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A Call to Colors
“I shall return” is General Douglas MacArthur’s promise to the Filipinos. It will take 165,000 troops and 700 ships in the bloody battle of Leyte Gulf to do it.Among them is the destroyer USS Matthew and her skipper, Commander Mike Donovan, a veteran haunted by earlier savage battles. What Donovan doesn’t know is that Vice Admiral Takao Kurita of Japan has laid an ingenious trap as the Matthew heads for the treacherous waters of Leyte Gulf. But Donovan faces something even deadlier than Kurita’s battleships: Explosives secretly slipped on board American ships by saboteurs are set to detonate at any time. Now the Matthew’s survival hinges on the ability of Donovan and his men to dismantle a bomb in the midst of the panic and the chaos of history’s greatest naval battle.
“Gobbell’s sea tales . . . will have you looking up your nearest Navy recruiter.” —W.E.B. Griffin
“[John Gobbell is] a first-rate storyteller.” — Stephen Coonts
“Wonderful . . . a rousing dramatization of history’s greatest sea battle.” — James D. Hornfischer, author of The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 26, 2006
1144 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
John J. Gobbell
15 books41 followersFROM USC TO YANKEE STATION.
Upon graduating from the University of Southern California, John was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served as a deck and ASW officer aboard the USS Tingey (DD 539), a revered Fletcher-class destroyer and battle of Leyte Gulf veteran. He did a WESTPAC cruise and fought the battle of YANKEE STATION forming a protective destroyer screen around the carrier USS Hancock (CVA 19) in the South China Sea.
Professional Career
Most of John's career has been in executive recruiting. He was with KPMG Peat Marwick as a consultant for three years. And then for ten years, he was a Vice President Boyden Associates, Inc., a large New York City based international executive recruiting firm. He then founded THE GOBBELL COMPANY in Newport Beach, California where he worked on a retained basis with corporate clients to find senior executives. During a concentrated time of developing and presenting candidates for military aerospace clients, John became fascinated with advanced technology, weapon systems, and the executives who build them. Recently he was the Director of Development for the USC Catholic Center, located at the University of Southern California. There, he worked on a $35.0 million capital campaign to build a new Romanesque church and student center on campus.
In civilian life, John sails in Southern California yacht racing regattas. In younger days he skippered in the Long Beach Yacht Club's Congressional Cup, one of the most prestigious match-racing regattas featuring skippers from around the world, including America's cup stand-outs.
John and his wife, Janine, also a USC graduate, live in Orange County, California.
Upon graduating from the University of Southern California, John was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served as a deck and ASW officer aboard the USS Tingey (DD 539), a revered Fletcher-class destroyer and battle of Leyte Gulf veteran. He did a WESTPAC cruise and fought the battle of YANKEE STATION forming a protective destroyer screen around the carrier USS Hancock (CVA 19) in the South China Sea.
Professional Career
Most of John's career has been in executive recruiting. He was with KPMG Peat Marwick as a consultant for three years. And then for ten years, he was a Vice President Boyden Associates, Inc., a large New York City based international executive recruiting firm. He then founded THE GOBBELL COMPANY in Newport Beach, California where he worked on a retained basis with corporate clients to find senior executives. During a concentrated time of developing and presenting candidates for military aerospace clients, John became fascinated with advanced technology, weapon systems, and the executives who build them. Recently he was the Director of Development for the USC Catholic Center, located at the University of Southern California. There, he worked on a $35.0 million capital campaign to build a new Romanesque church and student center on campus.
In civilian life, John sails in Southern California yacht racing regattas. In younger days he skippered in the Long Beach Yacht Club's Congressional Cup, one of the most prestigious match-racing regattas featuring skippers from around the world, including America's cup stand-outs.
John and his wife, Janine, also a USC graduate, live in Orange County, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 3, 2020
I've read the entire series, and have only one complaint. This writer has one fault in telling a story: he has a problem of interfering with the story by introducing new people by writing lengthy chapters instead of perhaps just a paragraph. This "Call to Colors" had so many interfering chapters of people and generations and events, that I was unable to follow the "story", if there was one. The book just suddenly ended and I have no idea what the book was about, or why I wasted so much time on it. I believe I'm through with this author and his attempts. Perhaps he should try short stories.
December 5, 2011
I loved this book, especially the well-drawn plot and three-dimensional characters.
This was my first introduction to the work of John Gobbell, a former U.S. Navy officer.
The story addresses the battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944 between the U.S. and Japanese Navies.
An intriguing sub-plot involves the search for a saboteur in California who may have loaded defective torpedoes onto ships in theatre.
Anybody who enjoys military fiction and Naval warfare history will love this book.
This was my first introduction to the work of John Gobbell, a former U.S. Navy officer.
The story addresses the battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944 between the U.S. and Japanese Navies.
An intriguing sub-plot involves the search for a saboteur in California who may have loaded defective torpedoes onto ships in theatre.
Anybody who enjoys military fiction and Naval warfare history will love this book.
June 27, 2020
Good Storyline and Character Development!
The book was even better this second time around! I did not remember that I had read it several years ago until I was about 25/30 % in the book. Since I was enjoying the book, I decided to finish the book and was very happy with my choice! The only thing that was not quite believable was the delayed timing device to explode the torpedoes, because I don’t believe the Technolgy existed to fit in a torpedo. Other than that, my wife lived in Antioch (CA) and her father was working the swing shift at the US Steel Mill and was knocked down; doors and windows knocked out; plus machines were moved around, because Port of Chicago was less than 10 miles away! If Port of Chicago had not had the hill to the East, the blast wave from the explosions would flatten Pittsburg, Antioch, and homes between! 😱
The book was even better this second time around! I did not remember that I had read it several years ago until I was about 25/30 % in the book. Since I was enjoying the book, I decided to finish the book and was very happy with my choice! The only thing that was not quite believable was the delayed timing device to explode the torpedoes, because I don’t believe the Technolgy existed to fit in a torpedo. Other than that, my wife lived in Antioch (CA) and her father was working the swing shift at the US Steel Mill and was knocked down; doors and windows knocked out; plus machines were moved around, because Port of Chicago was less than 10 miles away! If Port of Chicago had not had the hill to the East, the blast wave from the explosions would flatten Pittsburg, Antioch, and homes between! 😱
November 12, 2020
Interesting story based on the WWII battle for Leyte and the Philippines. Mike Donovan is a U. S. Navy destroyer skipper who has lost shipmates and friends in battles across the South Pacific. While he is stationed at Mare Island, CA to pick up his new command, the USS Matthew, he comes down with acute appendicitis which was previously misdiagnosed as malaria. Needless to say, he falls for the doctor who is treating him, Diane Logan. In and around all of this, he and a college classmate, now with Naval Intelligence, have to deal with a German saboteur who is targeting supply convoys heading to the South Pacific. There is a lot of action, and a lot of scheming and plotting, both by the U. S. forces and the Japanese high command. There is also a novel twist at the end.
August 31, 2020
OUTSTANDING HISTORICAL NOVEL WITH GREAT NAVAL ACTION
The Battle of Leyte Gulf is one of the most significant of WWII in the Pacific and one of the most controversial for Both Sides.
This looks like the beginning of a new series with a cast of great characters perhaps going well beyond WWII. A real page Turner that skillfully makes the reader wait and wait to get to the most suspenseful moments. Sensitive to develop characters on both sides & to the lands involved as well as keeping the Major Facts In Place. Great read.
The Battle of Leyte Gulf is one of the most significant of WWII in the Pacific and one of the most controversial for Both Sides.
This looks like the beginning of a new series with a cast of great characters perhaps going well beyond WWII. A real page Turner that skillfully makes the reader wait and wait to get to the most suspenseful moments. Sensitive to develop characters on both sides & to the lands involved as well as keeping the Major Facts In Place. Great read.
October 11, 2020
This is the 8th consecutive book i've read by this author. All woven together by historical events. If you are a fan of historical novels, you won't be dissàpointed. His characters come alive and his action sequences put you in the heat of the battle.
This is the 8th consecutive book i've read by this author. All woven together by historical events. If you are a fan of historical novels, you won't be dissàpointed. His characters come alive and his action sequences put you in the heat of the battle. Always with an unexpected ending.
This is the 8th consecutive book i've read by this author. All woven together by historical events. If you are a fan of historical novels, you won't be dissàpointed. His characters come alive and his action sequences put you in the heat of the battle. Always with an unexpected ending.
August 12, 2021
A superb, fast-moving, and fascinating look at WWII events leading to the liberation of the Philippines.
Sabotage was destroying huge supplies of munitions, Japanese fleets were still powerful and dangerous, Formosa was an option to freeing the Philippines, and airpower with trained pilots was beginning to dominate everything. A turning point in the entire conflict with promises to keep and futures to build. An outstanding tale at a time of great historic consequence. Hard to put down and well worth the time
Sabotage was destroying huge supplies of munitions, Japanese fleets were still powerful and dangerous, Formosa was an option to freeing the Philippines, and airpower with trained pilots was beginning to dominate everything. A turning point in the entire conflict with promises to keep and futures to build. An outstanding tale at a time of great historic consequence. Hard to put down and well worth the time
March 16, 2023
Good historical fiction
This is a well written novel largely about the role of the destroyers in helping with the destruction of the Japanese Navy during the battle of the Philippine Sea. The description of the sea battle is particularly good, although it treats Halsey with a large degree of kindness .
Unfortunately, there are multiple side stories within this novel, which I think detracts from the overall plot and serves to make remembering all of the characters difficult.
This is a well written novel largely about the role of the destroyers in helping with the destruction of the Japanese Navy during the battle of the Philippine Sea. The description of the sea battle is particularly good, although it treats Halsey with a large degree of kindness .
Unfortunately, there are multiple side stories within this novel, which I think detracts from the overall plot and serves to make remembering all of the characters difficult.
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November 2, 2023Possibly The Best Yet
The Southeest Pacific part of WW2 was made to look easy when I fact it was anything but. John Gobbell, in his astounding series on the Pacific War, captures this succinctly. Gobbells writes what fiction can be at its best: a journey through the limitations and potential of people dealing in the greatest challenges of life. This story gives us an entry point into some of the most consequential history of our age and reminds us that it is flawed humans, not cartoon superheroes, that build the legacies that sustain us.
The Southeest Pacific part of WW2 was made to look easy when I fact it was anything but. John Gobbell, in his astounding series on the Pacific War, captures this succinctly. Gobbells writes what fiction can be at its best: a journey through the limitations and potential of people dealing in the greatest challenges of life. This story gives us an entry point into some of the most consequential history of our age and reminds us that it is flawed humans, not cartoon superheroes, that build the legacies that sustain us.
May 2, 2024
AI failed
Depending upon an AI to do the spell-checking is one thing, but that robot needs a proofreader. It’s disconcerting for the reader when paragraphs are chopped up, sending the eye to search for the interrupted thought. As a fan of the author’s Last Lieutenant series, I was disappointed in this standalone novel, rife with “John Wayne” speak. There’s too many smug young officers looking down on the enlisted crew. But we can’t blame the author for that. “Officer Country” indeed.
Depending upon an AI to do the spell-checking is one thing, but that robot needs a proofreader. It’s disconcerting for the reader when paragraphs are chopped up, sending the eye to search for the interrupted thought. As a fan of the author’s Last Lieutenant series, I was disappointed in this standalone novel, rife with “John Wayne” speak. There’s too many smug young officers looking down on the enlisted crew. But we can’t blame the author for that. “Officer Country” indeed.
Read
September 1, 2024A slow long read
I have read several Gobbell books and I had no trouble picking up this title, but I cannot recommend it. I found this piece to be unnecessarily long and several slow chapters that can be skipped altogether. My interest waned and by time I approached the end I was getting anxious to finish and move on only to discover another chapter stapled to the end. And so the story continues! The author adds a dozen new characters as the story jumps forward and becomes even longer.
I have read several Gobbell books and I had no trouble picking up this title, but I cannot recommend it. I found this piece to be unnecessarily long and several slow chapters that can be skipped altogether. My interest waned and by time I approached the end I was getting anxious to finish and move on only to discover another chapter stapled to the end. And so the story continues! The author adds a dozen new characters as the story jumps forward and becomes even longer.
September 3, 2020
Interesting. My father, Lt Jg Robert C. Haase, was Communications Officer aboard the USS Mississippi BB-41, and I learned a little more about Surigaio Strait. I have read elsewhere that the Mississippi fired the last shot in that engagement. At Okinawa, the Mississippi took two kamikaze hits, losing nearly 100 men, so it was tough to get much out of my dad. A bit more of the OldendorfbKincaid task force would have been appreciated.
August 22, 2024
A gem of a book!
A well written telling of the battle of Leyte Gulf from the perspective of two combatants, one American, one Japanese, entertwined with a second storyline concerning military railroad supply line espionage. I've enjoyed the Lt. Turner series and find this book to be written to the same high standard of historical accuracy and really exciting action and dialog. Well done, Mr. Gobbell!
A well written telling of the battle of Leyte Gulf from the perspective of two combatants, one American, one Japanese, entertwined with a second storyline concerning military railroad supply line espionage. I've enjoyed the Lt. Turner series and find this book to be written to the same high standard of historical accuracy and really exciting action and dialog. Well done, Mr. Gobbell!
February 11, 2022
WWII historical fiction with characters that really draw you in!
Naval battles and pivotal moments of the Pacific War with Wells drawn characters that interact with major movers and shakers of both the American and Japanese sides. You learn of the horrific prices paid in human life to bring the two countries to their present day relationsip. Very engaging with believable cast!
Naval battles and pivotal moments of the Pacific War with Wells drawn characters that interact with major movers and shakers of both the American and Japanese sides. You learn of the horrific prices paid in human life to bring the two countries to their present day relationsip. Very engaging with believable cast!
July 18, 2024
Fantastic
I started with “The Last Lieutenant “. I have read all of the books, in order. It saddens me that I have come to the end of the line. I am a dedicated reader. Heave knows I go through books like a madman. I have these tomes immensely. A+++++++!!! Thank you for the most enjoyable reading that I can recall and I’m 79 years old and a retired Army veteran.
I started with “The Last Lieutenant “. I have read all of the books, in order. It saddens me that I have come to the end of the line. I am a dedicated reader. Heave knows I go through books like a madman. I have these tomes immensely. A+++++++!!! Thank you for the most enjoyable reading that I can recall and I’m 79 years old and a retired Army veteran.
January 24, 2021
Action packed story
The author has written a great story of the Naval action in the Pacific during WW II. The action and intriguing will keep you entertained and guessing. Very entertaining story that with keep you wanting to know what is coming next.
The author has written a great story of the Naval action in the Pacific during WW II. The action and intriguing will keep you entertained and guessing. Very entertaining story that with keep you wanting to know what is coming next.
June 2, 2021
Another blockbuster by J.J. Gobbell. I've read all his works and, for my money, this is his best. The character development was outstanding. The side plot of the railroad family, and an old friendship devastated. A great read on one of the most complicated sea wars of WWII!
January 28, 2023
great wwii pacific action story
Story of the USS Mathew destroyer during war in the pacific. Interspersed with possible sabotage of war materials bound for the navy. Gobbell always delivers.
Story of the USS Mathew destroyer during war in the pacific. Interspersed with possible sabotage of war materials bound for the navy. Gobbell always delivers.
August 27, 2024
Call to Colors
I have been enlightened more about the Pacific naval battles of WWII from reading this story. The description of the sabotage investigation was a history I was previously unfamiliar with until I read this book.
I have been enlightened more about the Pacific naval battles of WWII from reading this story. The description of the sabotage investigation was a history I was previously unfamiliar with until I read this book.
November 25, 2024
Fiction that feels real.
Kudos for a well written series. With well known historical figures and battles, this WWII story line is almost impossible to put down. As a veteran I highly recommend it.
Kudos for a well written series. With well known historical figures and battles, this WWII story line is almost impossible to put down. As a veteran I highly recommend it.
April 24, 2019
An interesting insight into the war in the Phillipines during WW2.
Read
June 12, 2020A bit different naval thriller
I was a young teenager during this time period it brought back memories, both of the life as civilians and the news real of those naval battles.
I was a young teenager during this time period it brought back memories, both of the life as civilians and the news real of those naval battles.
June 17, 2020
Excellent
WW-2 stories are all wonderful this one is exceptionally great, thank you for writing this one! I highly recommend this excellent Read!
WW-2 stories are all wonderful this one is exceptionally great, thank you for writing this one! I highly recommend this excellent Read!
June 25, 2020
Well now I know how port Chicago blew up
July 15, 2020
Another great Gobbell
Relatable characters, great action sequences , I have read them all and reccomend them highly. Read this then dive into the Ingram series. You won't regret it.
Relatable characters, great action sequences , I have read them all and reccomend them highly. Read this then dive into the Ingram series. You won't regret it.
November 1, 2020
Covered a lot of action from many view points. Their must have been five or more viewpoints pertaining to one battle on the seas surrounding the Phillipines. Some times difficult to keep up with everyone.
December 11, 2020
Action
Another good one! This is a very good author. This the second book that I have read of his and I enjoyed both.
Another good one! This is a very good author. This the second book that I have read of his and I enjoyed both.
January 21, 2022
Good read
March 27, 2022
Corridor and spy stuff
I enjoyed the characterization and the events. This telling of the history of the war is masterful. A nice afternoons read.
I enjoyed the characterization and the events. This telling of the history of the war is masterful. A nice afternoons read.
August 19, 2022
Very enjoyable story with interesting well developed characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews