Cap'n Fatso

Cap'n Fatso

by Daniel V. Gallery

Book by Daniel V. Gallery

Genres: Fiction, Nautical

203 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Daniel Vincent Gallery was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. He saw extensive action during World War II, fighting U-Boats during the Battle of the Atlantic, where his most notable achievement was the June 4, 1944, capture of the German submarine U-505. After the war, Gallery was a prolific author of fiction and non-fiction. During the post-war military cutbacks, he wrote a series of articles criticizing the heavy reductions being made to the US Navy. These articles placed him at odds with the Truman administration during the episode which became known as the Revolt of the Admirals.
The so-called "Revolt of the Admirals" broke out during Louis Johnson's tenure as Secretary of Defense under Harry Truman in 1948. Johnson planned to scrap the carrier fleet, merge the Marine Corps into the Army, and reduce the Navy to a convoy-escort force. Gallery wrote a series of articles for The Saturday Evening Post fiercely criticizing these plans. The final article, "Don't Let Them Scuttle the Navy!" was so inflammatory that Gallery barely escaped court-martial for insubordination. Even so, the episode cost Gallery his third star. It effectively finished his career, though he served 12 more years on active duty. At the time of his forced retirement in 1960 (for "health reasons") he was second in seniority on the Rear Admirals' List.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most hilarious books I've ever read! Definitely a fun read; I wish this book would get to be in much wider circulation.

[Paul Jarzabek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and entertaining. very old school style of navy life.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatso is a petty officer in charge of a landing ship in the Medeteran Ocean running errands foe the US fleet. Along the way he and his crew have various adventures as the act as free spirits. An enjoyable, humorous read.

[Steve]

The Navy I remember, Blackshoe / Brownshoe, a sailor is a sailor. Many a sea story that started with "This ain't no s..." in this book, but I think perhaps some may in fact be true as some sea stories are based on a true fact...

[KennyO · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Naval irreverence from my favorite flag officer. The further adventures of Boatswain's Mate First Class [for now] Fatso Gioninni. I reread everything Gallery published, both light and serious because it's worth my while.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the earlier book on "Fatso" Gioninni, _Now Hear This!_ years ago aloud to a friend & just did this book aloud for my husband. Lots of fun.