What do you think?
Rate this book
Brothers Down: Pearl Harbor and the Fate of the Many Brothers Aboard the USS Arizona
A deeply personal and never-before-told account of one of America's darkest days, from the bestselling author of The Admirals and MacArthur at War .
The surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 remains one of the most traumatic events in American history. America's battleship fleet was crippled, thousands of lives were lost, and the United States was propelled into a world war. Few realize that aboard the iconic, ill-fated USS Arizona were an incredible seventy-nine blood relatives. Tragically, in an era when family members serving together was an accepted, even encouraged, practice, sixty-three of the Arizona's 1,177 dead turned out to be brothers.
In Brothers Down , acclaimed historian Walter R. Borneman returns to that critical week of December, masterfully guiding us on an unforgettable journey of sacrifice and heroism, all told through the lives of these brothers and their fateful experience on the Arizona. Weaving in the heartbreaking stories of the parents, wives, and sweethearts who wrote to and worried about these men, Borneman draws from a treasure trove of unpublished source material to bring to vivid life the minor decisions that became a matter of life or death when the bombs began to fall. More than just an account of familial bonds and national heartbreak, what emerges promises to define a turning point in American military history.
The surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 remains one of the most traumatic events in American history. America's battleship fleet was crippled, thousands of lives were lost, and the United States was propelled into a world war. Few realize that aboard the iconic, ill-fated USS Arizona were an incredible seventy-nine blood relatives. Tragically, in an era when family members serving together was an accepted, even encouraged, practice, sixty-three of the Arizona's 1,177 dead turned out to be brothers.
In Brothers Down , acclaimed historian Walter R. Borneman returns to that critical week of December, masterfully guiding us on an unforgettable journey of sacrifice and heroism, all told through the lives of these brothers and their fateful experience on the Arizona. Weaving in the heartbreaking stories of the parents, wives, and sweethearts who wrote to and worried about these men, Borneman draws from a treasure trove of unpublished source material to bring to vivid life the minor decisions that became a matter of life or death when the bombs began to fall. More than just an account of familial bonds and national heartbreak, what emerges promises to define a turning point in American military history.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published May 14, 2019
48 people are currently reading
1627 people want to read
About the author
Walter R. Borneman
15 books152 followersWalter R. Borneman, b.1952, an American historian and lawyer, is the author of well-known popular books on 18th and 19th century United States history. He received his B.A. in 1974 from Western State College of Colorado, and received an M.A. in history there in 1975 for a thesis on "Irwin : silver camp of the Ruby Mountains"; in 1981 he received a law degree from the University of Denver, and practiced law. His latest book, published in May 2012, is The Admirals Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King--the 5-star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea.
wikipedia
wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 7, 2020
Great book!! It is one of those books where you get more than you bargained for. It focuses mainly on the 78 men in 38 sets of brothers who served aboard the USS Arizona on that fateful morning of December 7, 1941. But although you expect that the story will just be about them, the author makes this book a tribute to USS Arizona and all the men who served on her when she went down. There are many stories of young men from all across America who escaped the Depression-era and joined the US Navy and of how all the brothers made their way aboard ship. It is a heart-breaking book and really takes you to the events of that day through good research and writing. The book is also full of examples where one small decision impacted whether a man lived or died. The saddest snippet out of this book that will remain with me is of 18-year old Marine Leo Amundson who joined the ship the day before the attack and had not yet been assigned a battle station who was told to sit and wait till it was over and was never seen again. Great read and one of the best book I have read, highly recommended.
June 29, 2019
I cried reading this poignant account of Pearl Harbor, and the story of 63 brothers who died aboard the USS Arizona that day.
TRAGICALLY ALIVE
The sacrifice given by the Greatest Generation comes tragically, fully, alive in this compelling narrative which I had not read about before, even as a history major.
CHANGED ME
This brilliantly written and meticulously researched text should be used in every classroom to help students comprehend the real cost of freedom. God bless the author for BROTHERS DOWN, which has changed me by its reading, as it will anyone who spends time in its noble pages. 5/5
Pub Date 14 May 2019.
#BrothersDown #PearlHarbor #WalterBorneman
TRAGICALLY ALIVE
The sacrifice given by the Greatest Generation comes tragically, fully, alive in this compelling narrative which I had not read about before, even as a history major.
CHANGED ME
This brilliantly written and meticulously researched text should be used in every classroom to help students comprehend the real cost of freedom. God bless the author for BROTHERS DOWN, which has changed me by its reading, as it will anyone who spends time in its noble pages. 5/5
Pub Date 14 May 2019.
#BrothersDown #PearlHarbor #WalterBorneman
August 18, 2019
This relatively new book was very engaging. In telling the familiar story of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, this author does so from the point of view of the 38 sets of brothers that were assigned to the battleship Arizona. In those days in the US Navy, kin were actually encouraged to ship out together because the Navy felt it made for a happier and more productive crew. The 38 sets of brothers totaled 78 blood relatives - including a father/son pair and a set of three brothers. Of the 78, 63 perished that day ... and you learn all of this before you read page 1!
The author weaves a fascinating tale. He begins with some background of the times, how many of the sailors going into the Navy did so to have jobs in a depressed economy. He then essentially documents the last few days before the attack (for the Navy, the men, and Washington DC/Hawaii) and the aftermath for all involved. In between those bookends he shares family stories how this person or that signed up and requested assignment on the Arizona, and he details the main attack in a short but exact fashion - detailing for example the torpedoes shot at each particular battleship caught in the harbor and the follow on high-altitude bombing of the ships.
All in all this was an engrossing tale. The book is short at 277 pages and very approachable. It includes very useful maps to bring the reader along for the journey, and a capsule summary of what happened to the primary officers of the Arizona. Throughout the narrative is a running discourse of what was going on in Washington DC during the period. Recommended for fans of World War II and the capital ships of the past.
The author weaves a fascinating tale. He begins with some background of the times, how many of the sailors going into the Navy did so to have jobs in a depressed economy. He then essentially documents the last few days before the attack (for the Navy, the men, and Washington DC/Hawaii) and the aftermath for all involved. In between those bookends he shares family stories how this person or that signed up and requested assignment on the Arizona, and he details the main attack in a short but exact fashion - detailing for example the torpedoes shot at each particular battleship caught in the harbor and the follow on high-altitude bombing of the ships.
All in all this was an engrossing tale. The book is short at 277 pages and very approachable. It includes very useful maps to bring the reader along for the journey, and a capsule summary of what happened to the primary officers of the Arizona. Throughout the narrative is a running discourse of what was going on in Washington DC during the period. Recommended for fans of World War II and the capital ships of the past.
June 26, 2019
I had no idea that so many sets of brothers served on the Arizona, and it was heartbreaking to read about their family stories and of how many died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. On the other hand, it was also inspirational to read about their love for each other, their courage and their dedication to each other and to their country. The author also does an excellent job of putting everything into context and in telling the story of the day that "will live in infamy".
April 28, 2020
A very emotional read but so worth it.
July 29, 2019
38 sets of brothers (78), one father and son.....63 of them lost. along with the father and son. The poignant moment in this book for m was at the end of chapter 12: "In the darkness, the objects were barely visible, but as the moon rose and cast long beams over the blackened waters, splotches of white appeared. Floating on the oily surface-dirty and soiled-were dozens and dozens of white sailor hats." One of my white hats sits on my desk at work, I take it out of storage each morning and put it under cover each afternoon to keep it white, and take a moment to remember where I came from and dwell on my brothers and sisters.
October 13, 2024
Brothers Down: Pearl Harbor and the Fate of the Many Brothers Aboard the USS Arizona” by Walter R. Borneman is a compelling account that offers a fresh perspective on the lives of the sailors and marines aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Having read extensively about World War II, FDR, and the events at Pearl Harbor, I was impressed by the information in this book that I had not heard before.
One of the most fascinating aspects Borneman covers is the military’s recruitment strategy, which emphasized the possibility of serving alongside family members. On the USS Arizona alone, there were approximately 68 blood relatives, including fathers and sons. It was eye-opening to learn that even today, there are no specific regulations prohibiting family members from serving together. Borneman also touches on a lesser-known fact: many of the crew’s families were on the island the weekend of the attack, and some who survived did so because they happened to be visiting their loved ones off the ship.
What sets this book apart is its focus on the enlisted sailors and marines rather than the higher-ranking officers, providing a more grounded view of life aboard the ship. While we often refer to this as the “Greatest Generation,” Borneman suggests that for many of these men, their actions stemmed less from a sense of patriotic duty and more from a need for survival, particularly against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Serving in the military offered a stable life, with regular meals and a sense of security that was otherwise hard to come by during those tough times.
“Brothers Down” is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the personal stories of the individuals caught up in this pivotal moment in history, offering a humanized view of the Pearl Harbor tragedy that goes beyond the usual military strategy and leadership-focused narratives.
One of the most fascinating aspects Borneman covers is the military’s recruitment strategy, which emphasized the possibility of serving alongside family members. On the USS Arizona alone, there were approximately 68 blood relatives, including fathers and sons. It was eye-opening to learn that even today, there are no specific regulations prohibiting family members from serving together. Borneman also touches on a lesser-known fact: many of the crew’s families were on the island the weekend of the attack, and some who survived did so because they happened to be visiting their loved ones off the ship.
What sets this book apart is its focus on the enlisted sailors and marines rather than the higher-ranking officers, providing a more grounded view of life aboard the ship. While we often refer to this as the “Greatest Generation,” Borneman suggests that for many of these men, their actions stemmed less from a sense of patriotic duty and more from a need for survival, particularly against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Serving in the military offered a stable life, with regular meals and a sense of security that was otherwise hard to come by during those tough times.
“Brothers Down” is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the personal stories of the individuals caught up in this pivotal moment in history, offering a humanized view of the Pearl Harbor tragedy that goes beyond the usual military strategy and leadership-focused narratives.
April 24, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
The book is basically in three parts. In the first, we are introduced to each set of brothers, their backgrounds, and their families. The next section detailed a variety of perspectives on the events of December 7, 1941. The concluding section was a kind of "where are they now", telling who survived or didn't, how their families found out, and, for those who survived the attack, a brief synopsis of what happened in the rest of their lives. There are a number of maps and appendices for those interested in research or a more scholarly perspective, as well as an insert with many photos.
This book was well-written and very informative. I learned a lot about the details of the attack on Pearl Harbor that we basically glossed over in school. However, the descriptions of injuries were very gruesome and at times hard to read (and this comes from someone who watches medical TV shows while eating!), which of course is understandable because that's what actually happened. I also found the book to be pretty meandering - it was very hard to keep track of the different sets of brothers, and unfortunately this made me less invested in each experience.
Overall, this was a very informative and readable book about the attack on Pearl Harbor, but I came away without any overarching narrative with regards to the brothers and their disparate experiences. This, combined with the difficulty of keeping track of the different brothers, is the reason for rating this only three stars. I would recommend it to those deeply interested in military/naval history, or general readers wanting to hear detailed personal accounts of the events of December 7, 1941.
The book is basically in three parts. In the first, we are introduced to each set of brothers, their backgrounds, and their families. The next section detailed a variety of perspectives on the events of December 7, 1941. The concluding section was a kind of "where are they now", telling who survived or didn't, how their families found out, and, for those who survived the attack, a brief synopsis of what happened in the rest of their lives. There are a number of maps and appendices for those interested in research or a more scholarly perspective, as well as an insert with many photos.
This book was well-written and very informative. I learned a lot about the details of the attack on Pearl Harbor that we basically glossed over in school. However, the descriptions of injuries were very gruesome and at times hard to read (and this comes from someone who watches medical TV shows while eating!), which of course is understandable because that's what actually happened. I also found the book to be pretty meandering - it was very hard to keep track of the different sets of brothers, and unfortunately this made me less invested in each experience.
Overall, this was a very informative and readable book about the attack on Pearl Harbor, but I came away without any overarching narrative with regards to the brothers and their disparate experiences. This, combined with the difficulty of keeping track of the different brothers, is the reason for rating this only three stars. I would recommend it to those deeply interested in military/naval history, or general readers wanting to hear detailed personal accounts of the events of December 7, 1941.
July 29, 2019
This is a different kind of book about the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.
Here is the story that makes the events personal. Stories of the 38 sets of brothers assigned to the USS Arizona on that fateful day. One pair of brothers both survived, a few pairs saw only one perish. In most cases, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers learned that all of their sons/brothers on the USS Arizona died.
Mr. Borneman brings each of the sailors or Marines to life before they enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Interspersed throughout the various tales are the events in Washington, D.C. and in the Pacific.
Excellent research is evident in both the family stories, the political events and the actual battle on December 7th. The heartbreak of the aftermath – the waiting, the returned mail, the telegrams and letters of condolence – all bring home the personal grief felt by those directly and indirectly related to the men.
More than a few pages will bring a tear to your eye.
For all who have sent sons or daughters off to the military, this book is a personal touch.
This is a must addition to any student of December 7th, 1941.
I highly recommend this book for college students and adults.
FIVE STARS
CAUTION TO PARENTS: This book is a WAR story. It presents the battle in the MOST GRAPHIC depictions of blood, gore, and violence.
Here is the story that makes the events personal. Stories of the 38 sets of brothers assigned to the USS Arizona on that fateful day. One pair of brothers both survived, a few pairs saw only one perish. In most cases, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers learned that all of their sons/brothers on the USS Arizona died.
Mr. Borneman brings each of the sailors or Marines to life before they enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Interspersed throughout the various tales are the events in Washington, D.C. and in the Pacific.
Excellent research is evident in both the family stories, the political events and the actual battle on December 7th. The heartbreak of the aftermath – the waiting, the returned mail, the telegrams and letters of condolence – all bring home the personal grief felt by those directly and indirectly related to the men.
More than a few pages will bring a tear to your eye.
For all who have sent sons or daughters off to the military, this book is a personal touch.
This is a must addition to any student of December 7th, 1941.
I highly recommend this book for college students and adults.
FIVE STARS
CAUTION TO PARENTS: This book is a WAR story. It presents the battle in the MOST GRAPHIC depictions of blood, gore, and violence.
September 27, 2019
At the start of the Depression, young men joined the armed forces in an effort to feed themselves and have the chance to help support their struggling families. When the Navy proved a better employer than most, these young men encouraged their younger brothers to follow suit. The Navy was more than happy to keep these siblings together. Until December 1941.
This is the story of the brothers who served on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's thoughtful and detailed to the point readers can connect with each of the families and understand why there were as many as 5 siblings on the USS Arizona that fateful day.
Some people say they can't read something because they're "too close" to the topic. I understand that now. With a family member currently in the Navy, the narrative after the attack was doubly difficult to read simply because Borneman relates the stories of the families left behind so simply and matter-of-factly it's difficult to stay aloof of their pain.
This is the story of the brothers who served on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's thoughtful and detailed to the point readers can connect with each of the families and understand why there were as many as 5 siblings on the USS Arizona that fateful day.
Some people say they can't read something because they're "too close" to the topic. I understand that now. With a family member currently in the Navy, the narrative after the attack was doubly difficult to read simply because Borneman relates the stories of the families left behind so simply and matter-of-factly it's difficult to stay aloof of their pain.
February 23, 2020
Pearl Harbor has held a special place in my heart and I have read many books about it. Many of those have focused on the military officers or the events. I have often thought that there was a real need for a book that focused on the actual soldiers that were in the midst of it all, as difficult as that might be for a reader. This engaging book really fills that need. The story is heartbreaking as family after family loses more than one son. He has taken the letters exchanged between soldiers and their families and written it into the story providing an authentic sentiment of the time. There are wonderful photos of the soldiers and their ships, as well as extremely helpful maps pinpointing the locations of the ships in the harbor. I highly recommend this book.
November 2, 2021
War is, above all, personal
Much has been written about the Pearl Harbor attack - stately, academic research, popular press speculation and even dime novels.
When in comes to non-fiction I’ve read most of it. This book is a bit different - it is largely personal recollection of survivors and relatives of those lost. And it concentrates on the most personal thing we have, family.
I’ve been to Pearl Harbor twice, looked at the white marble and black letters on a wall containing the names of those who died onboard the Battleship Arizona. It doesn’t take long to notice the names of brothers who died together.
Essentially, war is hell because it is personal and painful.
This book emphasizes that and makes it well worth reading.
Much has been written about the Pearl Harbor attack - stately, academic research, popular press speculation and even dime novels.
When in comes to non-fiction I’ve read most of it. This book is a bit different - it is largely personal recollection of survivors and relatives of those lost. And it concentrates on the most personal thing we have, family.
I’ve been to Pearl Harbor twice, looked at the white marble and black letters on a wall containing the names of those who died onboard the Battleship Arizona. It doesn’t take long to notice the names of brothers who died together.
Essentially, war is hell because it is personal and painful.
This book emphasizes that and makes it well worth reading.
December 20, 2019
My husband loves this author so he let me read this book before he did. This is my first book by this author.
I LITERALLY had to stop reading right after the chapter about Dec 7. I had to mourn and process the day before I picked it up to finish.
I finished the book today and cried like a baby.
Outstanding writing. If I could give more stars I would.
Now I want to visit the USS Arizona memorial and trace my fingers over their names. And say a prayer in thanks for these marvelous men.
Truly fantastic.
I LITERALLY had to stop reading right after the chapter about Dec 7. I had to mourn and process the day before I picked it up to finish.
I finished the book today and cried like a baby.
Outstanding writing. If I could give more stars I would.
Now I want to visit the USS Arizona memorial and trace my fingers over their names. And say a prayer in thanks for these marvelous men.
Truly fantastic.
May 26, 2020
Talk about packing a punch, this history packs a wallop! Wow! I had no idea that there were so many sets / groups of brothers assigned to the same "boat" during WWII! Also, the number of families that lost not just one child, but two (and sometimes more) was just horrific ... I cannot even imagine the pain this would cause.
A well-written, easy-to-read (I plowed through this in a couple of days) history about a day that lives in infamy and the brothers lost on that fateful day in December 1941. It was also interesting to see what happened to the survivors after that day.
A well-written, easy-to-read (I plowed through this in a couple of days) history about a day that lives in infamy and the brothers lost on that fateful day in December 1941. It was also interesting to see what happened to the survivors after that day.
July 1, 2019
I had no idea that so many brothers served on the USS Arizona, but then again, why would I? It's not something I ever really considered before much beyond the vague notion that siblings often follow each other into the military. This book was amazing. I learned a lot more about the Pearl Harbor attack and the Arizona. Highly recommended. I received this book from a goodreads giveaway and I appreciate the chance to review it!
August 25, 2025
Heartbreaking account of the brothers stationed aboard The USS Arizona at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. I can't imagine the pain of the families who lost 2 or more sons, and the sorrow of brothers who survived while another brother was killed must have been extremely hard. It was interesting to hear of a pair of brothers from Ostrander, Ohio, which is less than 30 minutes from where I live. It was hard to read this at times, but I'm very glad I did.
March 26, 2019
First I would like to state that I have received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. I enjoyed the authors writing style. This book was an interesting read.
May 27, 2019
This is a well-written and well-documented book and worthy of being read. I didn't rate it higher because it read more like a textbook than an absorbing drama; and yet that was what it needed to be. The book divided into three parts, as someone else observed: getting to know the brothers, the attack, and the aftermath.
March 26, 2020
Great read. I had to remind myself at times this was a real story - these were real people - because the storytelling was well done. Very heartbreaking at times too. I dare you to read it and not get emotional. Like Texans remember the Alamo, Americans need to remember Pearl Harbor.
Favorite line: "Everything that happened that day is tattooed on your soul. It never leaves you."
Favorite line: "Everything that happened that day is tattooed on your soul. It never leaves you."
August 14, 2021
Very interesting and compelling for those who want to learn about how U.S.A entered WWII. It’s also so sad, it made me cry to learn about so many young men that lost their lives the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Their courage and sacrifice and the pain that their families went through. I recommend it again for those who love history like I do.
March 25, 2023
I’m giving this book 4 stars, but I honestly wish that it was written a bit differently. I feel like it could have been much better, maybe focused on a few sets of the 38(?) sets of brothers that died on the Arizona on December 7, 1941. It was missing more of a personal feel, but, it still made me cry and feel for the families who lost their sons that day.
July 6, 2023
A very detailed book about the different sets of brothers who served on the USS Arizona. You will learn about their life before 1941 and then, what happened to them on December 7, 1941. I didn't realize that so many brothers were aboard when japanese forces attacked Hawaii.
So sad. We will always remember them.
So sad. We will always remember them.
June 10, 2025
"Brothers Down" by David Baker tells the powerful stories of the brothers who served aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. I was especially moved by the personal accounts from their parents, siblings, and other loved ones. While some of these brothers survived and others did not, each of their stories remains deeply meaningful and important to remember.
May 29, 2019
Interesting idea for a alternative narrative of Pearl Harbor, but it never gets off the ground, at least not in the first half, after which I gave up. Frankly, the family backgrounds aren't all that interesting and weren't enough to keep me reading.
July 1, 2019
How many brothers were lost on Dec 7, 1941. Due to policy of allowing family members to join up and be placed on the same ship close to 100 siblings were lost on one day. The story of these families and the effects it had on the when they lost not just one son but two or three.
September 17, 2019
It felt like I was reading a text book at times not to mention I didn't feel like there was enough about the brothers. A good part of it was about Pearl Harbor, the ships and the tactics of the attacking planes that day.
Read
January 4, 2020The premiss was great and the author made an amazing effort to tell stories. But it was more a just a history making sure to not miss any facts rather than spinning a deep tale around any set of brothers.
December 10, 2021
This book tells about the bombing of Pearl Harbor but it focuses on the brothers who served on the Arizona. It goes into great detail, leading up to the attack, the actual attack and what happened afterwards. I learned a lot of facts that I was not aware of. Highly, highly recommended.
April 15, 2019
I won this book in the good reads giveaway! Walter R. Borneman presents a tragic but accurate tale of Pearl Harbor. I found this to be a very informative read.
August 16, 2019
Heart-achingly wonderful ... a love letter to brotherhood, family, service and country
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews