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The Expendable: The true story of Patrol Wing 10, PT Squadron 3, and a Navy Corpsman who refused to surrender when the Philippine Islands fell to Japan
Finalist, Eric Hoffer Book Awards. Winner, Nonfiction category, Arizona Authors’ Association 2020 Literary Contest. Amazon #1 Amazon Best Seller in multiple categories. "A riveting page turner. As a retired Navy combat Hospital Corpsman I can appreciate this story from leaving the farm,to Great lakes to corpsman basic to combat. A fantastic story." - Don Colling - Amazon Reviewer The Expendable is a captivating, true story from the opening months of WWII in the Pacific. As smoke billows skyward from Pearl Harbor, Japan throws its full military might against the outnumbered and under-equipped Filipino forces. Hart sends his U.S. Asiatic Fleet south, to the safety of Allied waters. When the remnants of PBY Patrol Wing 10 depart with the fleet, Charles Beckner, corpsman for Squadron 102, is left behind with no apparent avenue for escape. Under relentless pressure from General Homma's troops and air forces, the American-Filipino troops retreat to the tip of the Bataan Peninsula. Sick with malaria and dysentery and nearly out of food and ammunition, surrender is imminent for those who survive. Charles wrangles a transfer to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 as machine gunner and corpsman on PT-34. After two months of engaging enemy forces along the Bataan coast, Squadron 3 is tasked with a critical, covert mission that once more leaves Charles stranded, this time on the southern Philippine island of Cebu. As the Japanese noose tightens, Charles joins other sailors and soldiers preparing for guerrilla resistance from the interior mountains of Mindanao Island. His plans are interrupted by another assignment, one that will unexpectedly reunite him with crewmen of his old seaplane squadron. With advancing Japanese troops only minutes away, there is one possibility for escape. It is risky, and failure will be fatal. "We are losing our World War II veterans by the thousands daily and along with them we all too often lose their stories. John Floyd has done an admirable job of preserving the stories of his father-in-law in a fast-paced and highly readable narrative; he knows his military history as well as his family’s." -Walter Borneman, Author of The Admirals and MacArthur At War.
512 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2020
254 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 6, 2022
Written in the Creative Nonfiction style, this book was not for me as I do not enjoy this writing style and it became a hard slog towards the end to finish it. The story of the escape though is interesting enough (the reason it's 3 stars and not 1), which makes it such a pity by choosing this writing style. Best avoided if you prefer pure nonfiction.
July 13, 2021
The Expendable by John Floyd is the author’s account of his father-in-law’s service as a Navy Corpsman in WWII. Floyd did extensive research in addition to the tidbits of information his father-in-law provided over a period of years. Floyd included maps and photographs to help tell the story of his father’s service.
By profession, John Floyd is a medical doctor; Dr, Floyd explained the medical aspects of his father-in-law’s service quite well. Further, in an author’s note, Dr. Floyd provided a summary of how tropical diseases were treated in WWII.
The Expendable starts with a prologue. The prologue is quite dramatic but is a plot spoiler. The prologue recalls a situation that actually occurs near the very end of the story. Thus, the reader loses some of the drama when re-reading the scene in its correct chronological sequence.
In the epilogue, Dr. Floyd detailed how soldiers and sailors lived and died after the events described in the main narrative.
To tell his later father-in-law’s story, Dr. Floyd acknowledges he used a historical novel style. Such style contrasts with the journalistic approach typically used in nonfiction. I'm not fond of the historical novel style.
Also, throughout the narrative, the main character, corpsman Charles Beckner, often consults a dictionary. Writing in the historical novel style, have the main character carry a dictionary came across as a bad plot device. However, through Facebook, the author contacted me and assured me that his father-in-law did, in fact, carry a dictionary.
Charles Beckner’s service as a corpsman in the Philippines is one of those “truth is stranger than fiction” stories.. This reviewer would have preferred a journalistic style, but even with a historical novel style, the telling of Charles Beckner's service deserves a strong four stars.
By profession, John Floyd is a medical doctor; Dr, Floyd explained the medical aspects of his father-in-law’s service quite well. Further, in an author’s note, Dr. Floyd provided a summary of how tropical diseases were treated in WWII.
The Expendable starts with a prologue. The prologue is quite dramatic but is a plot spoiler. The prologue recalls a situation that actually occurs near the very end of the story. Thus, the reader loses some of the drama when re-reading the scene in its correct chronological sequence.
In the epilogue, Dr. Floyd detailed how soldiers and sailors lived and died after the events described in the main narrative.
To tell his later father-in-law’s story, Dr. Floyd acknowledges he used a historical novel style. Such style contrasts with the journalistic approach typically used in nonfiction. I'm not fond of the historical novel style.
Also, throughout the narrative, the main character, corpsman Charles Beckner, often consults a dictionary. Writing in the historical novel style, have the main character carry a dictionary came across as a bad plot device. However, through Facebook, the author contacted me and assured me that his father-in-law did, in fact, carry a dictionary.
Charles Beckner’s service as a corpsman in the Philippines is one of those “truth is stranger than fiction” stories.. This reviewer would have preferred a journalistic style, but even with a historical novel style, the telling of Charles Beckner's service deserves a strong four stars.
September 8, 2020
What a story!
This is deeply personal look at one man’s experience as he faces the inevitable advancement of Japanese troops into the Philippines during WW2. The events that unfold are both unbelievable and thrilling, from rescues in the dark of night to against all odds escapes.
The book will appeal to military historians and the general reader alike. It’s a riveting story full of rich history, deeply touching characters, and the complexities of survival. I couldn’t put it down!
This is deeply personal look at one man’s experience as he faces the inevitable advancement of Japanese troops into the Philippines during WW2. The events that unfold are both unbelievable and thrilling, from rescues in the dark of night to against all odds escapes.
The book will appeal to military historians and the general reader alike. It’s a riveting story full of rich history, deeply touching characters, and the complexities of survival. I couldn’t put it down!
February 4, 2021
This work is one of the most compelling representations of simple courage I have had the pleasure of reading. I have found that to be true in the the telling of extraordinary heroism in the course of relating true events. This one is a prize I will always
have with me. You will know some of these characters, and know of some of the others. Many thanks to the author.
have with me. You will know some of these characters, and know of some of the others. Many thanks to the author.
August 25, 2021
The author, John Lewis Floyd, is the son-in-law 0f the main character of this book Charles Conrad Beckner. Mr. Beckner was a young Navy Petty Officer Corpsman stationed with a seaplane unit in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded. As the fighting in the Philippines intensified the seaplanes departed for Australia or were destroyed and Beckner somehow ended up assigned to the PT boat squadron commanded by Lieutenant (future Admiral) John D. Bulkeley. The story of the escapades of Petty Officer Beckner is extraordinary!
Author Floyd wrote this true life story as Creative Non-Fiction. It reads a lot like historic fiction similar to that of Michael Shaara except that all of the characters but one composite character in The Expendable are real people with whom Beckner interacted. Dialogue is invented but the actions of the sailors and civilian characters in this book actually happened. Charles Conrad Beckner retired from the Navy after 31 years achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4). He died in 2009 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetary. His awards included a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters and three Purple Hearts. It is an incredible story of bravery, perseverance, luck, skill, positive attitude and courage. The author includes an Epilogue that details the fate of the other significant characters in the book that helps to return the reader from any thoughts of fiction back to reality. I highly recommend this book to all those interested in WWII.
Author Floyd wrote this true life story as Creative Non-Fiction. It reads a lot like historic fiction similar to that of Michael Shaara except that all of the characters but one composite character in The Expendable are real people with whom Beckner interacted. Dialogue is invented but the actions of the sailors and civilian characters in this book actually happened. Charles Conrad Beckner retired from the Navy after 31 years achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4). He died in 2009 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetary. His awards included a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters and three Purple Hearts. It is an incredible story of bravery, perseverance, luck, skill, positive attitude and courage. The author includes an Epilogue that details the fate of the other significant characters in the book that helps to return the reader from any thoughts of fiction back to reality. I highly recommend this book to all those interested in WWII.
September 17, 2023
An amazing tale of a US Navy sailor caught in the fall of the Philippines in the opening days of WWII. Truly a man of the Greatest Generation...Writing is a little rough on some points of USN minutiae, but that's excusable since the author's the subjects son in law and a physician rather that a professional author. Example: Except in boot camp sailors do not address Chief Petty Officers as "sir" (real easy way to piss 'em off- standard reply is along the lines of "Hell, I'm no 'sir', I work for a living."). They are simply called "Chief", "Senior Chief" or "Master Chief" depending on specific rank...but the author's a retired USAF Colonel so he gets a pass on knowing Navy customs. All in all, a book I was sorry to see come to an end. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
March 3, 2025
Just completed Expendable. A great book! I really enjoyed reading about US Navy Corpsman, Charles Beckner. first two-half years of active duty in the Philippines during WWII. The pace was good and the main characters growth into manhood, an early example of 'lifetime learner" way before the term was coined is a refreshing read. Through many job changes that happened in the battlefield during war and Charles close encounters with death you see the character of man develop. I couldn't put the book down in the chapters relating to getting MacAuther out of the Philippines before it fell to Japan. I highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2021
Quite the story!
If you are interested in Bataan, the fall of the Philippines, or WWII in the Pacific, this is a good read. It links many of the major events together. While it sometimes stretches credulity, I believe it is close to fact. While on my way to shore duty in Vietnam, I was diverted to Subic Bay/Olongapo for several weeks. It was only 20 years after the end of the war and I ended up staying in an area where POW’s had been imprisoned during the war. Lots of ghosts!
If you are interested in Bataan, the fall of the Philippines, or WWII in the Pacific, this is a good read. It links many of the major events together. While it sometimes stretches credulity, I believe it is close to fact. While on my way to shore duty in Vietnam, I was diverted to Subic Bay/Olongapo for several weeks. It was only 20 years after the end of the war and I ended up staying in an area where POW’s had been imprisoned during the war. Lots of ghosts!
September 8, 2023
An amazing biography
This is one of the best World War II books of the early war period in the Philippines that I have read. The story spans the pre-enlistment years during the Depression, continues through his training as a corpsman and his assignment to the Philippines prior to the onset of war. Ultimately, he escapes to Australia as the Japanese close the net.
The author does explain that many of the conversations were creative and one character is purely fictional. These factors do not detract from the book at all. I found this to be a fascinating read.
This is one of the best World War II books of the early war period in the Philippines that I have read. The story spans the pre-enlistment years during the Depression, continues through his training as a corpsman and his assignment to the Philippines prior to the onset of war. Ultimately, he escapes to Australia as the Japanese close the net.
The author does explain that many of the conversations were creative and one character is purely fictional. These factors do not detract from the book at all. I found this to be a fascinating read.
July 29, 2020
WW2 Story We Knew Little About
Dr. Floyd has delivered a combination History Book/Adventure Novel. Great writing, skillfully showing what real heros are like. Fascinating characters, made even better because they were all real people! This should be required reading for every student of American History.
Dr. Floyd has delivered a combination History Book/Adventure Novel. Great writing, skillfully showing what real heros are like. Fascinating characters, made even better because they were all real people! This should be required reading for every student of American History.
November 15, 2020
Very easy read. Facts align well with information from other sources. What I enjoyed was the “human touch” of the memories. I like to know what people involved directly with historical events think, felt and experienced during their time of trial. I recommend the book as a good, general description of historic events with a personal perspective.
February 13, 2021
More of The Greatest Generation
I am always amazed and awed by the heroism displayed by so many during difficult times. I always wonder if I could live up to their abilities. We all owe so much to the men and women who kept the freedom of America alive then as now. This is a story of some who did.
I am always amazed and awed by the heroism displayed by so many during difficult times. I always wonder if I could live up to their abilities. We all owe so much to the men and women who kept the freedom of America alive then as now. This is a story of some who did.
March 13, 2021
The best book I have ever read on the early first 6 months of the war in the Philippines! I am still amazed at the impact of this book. I would recommend
A great read on one man’s experience from his signing up with the Navy and how he experienced the first 6 months of war in Manila, Cebu, and Mindanao! Excellent book!
A great read on one man’s experience from his signing up with the Navy and how he experienced the first 6 months of war in Manila, Cebu, and Mindanao! Excellent book!
October 9, 2021
Review ornament”The Expendable: the true story of patwing 10, pt squadron 3
The story was great. The fictitious character was ok. Obvious that the author was never navy. The navy doesn’t denote extra awards with oak leaf clusters and it is the Navy Cross not Distinguished Navy Cross.
The story was great. The fictitious character was ok. Obvious that the author was never navy. The navy doesn’t denote extra awards with oak leaf clusters and it is the Navy Cross not Distinguished Navy Cross.
April 14, 2022
"Someone had to it"
I hope and pray that we have that same steel today if we get in a similar situations. Well I can we had it in Korea at the Chosen where the 6th Marines, I do believe, were surrounded by 12000 Chinese troops in below freezing weather got out of that trap with their dead and wunded.
I hope and pray that we have that same steel today if we get in a similar situations. Well I can we had it in Korea at the Chosen where the 6th Marines, I do believe, were surrounded by 12000 Chinese troops in below freezing weather got out of that trap with their dead and wunded.
May 21, 2022
Surprisingly good!
This only slightly fictionalized biography of a World War II navy corpsman was well written, action packed, and informative. I’m not that familiar with the loss of the Philippine Islands, but the descriptions and photos were very interesting.
This book j8s definitely worth reading if you have an6 interest in WWII!
This only slightly fictionalized biography of a World War II navy corpsman was well written, action packed, and informative. I’m not that familiar with the loss of the Philippine Islands, but the descriptions and photos were very interesting.
This book j8s definitely worth reading if you have an6 interest in WWII!
August 9, 2022
Not to give away the story and the people involved with it, this is a 7 star story of our hero's during the war in the Philippine's. For me I've read over 200 books on WWII & Korea. This has to be one of the top five most rated book and story that I've had a chance to read. Wow is all I can say....
November 18, 2022
Outstanding read, couldn't put it down
Excellent read, the author does an excellent job of telling the story in a way reads well while staying true to history. I love it when authors fill in the gaps of what the characters did later in life. There is probably enough material to have a follow up book as what the main character did during the rest of the war.
Excellent read, the author does an excellent job of telling the story in a way reads well while staying true to history. I love it when authors fill in the gaps of what the characters did later in life. There is probably enough material to have a follow up book as what the main character did during the rest of the war.
January 6, 2025
Great writing, and awesome story. The book follows a young farm man through the throes of the beginnings of WWII. He proved to be an invaluable addition to several units, and he was flexible keeping to the Navy's motto Semper Gumbi. I won't ruing the book for anyone willing to read it, but it is always good to pick up some of these books to see what our veterans have gone through to ensure we have the freedoms we enjoy today. I am a little partial to the story because there is a large section of the story dedicated to patrol boats, and I was a mud puddle sailor for six years of my Navy career.
November 4, 2020
A return to the trying times and heroic actions of American
military personnel in the Philippines during WW2. The brave and valiant medical personnel of both sexes who endured harrowing and narrow escapes from death, time after time.
military personnel in the Philippines during WW2. The brave and valiant medical personnel of both sexes who endured harrowing and narrow escapes from death, time after time.
March 31, 2021
History brought to life
A factual account written in an interesting story form , this book tells of the courage and creativity of those placed right in the path of the Japanese war machine at the start of the Second World War.
A factual account written in an interesting story form , this book tells of the courage and creativity of those placed right in the path of the Japanese war machine at the start of the Second World War.
September 4, 2021
Unusual and unique story of escape and heroism following fall of the Philippines
Told in story fashion with dialogue that creates an immediacy and suspenseful tale of an amazing Navy Corpsman’s tracing and service in the Philippines.
Told in story fashion with dialogue that creates an immediacy and suspenseful tale of an amazing Navy Corpsman’s tracing and service in the Philippines.
September 25, 2021
Good read. As explained in the beginning of the book the story of Tilly was a composite of many nurses. The book does leave one wondering whether or not he did have a particular love interest to any nurse.
January 20, 2022
It was a very good book, but the swearing was a bit much. I am just going to warn you there are at least 5 "f bombs" in this book, but even though it swore I enjoyed the story line and the bravery of the men in the book.
June 30, 2022
Excellently written and amazingly detailed.
One of the most accurate and concise historical novels I've read, and I've read hundreds.
It is, in all manner, a historical documentary.
Thank God for the Greatest Generation.
One of the most accurate and concise historical novels I've read, and I've read hundreds.
It is, in all manner, a historical documentary.
Thank God for the Greatest Generation.
February 21, 2023
Wonderful Book
This book was written so well I could imagine myself there. I retired from the Navy but never served on a ship nor Navy base. My field didn't allow women in combat situations during the time I served. Much respect for those who did.
This book was written so well I could imagine myself there. I retired from the Navy but never served on a ship nor Navy base. My field didn't allow women in combat situations during the time I served. Much respect for those who did.
October 2, 2020
America in it's best years of valor!
I now understand what my Father never spoke of. But was very disappointed in the end. What happened to the Irish Colleen?
I now understand what my Father never spoke of. But was very disappointed in the end. What happened to the Irish Colleen?
November 2, 2020
Couldn't put it down
Excellent story, well written narrative. True events and locations are chronicled with some imaginative dialogue added. Keeps you reading from beginning to end.
Excellent story, well written narrative. True events and locations are chronicled with some imaginative dialogue added. Keeps you reading from beginning to end.
November 18, 2020
An excellent, but unknown, story of the early days of WW2. A well written story.
December 7, 2020
Good, historical book, from a long time ago.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews