A Sailor's History of the U.S. Navy

Blue & Gold Professional Library

by Thomas J. Cutler

Today's sailors have too little appreciation of their heritage. To counter this problem, Thomas J. Cutler has compiled a history of our naval heritage in the form of A Sailor's History of the U.S. Navy. The work is unique in two important ways. First, it is written thematically rather than chronologically. This allows recent history to be blended with more distant (but important) events in ways that will reinforce the timelessness as well as the timeliness of the U.S. Navy, thereby having a greater appeal to today's sailor. There are a number of themes being used--the most obvious are manifested in chapters with the themes of honor, courage, and commitment, but others serve as useful vehicles as well; for example, there is a chapter called What's in a Name? that briefly discusses how ships have been/are named and then uses the many ships that have carried the name Enterprise as the theme for presenting significant portions of the Navy's history.↵ The other unique characteristic of this history is that it focuses wherever possible on the roles of ALL sailors rather than just the officers. That is not to say that Jones and Decatur are not there, but that the emphasis is along the lines of the crew of the Bon Homme Richard fought on into the night... rather than Jones fought... Also, there are plenty of individual sailor heroes who can stand alongside the Perrys and the Farraguts (Boatswain's Mate First Class Williams who won the Medal of Honor in Vietnam, Dorie Miller of Pearl Harbor fame, Gunner's Mate Third Class Paul Henry Carr at the battle off Samar, etc.). Some emphasis upon what it was like to be a sailor (working and living conditions) at different times is included as well.

Genres: Military Fiction, History, Naval History, Nonfiction, Military History, American History

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2004

Reviews

[Dave B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details the history of the US Navy from mostly individual sailors points of view. This made the book much more personable.

[Rob Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is less a history then an inspirational series of stories to inspire recruits in the US Navy. It does its job well. It is also a fun read for this old sailor. Yes, most of it I already knew, but the packaging added a perspective that was intriguing. To the casual reader, this will give you a glimpse, but only a glimpse, of what it is to be a sailor. I recommend it for those entering the sea service, and parents of those in the Navy.

[Lexi Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an assignment for school. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it though. Reading it has given me a new respect for the sailors in and that were in the navy. A Sailors History of the U.S. Navy includes many non-fiction stories, giving sailors credit and sharing their stories. The very first story was the most interesting to me, it is about a young sailor who got taken by the Vietnamese during the Vietnamese war and explains the hardships he faced and how he overcame them. I give this book five out of five stars and heavily recommend reading it if you want to gain insight on what it is like being a sailor and want to learn about rank and ribbons.

[Roger Burk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was written for newly enlisted sailors in the US Navy. It is not a history, but rather a collection of pep talks, inspiring war stories, and colorful historical tidbits. It's fine for what it is.

[Bill Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult to read unless you are Navy. Covers a great deal of information on how the Navy operates on the human level. Many things taken for granted by Sailors is well explained here. Bravo Zulu.

[David Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

BZ (Bravo. Zulu) > TVG (Tare Victor George)

[Charles R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good with amazing stories of real events. Written down a bit too much for me.

[Louis Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional and special book about sailors at the deck plate level. I am a retired Senior Chief and I recall as a Seaman Recruit going through "Boot Camp" at Great Lakes in Camp Moffett in the late fifties. In our full sea bag of uniforms we also received the "Blue Jackets Manual." This was so to speak our bible of Navy sayings, acronyms, shipboard, as well as, ashore information that every sailor had to know. Over the years you were a "Salt" so you were very familiar with things of the Navy. A Sailor's History of the U. S. Navy takes it a bit further by providing examples of the core values: honor, courage and commitment. The book goes a long way toward helping all sailors know and appreciate their naval history and heritage in a personal way. Yes, this book has been added to the sea bag! It is now required reading! It would have been great if it had been in my sea bag when I went through "Boot Camp" but it is great to see how the U.S. Navy has evolved over the years. I still believe that our Navy is the best in the world! I invite all to read this book if they want to learn more about our Navy and the sailors who serve in it. To the author I extend my deep appreciation and thanks for penning an outstanding book! As they say in the Navy, "Bravo Zulu" for a job well done! May God bless all who go to sea. Having been there and done that I can say it is not easy but sailors on the seven seas and all over the world would not have it any other way!

[Mromigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good history of the Navy, told through concepts rather than by timeline. Memorable anecdotes and vignettes reveal the tales of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, as well as the Navy's unique traditions and mantras (Don't Tread on Me, Don't Give Up the Ship). This was a great way to learn about our rich history and the many men and women who have proudly worn white, blue, and khaki and provide us with the great, proud tradition of being a United States Sailor. (Can you tell I'm one of those proud United States Sailors?) This is a must read for anyone in the Navy, and I can see myself quoting these passages to my shipmates in the future.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book consists of short snippets describing Sailors actions throughout the history of the U.S. Navy. The stories are not in chronological order, but grouped according to themes.

I liked the distinction that the author makes between history and heritage.

What I did not like was that at times the audio sounded like the script of one of those CNO Sitrep propaganda films from the 70's that we were forced to sit through. That tone is sure to discourage those who could most benefit from information from fully appreciating this work.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me almost 7 years to finally read this book. I had this book issued to me back in bootcamp, and I just kept it on the bottom of my seabag.

Honor, Courage, and Commitment
I like how Cutler tied the countless short stories into these core values, which are the main themes of this book.

The only parts that I found uninteresting were the stories from the early 19th century and beyond. I couldn't exactly relate to the wooden ships in the old navy.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to the history of the US Navy and its values. Cutler served in the Navy, he cherry-picked different stories to introduce his beloved to the wider world. Stirring stories of bravery, discipline and skill that will tug on ones heart strings.

Why I started this book: I wanted a general introduction to the Navy and this one was great.

Why I finished it: After this introduction it's time to dive into individual wars and ship histories to get at the details.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read about the Navy Core Values, written from the perspectives of the sailors that exhibited them throughout modern history. If you're used to reading dry accounts of Admirals commanding their fleets, brace yourself for stories from the deck seamen and lower enlisted you don't much hear about. An exciting read, and difficult to put down!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to give any sailor, would-be sailor, or veteran sailor a skip in their step and have them walk a bit taller. These are our stories and histories told in a thought provoking manner. BravoZulu Thomas Cutler.

[Mike Eakins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again took me by surprise. Really enjoyed this book, and the way it bounced from era to era to keep you interested. From Master Chief Brashear, to the USS Cole, to Guadalcanal, to Old Ironsides. A feel good read.

[Janette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. I liked the story-based organization, as opposed to a chronological set up. It's very Hurah, but that's ok!

[Stanley Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history of the U.S. Navy. Wasn't sure if I would like the thematic approach at first, but it worked well. Would recommend this work for all interested in the history of the navy...

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great stories -- history for the non-historically-inclined. Recommended for sailors of all grades.

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy to use collection of stories rather than a dry chronological account of our Navy's story. Every proud sailor should read it. And every half fast dirt bag should too.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the history of the Navy.