and Cape St. George.
August 3, 2020
Excellent story of bravery and organization winning the day BUT ...
This book's editing is abysmal and I have up on trying to report every error. Misspellings, typos and use of the wrong words pervade the volume. The author's writing is hard enough to follow as it is overly ornate but, when coupled with the poor wording, yields a difficult but yet necessary read for Naval history buffs.
This book's editing is abysmal and I have up on trying to report every error. Misspellings, typos and use of the wrong words pervade the volume. The author's writing is hard enough to follow as it is overly ornate but, when coupled with the poor wording, yields a difficult but yet necessary read for Naval history buffs.
August 26, 2020
Smashing good 👍👍
As a former infantry leader I found the insites and forward thinking of capt. Burke could be applied to any situation, combat or other wise.
The expertise to engage moving enemy ships and score hits while your firing platform is itself taking evasive action speaks volumes for the dedication and expertise of the greatest generation.
I salute our Navy brothers in arms.
Two thumbs up and 5 Stars
As a former infantry leader I found the insites and forward thinking of capt. Burke could be applied to any situation, combat or other wise.
The expertise to engage moving enemy ships and score hits while your firing platform is itself taking evasive action speaks volumes for the dedication and expertise of the greatest generation.
I salute our Navy brothers in arms.
Two thumbs up and 5 Stars
July 12, 2021
Interesting., But too many details
I wanted to learn more about Raleigh Burke, and why he had an entire class of destroyers named after him. This bok certainly answered that, sat least his wartime exploits.
I especially enjoyed the background info on Commodore Burke and each of the destroyer captains.
However, the author appears to be writing for analysts. He includes far to many details about course, speed, and latitude/longitude,which put me off.
I wanted to learn more about Raleigh Burke, and why he had an entire class of destroyers named after him. This bok certainly answered that, sat least his wartime exploits.
I especially enjoyed the background info on Commodore Burke and each of the destroyer captains.
However, the author appears to be writing for analysts. He includes far to many details about course, speed, and latitude/longitude,which put me off.
May 31, 2019
To long on the history and not enough on the battles of the destroyers of the Little beaters. I found a lot of mistakes like six inches guns on a destroyer there was only five inches on fletcher class along with 40 mms and 20 mms.
Did not like the telling of the history part about a Destroyer Squadron 23. Found to many mistakes about the fletcher class destroyer.
Did not like the telling of the history part about a Destroyer Squadron 23. Found to many mistakes about the fletcher class destroyer.
August 4, 2019
Excellent source of information on Arleigh Burke and Destroyer Squadron 23 during WWII, but a very very very detailed book and the narrative drags along. I think the author did an outstanding job of researching, and just didn't want to leave anything out, so, yes, information source, but poor story. Recommended for researchers.
January 26, 2020
The Best compilation of our US Navy at war
The author has captured the spirit and determination of the Tin Can Navy.Thanks for a great and informative read.Your prose reflects the finest traditions of our USNavy.Admiral Burke and his crews would be very proud. Anchors Away to all who chose to re
The author has captured the spirit and determination of the Tin Can Navy.Thanks for a great and informative read.Your prose reflects the finest traditions of our USNavy.Admiral Burke and his crews would be very proud. Anchors Away to all who chose to re
August 12, 2020
What a great book!!!
The way the book was written-the crew and the men associated with each destroyer. From my point of view, just as good as C.S. Forester, whom I have read. I wished it had a few maps of the area they were fighting in. Book under valued. Wonderful book. My dad served during the second war on a destroyer HMCS Kootnay convoys Atlantic.
The way the book was written-the crew and the men associated with each destroyer. From my point of view, just as good as C.S. Forester, whom I have read. I wished it had a few maps of the area they were fighting in. Book under valued. Wonderful book. My dad served during the second war on a destroyer HMCS Kootnay convoys Atlantic.
November 8, 2023
A Navel Epic
This book is a must read for any scholar WW2 . It tells a story of what to do and what to avoid when you are getting your Ass
handed to you in a fight. Plan, assess and train yourself to accept the situation as is truthfully and what to do to change your actions for success. You can live or die , try to always get better.
This book is a must read for any scholar WW2 . It tells a story of what to do and what to avoid when you are getting your Ass
handed to you in a fight. Plan, assess and train yourself to accept the situation as is truthfully and what to do to change your actions for success. You can live or die , try to always get better.
April 2, 2019
Simply Great!
Excellent story, exciting at times and always intriguing. A great study on leadership and followship. To a military vet it exemplifies what sea-men of all services hold dear.
Great read!
Excellent story, exciting at times and always intriguing. A great study on leadership and followship. To a military vet it exemplifies what sea-men of all services hold dear.
Great read!
April 20, 2019
An interesting summary of this phase on the war in the Pacific
I enjoyed reading this book. It presented a lot of interesting insights about the ships, officers and men that served Admiral Burke during these operations.
I enjoyed reading this book. It presented a lot of interesting insights about the ships, officers and men that served Admiral Burke during these operations.
April 28, 2019
No common sailor he, Arleigh Burke, a man's man .t
Through thick and thin this man fought to win.cognitive at all times of placement of friend and foe. Enemy disregarded him to their woe.
Through thick and thin this man fought to win.cognitive at all times of placement of friend and foe. Enemy disregarded him to their woe.
May 4, 2019
Excellent read on organization and battles the squadron.
The author Ken Jones researched the activities of this squadron giving a feeling of reality . He included incidents tragedy humor and serious troubles that occurred .
The author Ken Jones researched the activities of this squadron giving a feeling of reality . He included incidents tragedy humor and serious troubles that occurred .
July 19, 2019
A must read for male and female alike.
My dad served in WWII and I was born in 1943. As a female, I've always had a desire to know more about the sacrifices that our country and its people gave.
My dad served in WWII and I was born in 1943. As a female, I've always had a desire to know more about the sacrifices that our country and its people gave.
August 28, 2019
Little to much detail
Little to much detail, not enough well rounded, “a day in a destroyer mans life” sort of slow, knew only about the captains etc. principally yet nothing of depth of any other
Little to much detail, not enough well rounded, “a day in a destroyer mans life” sort of slow, knew only about the captains etc. principally yet nothing of depth of any other
September 8, 2019
Intense, compelling and a non stop read.
A great book. This book will be referred to in my conversation with military friends and family. It is a must and excellent read. I could not put the book down until it was finished. Highly, Highly recommended.
A great book. This book will be referred to in my conversation with military friends and family. It is a must and excellent read. I could not put the book down until it was finished. Highly, Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews