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One Damned Island After Another: The Saga of the Seventh
On 19th October 1940, the Hawaiian Air Force, later known as the Seventh Air Force, was established to provide air defense of the Hawaiian Island and to engage with threats in the Pacific.
Just over a year later the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor devastated this force. Out of a total of 231 aircraft of the Hawaiian Air Force, 64 were destroyed and not more than 79 were left usable.
Out of the inferno emerged the newly reformed Seventh Air Force.
It faced, in the central Pacific, the largest water theater in the world — sixteen million square miles, five times the size of the United States.
The Americans patched up their planes as best they could and began to fly the "Atoll Circuit," the low-lying, white sand atolls and the first stepping stones on the long road to Tokyo.
In this huge area and against a fearsome opponent, the men of the Seventh were forced to fly the longest missions in any theater of war, entirely over water and, at first, without fighter escort.
They fought at Midway, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Truk, Saipan, Palau, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and finally Tokyo.
Clive Howard and Joe Whitley’s history of this remarkable air force covers from the events at Pearl Harbor through to V-J Day, covering every single island that the force landed on in between.
They listened to demand of Corporal Earl Nelson’s article “Heroes Don’t Win Wars”, that criticised the press and radio that only recorded the fantastic achievements of men who wore medals; “Why don’t they talk about the guy who is just a soldier?”
So with humor and insight Howard and Whitley have provided us with a history of the Seventh Air Force that doesn’t focus on only the glorious achievements of some men, nor does it simply record the accounts of the “brass hats”, but instead gets to the heart of what the men of this extraordinary force did and thought.
Clive Howard and Joe Whitley were both sergeants and served as correspondents for the Seventh Air Force. They were there; they saw it happen. Their book One Damned Island After Another was first published in 1946.
Just over a year later the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor devastated this force. Out of a total of 231 aircraft of the Hawaiian Air Force, 64 were destroyed and not more than 79 were left usable.
Out of the inferno emerged the newly reformed Seventh Air Force.
It faced, in the central Pacific, the largest water theater in the world — sixteen million square miles, five times the size of the United States.
The Americans patched up their planes as best they could and began to fly the "Atoll Circuit," the low-lying, white sand atolls and the first stepping stones on the long road to Tokyo.
In this huge area and against a fearsome opponent, the men of the Seventh were forced to fly the longest missions in any theater of war, entirely over water and, at first, without fighter escort.
They fought at Midway, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Truk, Saipan, Palau, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and finally Tokyo.
Clive Howard and Joe Whitley’s history of this remarkable air force covers from the events at Pearl Harbor through to V-J Day, covering every single island that the force landed on in between.
They listened to demand of Corporal Earl Nelson’s article “Heroes Don’t Win Wars”, that criticised the press and radio that only recorded the fantastic achievements of men who wore medals; “Why don’t they talk about the guy who is just a soldier?”
So with humor and insight Howard and Whitley have provided us with a history of the Seventh Air Force that doesn’t focus on only the glorious achievements of some men, nor does it simply record the accounts of the “brass hats”, but instead gets to the heart of what the men of this extraordinary force did and thought.
Clive Howard and Joe Whitley were both sergeants and served as correspondents for the Seventh Air Force. They were there; they saw it happen. Their book One Damned Island After Another was first published in 1946.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1946
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 11, 2019
The brilliance of this story is the amount of information revealed about the unknown 7th air force and their fantastic, yet overlooked contributions in the South Pacific. While only a handful of planes survived the Pearl Harbor attack, they rose from the ashes and performed more missions than any other Army Air Corps unit during the war.
These men were true pioneers in aviation. They set more records for missions flown, air miles flown and length of missions. In the beginning, it wasn’t unusual for a flight to be 1200 miles one way. They put their machines and support crews to the test every time they flew.
It was interesting to see how the brotherhood changed with the capture of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. With the full weight of the United States behind the war effort, the islands were flooded with new machines, equipment and personnel theses veterans of Pearl Harbor could never imagine in their wildest dreams. While they were in awe of their countries accomplishments in four short years, they realized their type was being fazed out by the new men and officers filling the ranks. I can’t say they were overjoyed with the later.
A book for all followers of World War Two and the forgotten airforce in the South Central Pacific
Five stars
April 30, 2019
I 'purchased' this eBook using Amazon credits for Great Reads books.
This is perhaps the fourth of the www.digitalhistorybooks.com books I have read and the one I liked the least. I'm not 100% sure that it's not the lack of respect for the 'enemy' that made me dislike this one, but this book read to me like just a long list of the various accomplishments of the Seventh Air Force. There were some occasional interesting stories that delved a little deeper than who shot how many planes, but not really enough to weave a narrative.
I wonder if I would be more or less bothered by the use of the terms 'Jap' and 'Nip' if I weren't Japanese. This isn't the only way that the authors show zero regard for the Japanese soldiers they're fighting, very unlike Black Thursday by Martin Caidin, which showed respect for German airmen as well as the Americans. Perhaps because Germans and Americans have race in common, so it was more acceptable to treat Japanese as less than human?
This is perhaps the fourth of the www.digitalhistorybooks.com books I have read and the one I liked the least. I'm not 100% sure that it's not the lack of respect for the 'enemy' that made me dislike this one, but this book read to me like just a long list of the various accomplishments of the Seventh Air Force. There were some occasional interesting stories that delved a little deeper than who shot how many planes, but not really enough to weave a narrative.
I wonder if I would be more or less bothered by the use of the terms 'Jap' and 'Nip' if I weren't Japanese. This isn't the only way that the authors show zero regard for the Japanese soldiers they're fighting, very unlike Black Thursday by Martin Caidin, which showed respect for German airmen as well as the Americans. Perhaps because Germans and Americans have race in common, so it was more acceptable to treat Japanese as less than human?
October 16, 2019
Turning the table on Japan!
Here is great true story about group of fine outstanding young boys that had to learn to be combat fighter plots over night. Then to live on island's no one had ever heard of and fight day and night to stay alive. Most of them are gone now. However we most never forget the reason for them being there. This book will help anyone to insert what it take to keep America free.
Here is great true story about group of fine outstanding young boys that had to learn to be combat fighter plots over night. Then to live on island's no one had ever heard of and fight day and night to stay alive. Most of them are gone now. However we most never forget the reason for them being there. This book will help anyone to insert what it take to keep America free.
June 14, 2020
Outstanding history of the 7th SAY begaining.
The book in my opinion was a great 👍 history of a small up start outfit that set records,high standards that makes the United States Air Force the best in the world .These men set the standard for. Those that came after them and for those still to come. Keep them flyine.
The book in my opinion was a great 👍 history of a small up start outfit that set records,high standards that makes the United States Air Force the best in the world .These men set the standard for. Those that came after them and for those still to come. Keep them flyine.
December 8, 2019
Sometimes tedious reading
This long book routinely ground through the diary of the 40-some months of the Pacific warfare in WWII.
It is good reference material, but written uninterestingly. If you want entertainment look elsewhere. But for me, this was a planned educational exercise, since I previously knew little of the details of the Pacific theater of the war.
Since it is a chronicle of the Army Air Force’s role, there is little description of the role of the Army and Marines, nor the contribution of the Navy ships. Thus, the reader might form the erroneous conclusion that the major effort in winning the war belonged to the bombers and fighters, and their air- and ground-crews.
For my further enlightenment, I will need to seek other stories of the men in the trenches and those aboard our ships.
If you are seeking information about individuals who fought with the Army Air Force, this book and a good text-search software may provide results.
This long book routinely ground through the diary of the 40-some months of the Pacific warfare in WWII.
It is good reference material, but written uninterestingly. If you want entertainment look elsewhere. But for me, this was a planned educational exercise, since I previously knew little of the details of the Pacific theater of the war.
Since it is a chronicle of the Army Air Force’s role, there is little description of the role of the Army and Marines, nor the contribution of the Navy ships. Thus, the reader might form the erroneous conclusion that the major effort in winning the war belonged to the bombers and fighters, and their air- and ground-crews.
For my further enlightenment, I will need to seek other stories of the men in the trenches and those aboard our ships.
If you are seeking information about individuals who fought with the Army Air Force, this book and a good text-search software may provide results.
September 22, 2023
Doing something I've never done before. I DNF'd a book. I got to page 195. And I had to stop. The continued racist terms for the Japanese drove me crazy. Once or twice, maybe I could have overlooked. But it was rampant. And I get it, these airmen and their fellow servicemen fought a war. But at this point in time, these terms should not be used in a legitimate military history. I've read plenty history books on World War II as well as other wars. They don't use such frequent and blatant derogatory words for enemy combatants. To add insult to injury, the writing wasn't that well done (in my opinion). It was haphazard. Such a list of names (both men and planes), islands, number of enemy bombed and shot down... It just felt very jumbled to me. I picked this from Amazon First Reads some time ago. And I can't say it was the best pick. I may come back to it in the future, and try to slog through. But for now, it's a DNF.
November 4, 2018
GOOD READING!!!
I am a 82 year old Woman Marine who served during the 1950's. I have always been interested in WWII and had never seen a recounting of the last days of that war. I was interested in the retelling of the last meetings between the Japanese and the American flyers ... I had an Uncle who joined the Marines in 1918 and retired as a full colonel in 1954. I didn't realiZe that the planes had been painted white.I thoroughly enjoyed all the ti d bits and the tone of the narrative ... So down to earth and casual, whether telling about killing or being killed, rather being in a room when two combat veterans are sharing stories. If you want to get a good idea then read this book!!
I am a 82 year old Woman Marine who served during the 1950's. I have always been interested in WWII and had never seen a recounting of the last days of that war. I was interested in the retelling of the last meetings between the Japanese and the American flyers ... I had an Uncle who joined the Marines in 1918 and retired as a full colonel in 1954. I didn't realiZe that the planes had been painted white.I thoroughly enjoyed all the ti d bits and the tone of the narrative ... So down to earth and casual, whether telling about killing or being killed, rather being in a room when two combat veterans are sharing stories. If you want to get a good idea then read this book!!
April 28, 2019
Sometimes interesting
This book is a history of the Seventh Air Force and their operations in the central Pacific. The book starts with the almost total destruction of the Hawaiian Air Force, which was the forerunner of the Seventh. I found the most interesting part of the book was the period right after the onset of the war. There are very short anecdotes about some of the individuals involved in the war effort. The Kindle edition suffers from a lack of maps which makes the island hopping campaign difficult to follow. There are also no photographs. At times I will admit I was finding myself checking to see when the book would end. I did learn something so I would give it 3.5 stars.
This book is a history of the Seventh Air Force and their operations in the central Pacific. The book starts with the almost total destruction of the Hawaiian Air Force, which was the forerunner of the Seventh. I found the most interesting part of the book was the period right after the onset of the war. There are very short anecdotes about some of the individuals involved in the war effort. The Kindle edition suffers from a lack of maps which makes the island hopping campaign difficult to follow. There are also no photographs. At times I will admit I was finding myself checking to see when the book would end. I did learn something so I would give it 3.5 stars.
January 20, 2022
Clive Howard and Joe Whitley follow the Pacific actions of the men who maintain the planes, flew the missions, patched the bodies from the initial strike on December 7, 1941 to August 19, 1945, two days after the Prime Minister of Japan ordered the Imperial Army to lay down their arms. The Army Air Corps were first activated on November 1, 1940 as the Hawaiian Air Force. The build-up and missions kept the enemy at bay and softened up island after island for amphibious invasions. "But little was written and less published on the men who made daily strikes possible - the weary Aviation Engineers, the greasy ground crews, the island-hopping pencil-jockeys, the G.I. medical technicians and scores of other "little" men who made up the Seventh Air Force."
March 18, 2020
An exiting and neglected piece of the spawling Pacific war.
I thought I knew something about the airplanes in the Pacific. I did not. Although the Marines and Navy suffered badly, the campaign hinged on thousands in our Army Air Force to fight and toil. This is their story of impossible bombing distances, impossible atoll living conditions and hair-raising encounters in air, sea and jungle. An unimaginable achievement. Thanks, and God bless them all. You will find this a must-read to really grasp the island-hopping war history with all its drama and heroes. Great writing!
I thought I knew something about the airplanes in the Pacific. I did not. Although the Marines and Navy suffered badly, the campaign hinged on thousands in our Army Air Force to fight and toil. This is their story of impossible bombing distances, impossible atoll living conditions and hair-raising encounters in air, sea and jungle. An unimaginable achievement. Thanks, and God bless them all. You will find this a must-read to really grasp the island-hopping war history with all its drama and heroes. Great writing!
September 28, 2021
Much longer war book than I had thought it would be, but it really opened my eyes to how rough the Air Force had it during world war two. The book follows the birth of the VII Air Squadron that rose from the ashes of the Pearl Harbor attack done by the Japanese. The group stayed active supporting the taking of multiple islands for more than 40 months. The lessons I took from this book follow:
1. War isn't over until it's over.
2. Having a good sense of humor will take a person a long way.
3. Nothing is ever certain, some challenges are much harder than expected while others are unbelievably easy.
1. War isn't over until it's over.
2. Having a good sense of humor will take a person a long way.
3. Nothing is ever certain, some challenges are much harder than expected while others are unbelievably easy.
November 21, 2018
This is an excellent history of the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific during World War 2. Of course, it captures the aerial heroism of the pilots and their crews, but it also details the achievements, hardships, and battles of the ground crews and support personnel. The men who transformed tiny coral islands into functioning air bases and then kept the planes flying are also interesting and often historic. When you read it, you realize that every veteran plays a role in something important and is called upon to make sacrifices.
February 13, 2019
Best "damned" book I've read in awhile - A different aspect of WWII history
Perhaps because I served in the Air Force and my father had been an Army liaison officer for the fledgling Army Air forces, I was fascinated by this saga of the 7th. It's easy to find unit histories for the other branches of the military but not so for the AAF. I found this book engrossing, entertaining and very personalized. In fact it was hard to put down. I hope to find more of this type of history storytelling as I continue my studies of WWII history.
Perhaps because I served in the Air Force and my father had been an Army liaison officer for the fledgling Army Air forces, I was fascinated by this saga of the 7th. It's easy to find unit histories for the other branches of the military but not so for the AAF. I found this book engrossing, entertaining and very personalized. In fact it was hard to put down. I hope to find more of this type of history storytelling as I continue my studies of WWII history.
March 31, 2019
First book I’ve read about the army air corps in the pacific .
In the i opening of the book the author made it seem as if he was going to write about the tedium of the rear echelon support troops. Not true. He gives a really good accounting of what army fighters and bombers did to win the pacific war. Really well done. New information for me. Most of what is out there on the pacific theater focuses on the navy and the marines. Clearly the army air corps played a pivotal role too.
In the i opening of the book the author made it seem as if he was going to write about the tedium of the rear echelon support troops. Not true. He gives a really good accounting of what army fighters and bombers did to win the pacific war. Really well done. New information for me. Most of what is out there on the pacific theater focuses on the navy and the marines. Clearly the army air corps played a pivotal role too.
August 9, 2019
Detailed account of the Army Aircorps in the Pacific during WWII.
This volume fulfills the need for a meaningful account of the challenges faced by the USAAF in prosecuting the air war against the Empire of Japan in the Pacific. The impressive success in the face of unbearable conditions, shortages of equipment, and an intractable enemy receives worthy treatment through careful use of detail and perspective.
This volume fulfills the need for a meaningful account of the challenges faced by the USAAF in prosecuting the air war against the Empire of Japan in the Pacific. The impressive success in the face of unbearable conditions, shortages of equipment, and an intractable enemy receives worthy treatment through careful use of detail and perspective.
November 22, 2019
This is a great historical book that every kid should read. I 'm 91years old and grew up in this time. I recognise all the U.S. planes and see all of them at air shows
?I've read the history of the B24 and how the Ford co. produced them at a fantastic rate. The P51 with the Rolls Royce Merlin was probably the best fighter that was built at that time.
I've been to Hawaii and Hickum Field a few times and can only imagine the chaos that took place there.
Keep up the good work.
?I've read the history of the B24 and how the Ford co. produced them at a fantastic rate. The P51 with the Rolls Royce Merlin was probably the best fighter that was built at that time.
I've been to Hawaii and Hickum Field a few times and can only imagine the chaos that took place there.
Keep up the good work.
Read
April 1, 2021The not so glamorous side of the war
Since my father was a member of a B 25 squadron in the Pacific I was hoping for more about their contribution. However I enjoyed the book and it brought me even greater respect for a!l the sacrifices made in the Pacific. I hope to read more about the struggles in the Pacific and maybe a little more about "The Tree Top Terrors" contribution to the war effort.
Since my father was a member of a B 25 squadron in the Pacific I was hoping for more about their contribution. However I enjoyed the book and it brought me even greater respect for a!l the sacrifices made in the Pacific. I hope to read more about the struggles in the Pacific and maybe a little more about "The Tree Top Terrors" contribution to the war effort.
August 19, 2021
Brutal History of Many American Heroes in WWII
A detailed history of the famed Seventh Army Air Force from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor to their unconditional surrender following the dropping of two atomic bombs. The many personal stories of individual pilots and other members of the Seventh brings history to life. My only suggestion is to change the cover photo from Viet Nam to one from WWII.
A detailed history of the famed Seventh Army Air Force from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor to their unconditional surrender following the dropping of two atomic bombs. The many personal stories of individual pilots and other members of the Seventh brings history to life. My only suggestion is to change the cover photo from Viet Nam to one from WWII.
November 3, 2018
Unembellished heroics in plain language and without braggadocio.
A well written narrative of an important military group and the contributions to the war effort in the Pacific. When read in conjunction with other books of the same time frame and general subject a comprehensive impression of the WW ll Pacific theatre is enhanced. A good read!
A well written narrative of an important military group and the contributions to the war effort in the Pacific. When read in conjunction with other books of the same time frame and general subject a comprehensive impression of the WW ll Pacific theatre is enhanced. A good read!
November 28, 2018
An Excellent book. Interesting, factual informative. A Great read for those
Who lived during World War 2 and any who enjoy reading about history. It gives people an idea of what our country faced in that war and the bravery of our military and the dangers they faced. God Bless them
Who lived during World War 2 and any who enjoy reading about history. It gives people an idea of what our country faced in that war and the bravery of our military and the dangers they faced. God Bless them
December 15, 2018
Great!!
It's about time that this book and,I hope others, come out just to let people born after W W 2 know that the war in the Pacific was NOT won by dugout Doug and the NAVY alone. I know this is not a fully referenced history,but it is a VERY VERY GOOD READ. Now someone should write the detailed history of 7th Army Air Force and of it's Heroes
It's about time that this book and,I hope others, come out just to let people born after W W 2 know that the war in the Pacific was NOT won by dugout Doug and the NAVY alone. I know this is not a fully referenced history,but it is a VERY VERY GOOD READ. Now someone should write the detailed history of 7th Army Air Force and of it's Heroes
April 21, 2019
It sure was
I have lost count of how many WWII books that I have read. This book provided detail and personal accounts of those who lived this portion of history . The fact that those words were collected and recorded in such close proximity in time to that war make them so much more valuable.
I have lost count of how many WWII books that I have read. This book provided detail and personal accounts of those who lived this portion of history . The fact that those words were collected and recorded in such close proximity in time to that war make them so much more valuable.
July 9, 2019
. The story of their exploits is legendary and well documented in this book. A very good read and a very good historical text. I would heartily recommend for war buffs.xt
A gripping story of the air war in the Pacific during WW2. My father was a flight instructor during the war and would have trained many of these pilots. Their flying exploits are legendary
A gripping story of the air war in the Pacific during WW2. My father was a flight instructor during the war and would have trained many of these pilots. Their flying exploits are legendary
July 15, 2019
Great history
Have read and seen many accounts of the Pacific war over forty years of study. This book answered many questions and showed the indomitable spirit of the American fighting personnel during those long years. We all owe them thanks for their sacrifices which allowed the US got become the predominant force in the world .
Have read and seen many accounts of the Pacific war over forty years of study. This book answered many questions and showed the indomitable spirit of the American fighting personnel during those long years. We all owe them thanks for their sacrifices which allowed the US got become the predominant force in the world .
October 28, 2019
a vivid historical account of the WWII Pacific air war against the Japanese, although laced with exaggeration and dubiousness. For example, the claim that a PBY rescued downed airmen and flew off the water with 23 men aboard. Or, a shot up P-47 made it home flying 3' off the ground. A good deal of the statistics stated are impossible to verify. Otherwise a good yarn.
December 6, 2019
Amazing history, little shown in any WWII movie or history book.
Now I was able to feel what my Father-In-Law, 17th Weather Squadron. He flew over 200 hours, in Navy aircraft, Army aircraft, Marine aircraft. Two engine, 4 engine. Fast moving, enjoyable reading. I really really enjoyed the history. A very new perspective of the Pacific war. Highly recommend
Now I was able to feel what my Father-In-Law, 17th Weather Squadron. He flew over 200 hours, in Navy aircraft, Army aircraft, Marine aircraft. Two engine, 4 engine. Fast moving, enjoyable reading. I really really enjoyed the history. A very new perspective of the Pacific war. Highly recommend
January 6, 2021
A good read about the day to day life of the fly boys of the U S Army in the Pacific
This is one of the few books about the non glamorous aspects of the Army's fighters pilots and ground crews in the Pacific. It starts with the December 7th incident and goes through to the turning over of enemy bombers to the US forces.
This is one of the few books about the non glamorous aspects of the Army's fighters pilots and ground crews in the Pacific. It starts with the December 7th incident and goes through to the turning over of enemy bombers to the US forces.
June 21, 2021
This is basically the story of the 7th Air Force from Pearl Harbor to Okinawa - from their first victories with P40s over Hickam Air Field to the last raid by B25s of Kyushu. It's a fairly easy read. It's interesting, but adds little to the overall view of how the war in the Pacific was waged (although it does not island airbases that are rarely mentioned).
November 20, 2021
A Must read.
If you want to know what that other Air Force was doing, you must read this. It fills in a lot missing pieces other history's miss. It is amazing, awesome and very readable. I think it's one of the best books on a subject I thought I knew but it proves me wrong. Wonderful to have read it.
If you want to know what that other Air Force was doing, you must read this. It fills in a lot missing pieces other history's miss. It is amazing, awesome and very readable. I think it's one of the best books on a subject I thought I knew but it proves me wrong. Wonderful to have read it.
July 2, 2025
Just as it says
. Really glad to find this book,my dad was a flight navigator with the 7th in the Gilbert/Marshall/Marianas campaigns, but rarely ever talked about the war.Here are the stories,from Pearl Harbor to VJ day, which really give the flavor of what all out war was like.
. Really glad to find this book,my dad was a flight navigator with the 7th in the Gilbert/Marshall/Marianas campaigns, but rarely ever talked about the war.Here are the stories,from Pearl Harbor to VJ day, which really give the flavor of what all out war was like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews