The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors cover art

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour

 Preview

Get 30 days of Standard free

£5.99/mo after trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

By: James D. Hornfischer
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
Try for £0.00

£5.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for £8.27

Buy Now for £8.27

Summary

 “This will be a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can.”

With these words, Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland addressed the crew of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts on the morning of October 25, 1944, off the Philippine Island of Samar. On the horizon loomed the mightiest ships of the Japanese navy, a massive fleet that represented the last hope of a staggering empire. All that stood between it and Douglas MacArthur’s vulnerable invasion force were the Roberts and the other small ships of a tiny American flotilla poised to charge into history.

In the tradition of the #1 New York Times bestseller Flags of Our Fathers, James D. Hornfischer paints an unprecedented portrait of the Battle of Samar, a naval engagement unlike any other in U.S. history—and captures with unforgettable intensity the men, the strategies, and the sacrifices that turned certain defeat into a legendary victory. 20th Century Armed Forces Military Modern Naval Forces War Imperial Japan Aviation Veteran Submarine Air Force
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
All stars
Most relevant
This is an excellent story of WWII naval combat at the very sharpest end as well as relating one of the USNs finest and most courageous actions. There is huge tension and drama of a real David vs Goliath battle in which US DDs, DDEs & CVEs were surprised by an overwhelming Japanese surface force and yet through immense bravery and determination won the day. If you're interested in WWII and/or naval history this is a superb story.

The only fly in the ointment is the narrator, he sounds more like a robot than a person on several occasions although you do get used to his style it does grate somewhat. Listen to a clip before buying just in case.

Excellent book slightly let down by the reader.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.