LEYTE: June 1944 January 1945

by Samuel Eliot Morison ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 13, 1958

For a naval man the battle of Surigao Strait which forms a part of this particular segment of the war in the Pacific has particular significance as the end of an era- the last naval battle in which air power played no part. But the whole of the struggle for Leyte-MacArthur's prime goal since he left the Philippines- makes for thrilling recapitulation. The Seventh Fleet encountered plenty of initial difficulties:- lack of ships, derangement of the logistic schedule, fluid tactical situation, limited supplies available in Australia. But energy and intelligence overcame the difficulties and from Moratar, the Palaus and , on to Leyte, and Surigao Strait it was a stupendous achievement- at unexpectedly low cost. The ""gallantry, guns and gumption"" of the Navy exceeded expectations. While Leyte was not as decisive a battle as Midway, it hastened the war's end and insured the Pacific for the U.S. Navy. The amphibious forces, the submarine activities, the carrier fleet contributions are all given due attention, in this latest volume in the mammoth project undertaken by Samuel Eliot Morison. There have already been nine volumes published, meticulously detailed and yet dramatic recall from the records of World War II. This is Vol. XII.

Pub Date: Nov. 13, 1958

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown- A.M.P.

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1958

Categories: NONFICTION