The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour

This is an excellent account of an often-overlooked battle in WW2. Samar is usually discussed, when it's discussed at all, only as part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf. Given the incredible odds faced by the ships and sailors of Taffy 3, and the unbelievable manner in which they prosecuted their attack (especially the DDs and DEs), the Battle off Samar deserves it's own, separate narrative. Hornfischer delivers in spades. The book reads almost like an historical novel, well-written, with a tension-building backstory, detailed but not too detailed descriptions of the machinery of naval war, and strong character development that makes you care about the individuals involved as persons and not just names from history. The author's ability to draw you into the lives of the ships and the men on them will put you on the edge of your seat as you read the battle narrative, and may well break the reader's heart as they read of the tremendously brutal cost these men paid. A nice added touch: I bought "Last Stand..." as a Kindle book, and the maps would not only enlarge for viewing on the device, but also included links to print them out at home. As a map nerd I really appreciated this, and hope it becomes the norm for any book of military history. This is one of my favorite books on the war in the Pacific. I've read it 3 times now, and probably will again. HIGHLY recommended for anyone who is interested in military history.

I pretty much read this book from cover to cover. Then I read it again. This book will be a go to book for years to come seeking inspiration for my writing of military Science Fiction. Uncommon bravery was common in those fateful hours as Task Force Taffy 3 fought against overwhelming odds to win the day at great sacrifice. They faced down a Japanese battleship task force including the 18 inch guns of the Yamato with only torpedo’s, five inch guns and anti-aircraft guns. The stories will stun you into shocked silence at the bravery of every member of that task force. Patton said, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived” and you will wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment after reading this book. My only problem with the book is the same thing that I’ve found with many mainstream publishers–their pricing. When the Kindle version of the book is only 19 cents cheaper than the paperback, something is seriously wrong. This book had been on my “Buy and read list” for a long time and I’m very glad I plunked down the money for it. I did wonder what other great books I missed that were more reasonably priced because I bought this one.

My father and three of his brothers served in the Navy in WWII. Why there were so many farm boiys in the blue water Navy is a mystery to me but these Iowa boys all went into the Navy - 2 of them BEFORE Pearl Harbor. My father was on a minesweeper as a medic. The other brothers served on various ships in the Pacific. Fortunately, none of them were killed or maimed in battle but it was a desperate time for the USA. This extraordinary account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf (with a special focus on the DDs and DEs) is the best account I've read. It's not a view from 35,000 ft; this account takes you deckside and below as smaller ships led by daring and resourceful men stopped a superior surface fleet. This is a book you'll just have to read 'one more chapter' before you hit the sack. There have been books written focusing on strategies, judgement errors on both sides and the hand that luck (good or bad) plays out. This account puts you at the various scenes - you can smell the aftermath of big guns being fired, you can sense the desperation of being attacked by bigger ships, you can see and smell the battle damage including the carnage of many involved and you are once more reminded of the incalculable debt we owe these men.

I had heard of the battle of the "jeep" carriers vs. The central Japanese fleet, how the Japanese decked out Halsey to steam North after an irresistible target, the Imperial fleet's aircraft carriers. I read of the bravery, the improbable victory over a vastly superior foe, suicide destroyer charges against battleships and cruisers........ And I knew nothing. Hornfisher's recounting of the battle puts you in the middle of it: you meet the men involved, feel the fear and bravery, and experience the sheer horror of the last major battle between navies (yes, that long ago). It was horrible reading it, being there must have been ghastly. So a great read, 40 plane "mini" carriers with older planes with the help of local airstrips maneuver, attack, and pull off an amazing win, well worth it

And then, after having lost their ship, the tiny destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts, in mortal combat against a much mightier Japanese force of heavy cruisers and battleships, the surviving heroes, cast adrift, endured the Philippine Sea for interminable days and nights, fighting off the ever-present predatory sharks, and also madness: (This, from Hornfischer, p. 384-386) "With exhaustion traveled its darker twin, delirium, It was the product of fatigue and of the creeping effects of ingested salt water, a poison that tended to have a phantasmagoric effect on the brain. [It] affected most of the men at one time or another during the second night. "For two days the men had had nothing to drink save the brackish water in the the five-gallon water breakers that the raft carried for just this purpose. But soon enough a far preferable alternative presented itself. Tom Stevenson was delighted now to discover a freshwater source that no one had seen before -- why hadn't anyone noticed it? The lieutenant became convinced that if only he could make it down to the first deck of the ship, a scuttlebutt full of cool freshwater was right there for his pleasure. Right below him: a fountain ... Right below him: a cool, clear arch of water. Its bubbling gurgle echoed in his mind. If only he could get down below, his thirst would be slaked. The ship was right down there, for chrissake, hovering there below him. 'There's water down there, fellas. I'll be back in a minute.' "Fortunately for Stevenson, he had the good manners to speak his plan aloud. Hearing the young officer's suicidal brainstorm, Bob Roberts and Lloyd Gurnett grabbed hold of his hand and tied him fast to the floater net. As the night wore on, it was clear that the mentally sound outnumbered and outlasted the delirious. All of a sudden the night was filled with the siren songs of fresh drinking water, hot coffee, native girls, and warm home cooking. Bob Roberts himself was not immune. An officer swam up to the exec, saluted, and requested 'permission to go below.' Roberts granted it and the officer swam off. As the currents propelled the survivors westward through the night, Roberts discerned a point of land that was dotted with fine homes. A gala dinner party was in progress, tuxedoed men and gloriously begowned women enjoying a high time by the sea. The delirium was not limited to the men of Copeland's raft. Dick Rohde left Moore's group and swam around looking for a hole in the sea containing lemonade. After Cronin saved him again, the radioman realized that the Philippines weren't ALL that far from India. His older brother was over there, flying supplies over the famous 'hump.' Surely his brother could save him. "Through the night most of the men had dalliances with madness. On Copeland's raft, Lloyd Gurnett removed his life jacket and said he was going down to the wardroom for a cup of coffee. Though alert shipmates snapped him momentarily to his senses, he did it again every fifteen minutes, until finally they restrained him for good with a well-knotted line length of manila line. At one point the strong and able Frank Cantrell declared in full basso profundo, 'Object ho!' Bob Copeland lifted his head with his hands. 'What is it, Cantrell?' the captain asked. "'I see a big white cottage on the beach with green shutters,' his chief quartermaster said. He took no small amount of umbrage to the derisive laughter that greeted his announcement. "But there were just as many men whose derangement arrived without announcement. When they decided to leave the raft in the dark of night without any word to friends, no one knew to intervene, and they were never seen again."

The first one forth of the book is about people that were at Leyte Gulf. But you have no idea how they fit into the story until later. The battle is incredibly interesting and well written. The last one forth is an endless story about swimming after the ships have sunk and sharks. Far too much on that part of the story. The last of the book tells what happened to the folks after the war. Overall, I gave it 4 stars. If the Leyte Gulf battle is of interest to you, it's a good read once you get past the introduction of who is who.

In October of 1944, the Japanese threw the remainder of their naval power into an attempt to destroy MacArthur’s invasion of the Philippines, particularly the landing on Leyte. In a three-pronged desperate operation called Sho-1, employing powerful naval task forces under the command of admirals Nishimura, Kurita, Shima, and Ozawa, the Japanese sought to stall the American island-hopping advance. While Ozawa martialed Japan’s remaining fleet carriers in hopes of drawing Halsey’s Third Fleet north, away from its position blocking the San Bernadino Strait, the other three Japanese forces would advance on Leyte in a pincer movement from north and south. When Halsey took the bait and left his assigned station to chase north after Ozawa, the only thing standing between the massively powerful Japanese fleet and the Leyte landings was Taffy 3 (Task Unit 77.4.3) consisting of 6 light carriers, three destroyers and four destroyer-escorts, under the command of Admiral Sprague. Hornfischer’s fascinating book details the heroic stand of Taffy 3, which faced the largest battleship in the world whose 18” guns had a range of 20 miles, plus three more battleships armed with 14” guns, six heavy cruisers with 8” rifles, two light cruisers, and eleven destroyers. The 5” guns on Taffy 3’s small force had a range of only about 7 miles, and their shells were insufficient to put even a dent in the armored sides of the Japanese battleships and heavy cruisers. And yet Taffy 3 slowed the Japanese onslaught, and eventually caused Admiral Kurita to lose his nerve and withdraw. The author does a superb job of introducing the reader to the human combatants, from cook to admiral, primarily on the American side. The book is full of riveting first-person accounts of the fear and courage of the men of Taffy 3, sailors and airmen, as they faced the devastating punishment of an opponent that overmatched them in every category except courage. Hornfischer points out it was a battle of firsts and lasts: first time in history that an aircraft carrier was sunk by a surface fleet, and the last time this sort of surface melee involving battleships ever happened. His writing is superb: you can feel the spray and the concussion from the Japanese shells as they straddle the ships of Taffy 3. If you enjoy military history, this is a must read. Five stars, highly recommended.

Headline says it all, if you are remotely a military history buff, a naval buff, a history buff, or all in between, or all of the above, this guy is a must read. He covers the over all portion, and infuses it with individual stories to create a true picture. Honestly, it rare I would give any author this kind of credit but he covers all bases and writes a cannot stop read book. If you haven't read him, he's a must for any military history reader. For starters this is a true triumph of David and Goliath, Alamo, and a modern last stand if the 300. Just read it and prove me wrong

I am a bit of a history buff, so I try to read history books pretty often. But the problem I often have, especially with books on military history, is that they tend to be kind of dry. A lot of talk about troop movements that I have a hard time envisioning in my head - like I need to have an interactive map right in front of me all the time if I'm going to make heads or tails of it. Plus discussion of military vehicles, and this or that caliber weapon... All kind of gets pretty boring to me. I want to hear about the PEOPLE. And that's exactly what this book gives you. I was a little worried in the first few chapters. While they had interesting stories in there, there were still hints of your typical military history book. But then the battle came. A blow by blow, chapter by chapter description of the Battle off Samar, detailing what was going on on each of the ships and with the individual sailors involved. You become well acquainted with several of the individuals involved. To be honest this is the first military history book I've ever read where when I finished one chapter I had a hard time putting the book down - I wanted to read just a bit more to see what happened to these men. Of course the battle makes for an interesting story all on its own, but I wish all history books could be this exciting.

At first before I committed to buying the book (Kindle) I was a bit reluctant, but I had it in my "to read" bucket list for over a year. I was really intrigued by this story Battle off Samar, I never knew about. This was an amazing event that is tucked away in a small corner of WW2 stories. an absolutely courageous string of events that truly are heroic in my mind. I did enjoy the epilogue outlining what happened to some of the men after the battle, recovery, wounds heeled and back home stateside. To me this is important to know what happened after these men finished there duties and went home to try and get back to normalcy. I have read several of James D. Hornfischer's books and really enjoy his writings. i do recommend this book to any WW2 buff. The only disappointment I had about this book was, there is not one picture of anything related to the ships, or the men that sailed them. I do enjoy seeing some pictures during a read.

This is an excellent account of an often-overlooked battle in WW2. Samar is usually discussed, when it's discussed at all, only as part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf. Given the incredible odds faced by the ships and sailors of Taffy 3, and the unbelievable manner in which they prosecuted their attack (especially the DDs and DEs), the Battle off Samar deserves it's own, separate narrative. Hornfischer delivers in spades. The book reads almost like an historical novel, well-written, with a tension-building backstory, detailed but not too detailed descriptions of the machinery of naval war, and strong character development that makes you care about the individuals involved as persons and not just names from history. The author's ability to draw you into the lives of the ships and the men on them will put you on the edge of your seat as you read the battle narrative, and may well break the reader's heart as they read of the tremendously brutal cost these men paid. A nice added touch: I bought "Last Stand..." as a Kindle book, and the maps would not only enlarge for viewing on the device, but also included links to print them out at home. As a map nerd I really appreciated this, and hope it becomes the norm for any book of military history. This is one of my favorite books on the war in the Pacific. I've read it 3 times now, and probably will again. HIGHLY recommended for anyone who is interested in military history.

I pretty much read this book from cover to cover. Then I read it again. This book will be a go to book for years to come seeking inspiration for my writing of military Science Fiction. Uncommon bravery was common in those fateful hours as Task Force Taffy 3 fought against overwhelming odds to win the day at great sacrifice. They faced down a Japanese battleship task force including the 18 inch guns of the Yamato with only torpedo’s, five inch guns and anti-aircraft guns. The stories will stun you into shocked silence at the bravery of every member of that task force. Patton said, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived” and you will wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment after reading this book. My only problem with the book is the same thing that I’ve found with many mainstream publishers–their pricing. When the Kindle version of the book is only 19 cents cheaper than the paperback, something is seriously wrong. This book had been on my “Buy and read list” for a long time and I’m very glad I plunked down the money for it. I did wonder what other great books I missed that were more reasonably priced because I bought this one.

My father and three of his brothers served in the Navy in WWII. Why there were so many farm boiys in the blue water Navy is a mystery to me but these Iowa boys all went into the Navy - 2 of them BEFORE Pearl Harbor. My father was on a minesweeper as a medic. The other brothers served on various ships in the Pacific. Fortunately, none of them were killed or maimed in battle but it was a desperate time for the USA. This extraordinary account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf (with a special focus on the DDs and DEs) is the best account I've read. It's not a view from 35,000 ft; this account takes you deckside and below as smaller ships led by daring and resourceful men stopped a superior surface fleet. This is a book you'll just have to read 'one more chapter' before you hit the sack. There have been books written focusing on strategies, judgement errors on both sides and the hand that luck (good or bad) plays out. This account puts you at the various scenes - you can smell the aftermath of big guns being fired, you can sense the desperation of being attacked by bigger ships, you can see and smell the battle damage including the carnage of many involved and you are once more reminded of the incalculable debt we owe these men.

I had heard of the battle of the "jeep" carriers vs. The central Japanese fleet, how the Japanese decked out Halsey to steam North after an irresistible target, the Imperial fleet's aircraft carriers. I read of the bravery, the improbable victory over a vastly superior foe, suicide destroyer charges against battleships and cruisers........ And I knew nothing. Hornfisher's recounting of the battle puts you in the middle of it: you meet the men involved, feel the fear and bravery, and experience the sheer horror of the last major battle between navies (yes, that long ago). It was horrible reading it, being there must have been ghastly. So a great read, 40 plane "mini" carriers with older planes with the help of local airstrips maneuver, attack, and pull off an amazing win, well worth it

And then, after having lost their ship, the tiny destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts, in mortal combat against a much mightier Japanese force of heavy cruisers and battleships, the surviving heroes, cast adrift, endured the Philippine Sea for interminable days and nights, fighting off the ever-present predatory sharks, and also madness: (This, from Hornfischer, p. 384-386) "With exhaustion traveled its darker twin, delirium, It was the product of fatigue and of the creeping effects of ingested salt water, a poison that tended to have a phantasmagoric effect on the brain. [It] affected most of the men at one time or another during the second night. "For two days the men had had nothing to drink save the brackish water in the the five-gallon water breakers that the raft carried for just this purpose. But soon enough a far preferable alternative presented itself. Tom Stevenson was delighted now to discover a freshwater source that no one had seen before -- why hadn't anyone noticed it? The lieutenant became convinced that if only he could make it down to the first deck of the ship, a scuttlebutt full of cool freshwater was right there for his pleasure. Right below him: a fountain ... Right below him: a cool, clear arch of water. Its bubbling gurgle echoed in his mind. If only he could get down below, his thirst would be slaked. The ship was right down there, for chrissake, hovering there below him. 'There's water down there, fellas. I'll be back in a minute.' "Fortunately for Stevenson, he had the good manners to speak his plan aloud. Hearing the young officer's suicidal brainstorm, Bob Roberts and Lloyd Gurnett grabbed hold of his hand and tied him fast to the floater net. As the night wore on, it was clear that the mentally sound outnumbered and outlasted the delirious. All of a sudden the night was filled with the siren songs of fresh drinking water, hot coffee, native girls, and warm home cooking. Bob Roberts himself was not immune. An officer swam up to the exec, saluted, and requested 'permission to go below.' Roberts granted it and the officer swam off. As the currents propelled the survivors westward through the night, Roberts discerned a point of land that was dotted with fine homes. A gala dinner party was in progress, tuxedoed men and gloriously begowned women enjoying a high time by the sea. The delirium was not limited to the men of Copeland's raft. Dick Rohde left Moore's group and swam around looking for a hole in the sea containing lemonade. After Cronin saved him again, the radioman realized that the Philippines weren't ALL that far from India. His older brother was over there, flying supplies over the famous 'hump.' Surely his brother could save him. "Through the night most of the men had dalliances with madness. On Copeland's raft, Lloyd Gurnett removed his life jacket and said he was going down to the wardroom for a cup of coffee. Though alert shipmates snapped him momentarily to his senses, he did it again every fifteen minutes, until finally they restrained him for good with a well-knotted line length of manila line. At one point the strong and able Frank Cantrell declared in full basso profundo, 'Object ho!' Bob Copeland lifted his head with his hands. 'What is it, Cantrell?' the captain asked. "'I see a big white cottage on the beach with green shutters,' his chief quartermaster said. He took no small amount of umbrage to the derisive laughter that greeted his announcement. "But there were just as many men whose derangement arrived without announcement. When they decided to leave the raft in the dark of night without any word to friends, no one knew to intervene, and they were never seen again."

The first one forth of the book is about people that were at Leyte Gulf. But you have no idea how they fit into the story until later. The battle is incredibly interesting and well written. The last one forth is an endless story about swimming after the ships have sunk and sharks. Far too much on that part of the story. The last of the book tells what happened to the folks after the war. Overall, I gave it 4 stars. If the Leyte Gulf battle is of interest to you, it's a good read once you get past the introduction of who is who.

In October of 1944, the Japanese threw the remainder of their naval power into an attempt to destroy MacArthur’s invasion of the Philippines, particularly the landing on Leyte. In a three-pronged desperate operation called Sho-1, employing powerful naval task forces under the command of admirals Nishimura, Kurita, Shima, and Ozawa, the Japanese sought to stall the American island-hopping advance. While Ozawa martialed Japan’s remaining fleet carriers in hopes of drawing Halsey’s Third Fleet north, away from its position blocking the San Bernadino Strait, the other three Japanese forces would advance on Leyte in a pincer movement from north and south. When Halsey took the bait and left his assigned station to chase north after Ozawa, the only thing standing between the massively powerful Japanese fleet and the Leyte landings was Taffy 3 (Task Unit 77.4.3) consisting of 6 light carriers, three destroyers and four destroyer-escorts, under the command of Admiral Sprague. Hornfischer’s fascinating book details the heroic stand of Taffy 3, which faced the largest battleship in the world whose 18” guns had a range of 20 miles, plus three more battleships armed with 14” guns, six heavy cruisers with 8” rifles, two light cruisers, and eleven destroyers. The 5” guns on Taffy 3’s small force had a range of only about 7 miles, and their shells were insufficient to put even a dent in the armored sides of the Japanese battleships and heavy cruisers. And yet Taffy 3 slowed the Japanese onslaught, and eventually caused Admiral Kurita to lose his nerve and withdraw. The author does a superb job of introducing the reader to the human combatants, from cook to admiral, primarily on the American side. The book is full of riveting first-person accounts of the fear and courage of the men of Taffy 3, sailors and airmen, as they faced the devastating punishment of an opponent that overmatched them in every category except courage. Hornfischer points out it was a battle of firsts and lasts: first time in history that an aircraft carrier was sunk by a surface fleet, and the last time this sort of surface melee involving battleships ever happened. His writing is superb: you can feel the spray and the concussion from the Japanese shells as they straddle the ships of Taffy 3. If you enjoy military history, this is a must read. Five stars, highly recommended.

Headline says it all, if you are remotely a military history buff, a naval buff, a history buff, or all in between, or all of the above, this guy is a must read. He covers the over all portion, and infuses it with individual stories to create a true picture. Honestly, it rare I would give any author this kind of credit but he covers all bases and writes a cannot stop read book. If you haven't read him, he's a must for any military history reader. For starters this is a true triumph of David and Goliath, Alamo, and a modern last stand if the 300. Just read it and prove me wrong

I am a bit of a history buff, so I try to read history books pretty often. But the problem I often have, especially with books on military history, is that they tend to be kind of dry. A lot of talk about troop movements that I have a hard time envisioning in my head - like I need to have an interactive map right in front of me all the time if I'm going to make heads or tails of it. Plus discussion of military vehicles, and this or that caliber weapon... All kind of gets pretty boring to me. I want to hear about the PEOPLE. And that's exactly what this book gives you. I was a little worried in the first few chapters. While they had interesting stories in there, there were still hints of your typical military history book. But then the battle came. A blow by blow, chapter by chapter description of the Battle off Samar, detailing what was going on on each of the ships and with the individual sailors involved. You become well acquainted with several of the individuals involved. To be honest this is the first military history book I've ever read where when I finished one chapter I had a hard time putting the book down - I wanted to read just a bit more to see what happened to these men. Of course the battle makes for an interesting story all on its own, but I wish all history books could be this exciting.

At first before I committed to buying the book (Kindle) I was a bit reluctant, but I had it in my "to read" bucket list for over a year. I was really intrigued by this story Battle off Samar, I never knew about. This was an amazing event that is tucked away in a small corner of WW2 stories. an absolutely courageous string of events that truly are heroic in my mind. I did enjoy the epilogue outlining what happened to some of the men after the battle, recovery, wounds heeled and back home stateside. To me this is important to know what happened after these men finished there duties and went home to try and get back to normalcy. I have read several of James D. Hornfischer's books and really enjoy his writings. i do recommend this book to any WW2 buff. The only disappointment I had about this book was, there is not one picture of anything related to the ships, or the men that sailed them. I do enjoy seeing some pictures during a read.

This is a great telling of a naval battle that happened near the end of WW2. The America Navy was out gunned and out maneuvered. Halsey (who was never punished for this) took off in search of personal glory and left a couple of destroyers and destroyer escorts, along with four small carriers defenseless against a major Japanese battleship force. This small group of people were the only defense for an invasion force that Halsey was supposed to be guarding. Rather than just run off, these brave and heroic men not only stood their ground, but they attacked the enemy and in a surprising turn of events, they eventually drove the enemy off. But not without a heavy cost. A very heavy cost.

I knew a gentleman who had served in Escort Carriers as a 20mm gunner. He had been blown off the Liscome Bay in the Gilberts invasion, then was assigned to the Gambier Bay in time to blown overboard again at Samar. Joe had only told me the basics of his experience, but this book filled in all of the details that he didn't. It was a very hard time for the survivors, and I can see why he had held on for so many years strongly. My salute to Joe Stroshneider, and all of the others who served their country then.

Review copy was a new paperback I was a bit disappointed with The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, only because I had seen reviews giving it higher marks than Hornfischer’s Neptune's Inferno which I had previously read and considered the best naval warfare book ever. Nevertheless, Last Stand is a fabulous account of the experience of the sailors of Taffy III during the Battle off Samar. The focus is largely on the experience of individual sailors with many anecdotes that put the reader in the midst of the carnage and many photographs of the men. I only wished there was a bit more of what was happening in the chain of command beyond the immediate combatants and a few more maps to illustrate the ship movements (there are only 3 small schematic ones).

What an incredible read! Before getting into details, I would highly recommend Hornfischer's book to those interested in WW II, naval history, anyone with a WW II veteran friend or family member (living or deceased), or anyone who would enjoy a truly great tale about heroic action. The October 1944 Naval Battle of Samar has been well documented, so why pick James Hornfischer's book to learn about it? First, the author has done extensive research, including many primary sources, which he then uses well. He sets the stage, takes the reader through the battle in detail, describes the aftermath and rescue of survivors, and briefly follows the veterans through the following decades. I particularly liked the vivid descriptions of the destroyer charges and ship engagements; he left me with a clear mind's-eye view of the action, noise, chaos, and extreme courage required to do what those sailors did. In telling the story, Hornsfischer picked out several key characters and follows their rolls throughout the battle and aftermath. You get an intimate look at various rolls the individual sailors had on the ships during the unbelievable carnage of sea warfare. It really helped drive home what that type of action was like and what the horrors of battle could do to a man. My wife's 93 year-old uncle served on the heavy cruiser Salt Lake City in the Pacific during WW II and saw a terrific amount of action as a very young seaman. He has talked about it some and the tales are amazing, right in line with this story. This book greatly expanded my understanding of what he probably endured and I am very grateful to the author for this book.

The author captured the story just right. Some WWII naval battles incorporated so much detail that the story was lost. Hornfischer did not allow the many detail to detract from the overall story. I learned a lot and enjoyed the story at the same time. Blood and guts in enough detail to appreciate what those young men went through. Enough detail about the leadership to understand why some decisions were made, how the personalities impacted their decisions. After reading the Tin Can Sailors I looked for more books by James D. Hornfischer and spent time on the phone with a good friend and former naval officer discussing the ships, the battle, the crews on destroyers.

The last major naval battle in the Pacific could have gone either way, particularly since a feint that sacrificed the last of the Japanese carriers to lured away the Third Fleet battleships that protected the northern flank of McArthur's invasion of Leyte, and opened up the route for the northern prong of Japanese forces, which were thought to have been defeated and withdrawn, to attack the transports and smaller Navy ships supporting and protecting the ground invasion of Leyte. The smaller ships stalled the larger Japanese forces at great expense to themselves, particularly the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), the "destroyer escort that fought like a battleship." The Japanese ran out of time to escape the Third Fleet's return and continuing air attacks based on Leyte and the small escort carriers and withdrew without attacking the landing support ships. This battle ended the Japanese navy as a major force in WW II. Large sections of references and research notes are included at the end.

If you are a devoted reader of Word War II history, or of the history of the US Navy, or both, this a must-read book ! This book is concerned exclusively with a 3 hours period known as the battle of Samar, off the coast of the Philippines, in October 1944. In a desperate gamble, the Japanese navy launched its biggest ships, including battleships and battle crusers, at the US Army landing on the beaches of the Leyte Gulf. The line of defence of the US Navy was very thin, only a handful of destroyers and 6 small-size, second-rate aircraft carriers. And yet, the US prevailed and the Japanese withdrew with great losses. This book is quite interesting as it provides both a high level view of the battle and the strategy of the parties before and during the battle, and an on-board view, from the point of view of the officers and sailors whose life is a risk. It makes for very gripping reading.

This a part of story of the war in the Pacific that I had not read about in detail. It is a riveting tale of jeep carriers and their heroic defenders; destroyers and destroyer escorts. Due to the incompetence of in theater Naval commanders , this group had to take on the entire strength of the Japanese surface fleet , American 5 inch guns and jeep carrier aircraft against Japanese destroyers, heavy and light cruisers and the largest battleships in the world. Jeep carrier pilots after dropping their bombs or torpedoes turned back to strafe massive battleships bristling with antiaircraft batteries, with their .50 cal machine guns. A must read!

If you are a military history buff, once you start to get into it, you put the rest of life on hold and finish it. Great first-hand detail. Great wrap-up. Only ding I'd give it (and it's a minor one) is a bit more detail about the chaos surrounding the various planes trying to find a flat-top to land on and get re-armed, and how they deal with mix-and-match ad-hoc airgroups. I think it was the Manila Bay that serviced craft from 11 different air groups, and had planes from as many as four different carriers at the same time. American enthusiasm and "get it done!" attitude at its best.

One of the better books written about WWII battles. Difficult to put down, but long enough to encompass major points of the last greatest David and Goliath battles of World War Two. Don’t pass this one up. Caveat, it will be difficult to find another book of this magnitude. With humor interwoven among the suspense, it is too good to overlook.

Fist, this book is very readable and hard to put down. The research that went into each ship, it's sailors, officers, pilots and its fate is detailed and amazing. I have read many books about the Pacific war and all say things about the stand in Leyte Gulf but few have much to say about how that stand was made and how effective it was, or how other units did not come to their aid. Why, on the cusp of victory did the Japanese fleet suddenly withdraw? There are reasons here. If you are at all interested in the Pacific part of WWII then read this book.

This is such an incredible part of US Navy history. I read the book in 2 days, interrupted only by involuntarily falling asleep. The suspense and intensity of battle is sit at the edge of your seat level. I am so impressed that I've given about 18 copies to veteran friends and other acquaintances who love history. I've followed by reading other Hornfischer WWII books.

Lately I have been reading WWII books that feature eyewitness and participant accounts. I have not really gotten into the Battle of the Philippine Sea so I purchased this book. It was one of the best that I have read. The background of several participants was included, the action was seen through the eyes of the sailors on the ships and pilots in the air, and included Japanese accounts. I recommend it to anyone who is keen on military history. Absorbing. Casts some shadows on my perception of Admiral Halsey.

A historical book about the battle off Samar Island, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The book is well documented and highly readable due to the numerous descriptions from eyewitnesses who survived to tell the story. The heroism of destroyers, destroyer escorts and individual pilots fighting to save six escort carries is simply incredible. These small ships threw themselves against cruisers and heavy battleships, despite the knowledge that their chance of survival was nil. The destruction of ships and men was the consequence of Bull Halsey's decision to chase after aircraft carriers. The description of the survivors drifting at sea for days and enduring attacks by sharks is well done. Highly recommended.

I bought this for my 95 year old Father who is in the VA Palliative Care Unit at the VA. They have been on COVID lock down for over a year. He served on an aircraft carrier along side the "tin cans" in the Pacific. He has diminished vision so can no longer read and his hearing is poor but we got him head phones to hear the audio books and he is thoroughly enjoying this set as he fought in nearly all the same campaigns. He is planning on sharing this set when he is finished with the others in his VA unit as he just found out that several are also Navy veterans who also served in the Pacific.

I enjoyed this read. I had planned on reading it this winter while on vacation but looked over the book and then couldn't put it down. As a side not, my wife also read this and has a better understanding of what life was like on a WWII designed destroyer sailing in the 60's and 70's. Her comment was the author should have his wife do a book from her experience as a Navy wife in the Vietnam era. If you sailed on a tin can you should enjoy this read. It brought up a lot of memories I had forgotten about during the past 50 years.

I am not a person who reads or watches war stories. My husband is a Navy Vietnam vet. He told me if I wanted to know what it was like on a ship to read this. I was amazed at these men's bravery in standing up to a Goliath in battle. Was definitely a page turner. I also learn a lot about what it was like to serve in the Navy. I think people think that the Navy was a cushy job. Well, after reading this, the Navy service men have my utmost respect. No where to run on a ship. God bless the US Navy.

This is a fascinating story and it is largely well narrated. It concerns one of the four major encounters that collectively make the Battle of the Leyte Gulf fought on October 23-26, 1944. The book focuses on the Battle off of the coast of Samar Island that on October 25 pitted much of what was left of the surface vessels of the imperial Japanese navy (including 4 battleships 6 heavy cruisers and an assortment of smaller vessels) under vice admiral Takeo Kurita, against an American task force of 3 destroyers, 4 destroyer escorts and 6 escort carriers under Rear Admiral Clifton Sprague. Despite the huge force differential in favor of the Japanese, the American boats and planes inflicted considerable damage, sinking 3 heavy cruisers while suffering the loss of 1 escort carrier (a second one was lost to Kamikaze attacks), 2 destroyers and 1 destroyer escort. “In no engagement in its entire history has the United States Navy shown more gallantry, guts and gumption than in those two morning hours between 0730 and 0930 off Samar” was the justified verdict of Samuel Eliot Morison. The bravery of the American sailors and pilots convinced Kuriita that he was facing a force much stronger than what was actually the case and therefore not to press his attack toward the landing sites in Leyte. “Outfought by pygmies he yet thought he had conquered giants” was the comment of a later historian regarding Kuriita’s performance. Remarkably this episode is not a well known “because to celebrate it too vigorously would be to criticize Admiral Halsey”. Indeed the Battle off Samar would not have taken place if the commander of the 3rd fleet had not taken it with him in a northward direction and in pursuit of the force of Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa that was used as a decoy. As the Commander in Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet, Chester Nimitz, who believed that Halsey had blundered, was later to say in private “It never occurred to me that Halsey, knowing the composition of the ships in the Sibuyan Sea would leave San Bernardino Strait unguarded”. The battle is well described mainly from the point of view of the participating sailors and aviators while just the right background is provided regarding the strategic situation and the outcome of the related Battles of the Sibuyan Sea, and of Surigao Strait. Unfortunately this excellent book did not get the editorial attention it deserves. The phrasing is often infelicitous while personages suddenly appear or disappear (unsurprisingly, there is a large number of these as the battle was fought by many people over a considerable body of water) .

This is a well written and researched account of one of the historically more obscure battles near the end of WWII. It is a long read but the author does a fine job of developing the characters involved and describing the sacrifices made by the officers and men of these expendable ships. This is a book every snowflake and socialist wannabe needs to read. It defines the words “sacrifice” and “devotion” in such a way that perhaps even they could understand. I you’re interested at all in the history of the PTO, this volume will be a worthy addition to your library.

I first picked up this book at a friend's house in 2008 because his father had fought in the battle. My friend had bookmarked the places where his father is mentioned. This is probably the first book where I have an connection, even if it is two steps removed, to an actual battle. It's one thing to read about Gettysburg (1863) or Jutland (1916) or even Fallujah (2006); it's another to meet someone who fought there. I read the entire book for myself and finished it. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We will meet the enemy with little hope for survival....this is an inspiring history by James Hornfischer. Knowing that they were the last line for the survival of Taffy 3 --three American destroyers along with four destroyer escorts met the might of the Japanese navy. Out gunned by four battle ships., several heavy cruisers, and 11 destroyers, these sailors met their duty with little hope of survival.. This is a truly amazing history of the tin cans and the iron sailors of Taffy 3.

This is a well written, caring, and scholarly history of an important WW2 naval battle. It is also a respectful telling of how everyday men act in concert to defend others during war at sea. This is what makes this a very good read. It is not a dry list of historical facts. It is the story of how men can rise to be heros. Anyone thinking of joining the military should read this book for it will open your eyes to what type of person you must be prepared to become. God Bless Them All.

A well told story about one of the truly important navel battles of world war 2, what could have been a disaster for the Americans but due to bravery and sacrifice by the men of Taffy 3 became almost a victory. The writer obviously has spent a lot of time in research and investigation to weave together a chronological story about this historic battle. It looks at things from all sides, the Japanese, American, the good and the bad on both sides. I really enjoyed this book and have no doubt that I will read it again down the road to savor all of the details once mor.

Gripping account of a relatively unknown naval battle, a battle that few know about, and everyone should know about! Grabs you with the first words and never relinquishes it’s grip! Words cannot express the deep appreciation and admiration I feel for the men who threw themselves into the gap to rout a vastly superior (in numbers and firepower, but not in heart) Japanese naval force! The fact that, to this day, Japanese accounts of the engagement consistently overrate the size and strength of the American naval force which opposed them is itself a testimony to their heroic actions! This nation owes a tremendous debt of gratitude, which it can never hope to repay, to the men who took part! If Midway was the turning point, the Battle off Samar Island (and the other battles associated with it) was the hammer the drove the Japanese Navy into the depths of the Pacific Ocean that was once its playground! The fact that this achievement was ‘single handily’ spearheaded by the men of a couple of destroyers and a destroyer escort is San amazing fact that turned the ‘last stand’ into the ‘rousing victory’ of the ‘tin can sailors!’

Superbly told true story of the greatest mismatch in naval history, which occurred during WWII, with a paltry collection of US DD, DE, and CVE fighting off a Japanese battle fleet, including the super battleship Yamato, 10 times its size. In depth research, numerous first person accounts, a great overview of the setting of the engagement, and numerous unbelievably gripping stories lead to an account I found impossible to put down. Naturally, 99% of the account is from surviving US sailors, but the author gives a good analysis of the Japanese and a few unbelievable details, such as the sailors of a Japanese destroyer saluting surviving members of the immortal DE Samuel B Roberts, much to their surprise, as they passed them in the water. As is true in all of the author's books I have read, he takes a great story and tells it unbelievably well. You can almost feel every explosion, hear the conversations of the men on every one of the ships, and experience the agony of "Sammy B's" captain over the death of so many of his young sailors. I dare anyone to read this book and not be astounded and moved by the bravery and humanity of the men involved and the stunning violence of modern naval warfare.

I have been reading books about the Second World War for more than forty years. This is the first book that I have ever read on the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Having finished "The Last Stand of the Tim Can Sailors", I was surprised that I had not heard more of this battle. I think James Hornfischer is correct that in our narrative of the War in the Pacific, it goes against the flow to acknowledge a near disaster. In our popular narrative, Guadalcanal is the last close battle. Leyte Gulf puts too much of blemish on Chester Nimitz. "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" is everything one could want in popular history. It is beautifully written and opens up an obscure chapter of the Pacific War. This was a really pleasurable book and educational book. Highly recommended!

I served as a RD3 on the USS Miller DD535 as a Reservist from 1959 -61. Loved being a Tin can sailor. Did not know of the Heroic history of Samar as written so well here. Inspirational and somber reading of the Aggressiveness of the Tin cans against the big Japanese ships. The author so well documents the events and personnel. Highly recommended reading and tribute of Leadership, survival in shark infested waters and sacrifice. After Miller I was commissioned became a Naval Flight Officer retiring as a Commander. Have. so much respect for sailors and especially those in our Navys history..

Having come to this book after reading Hornfischer's incredible Neptune's Inferno I am not disappointed. He deftly puts together a story of heroism and provides an excellent picture of the two opposing navies, how they thought and how they fought. Had a great moment of serendipity while reading this when I found that Joe Downs, a tail gunner in VC-65 on the St Lo, who is quoted in the book, had been my middle school industrial arts teacher! We called him 'Tailgunner Joe' back then because of a picture by his desk. Little did we know. Rest in peace, Mister Downs.

The writing is not as compelling or well organized as that book. Also, I came across numerous technical errors and misunderstandings when the author strays into aviation topics. He could have used a better advisor to tell him what a turn and bank indicator actually does, for instance. He is also a bit dim on American torpedoes and their problems in WW2. Pretty good read, but he’s done better.

As the son of a WWII Navy Veteran, I grew up re-living South Pacific battles and I'm still interested in reading about them to this day. I bought Jim Hornfischer's book anticipating enjoying a good read of exciting stories but never knew what was really in store for me. I was engrossed in one story when I realized that it was VERY familiar; I had heard a first-hand account from my father many times. When I got to the part about the sailor trying to wipe what he thought were another's brains out of his eyes, I was literally saying out loud, "Beans, it's not brains, it's beans!" Being able to relate to several stories on a personal basis through my Dad made it more special but even without that connection, Hornfischer's writing weaves a great, very readable story that is a key part of American history and Jim absolutely brings it alive!

It's hard to overstate the thoroughness and the subject of this book. A truly inspiring tale; IMHO a lesson for our time. Fighting against impossible odds in order to win a war; not just a battle. We owe so much to these men (and women in other theaters) that it's impossible to do anything except honor their memory. The author did a great job of bringing history to the present day and providing courage for today's battles.

This book brought tears to my eyes. What a very great tribute to the greatest generation of fighting men, facing an enemy so strong but with courage, grit determination winning the day. Anyone reading this book will be moved, feel very proud and blessed. I thank all those who fought gallantly so my generation can have the freedom we have today. To the author, you wrote a book so good I can almost taste and smell the Pacific waters on the ships boughs.

Hornfisher has written a riveting account of the Battle off Samar where 3 destroyers and 4 destroyer escorts faced off against 4 battleships, 6 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers and 11 destroyers. Engaging a vastly superior surface fleet, the brave men of these vessels engaged the enemy at point-blank range protecting a task unit of six escort carriers (CVE's--known colloquially as Combustible, Vulnerable, Expendable). This is a book you can't put down--Hornfisher has written a masterful account of the battle. While watching the recent (2009) Star Trek movie, I was struck by the similarity to the Battle Off Samar. Young Kirk orders pursuit of the nefarious Captain Nero without a plan and with almost no chance of success. His pursuit order concludes simply with "Either they go down, or we do." In ordering the Johnston to close and attack a vastly superior enemy, Captain Ernest Evans was quoted as saying: "A large Japanese fleet has been contacted. They are fifteen miles away and headed in our direction. They are believed to have four battleships, eight cruisers, and a number of destroyers. This will be a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can." This was absolute devotion to duty. This was not fiction--this was the real deal. Hornfisher has written a masterpiece in capturing the action of this pivotal battle. A must read.

Thoroughly researched and given a careful touch of humanity through individual profiles, this work is worthy of the heroes who faced down the Japanese surface fleet at Samar. Last Stand is highly readable, entertaining, informative, and dignified. It honors the staunch sailors who sacrificed for the victory without glorifying them, leaving the reader with a balanced perspective on the individuals as well as the overall battle. Hornfischer has become a name to look for when pursuing W.W. II naval history and hopefully he will continue to illuminate this fascinating period of naval combat.

Easily the definitive work on the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The incredible heroism shown by the brave sailors of Taffy 3 as they drove off the mightiest Battleship ever to plow the waves. At great cost. Just incredible. Hornfischer takes you into life on each ship. Gets you to know how the ships work. Lets you meet the crews, And then takes them into Battle Against insurmountable odds.

Great book with the truth from the people involved instead of the fables from history. It is a miracle we were not destroyed by the Japanese due to the arrogance of our leadership. In actuality, not much seems to have changed from then to present time. The powerful never seemed to be punished for their arrogance and stupidity that gets people killed.

I read this book after reading his other wonderful book,

Read this book in one sitting. The naval battle off Samar is so remarkable in so many ways. Three destroyers and three destroyer escorts charged a Japanese fleet consisting of four battleships, six heavy cruisers, and elven destroyers. In a battle that seemed to guarantee a Japanese victory and a staggering setback for the landing at Leyte Gulf, exemplary courage, tenacity, and small advantages stopped the Japanese fleet. Hornfischer goes beyond tactics and weapons to the character and motives of the sailors who fought Goliath.

I've read a few books, both non fiction and historical fiction that covered this naval engagement. This one had terrific detail about the various stages of the battle - identifying by ships and maneuvering each separate engagement. It also contained several personal stories of sailors on each of the US ships. This combination of macro and micro views of the battle set it apart from the others and made it a great read.

I bought this as a Kindle book. Having seen several tv shows regarding the Battle of Leyte Gulf I was very interested. This book was awesome for someone wanting to know more of the David vs Goliath battle. The story itself is incredible. The book let's you get to know to some degree the personalities involved, the heroism on display and the events that lead up to the Battle. Anyone interested in military history or naval history or heroic behavior on display, this is a great read, complete with maps, charts and links to references. I can't say enough good things about this book, except it made me wish I could personally thank the personnel that sacrificed for our country that day.

I first learned of the Battle off Samur years ago, reading Herman Wouk's War and Rememberance. This non fiction account is even more dramatic and personalized, thanks to the extensive documentary evidence available to the author and his ability to interview survivors, albeit many years after this action. The author does a great job of giving the reader a perspective of the grand strategy and huge scale that the Battle of Leyte Gulf employed, while also transferring the individual personalities and almost claustrophobic perspective of individuals trapped in personal battles for survival. Finally the survivors stories, leading up to reunions of these gallant men 40 to 50 years after the battle are moving in their own right. I especially appreciated the number of maps included in the book - as well as they fact that they could be easily zoomed into etc via the Kindle/iPad software. It is a shame that politics and institutional amnesia, as well as the notable modesty shown by veterans of the Greatest Generation, have prevented this story of initiative, bravery, respect and leadership from becoming more broadly known. Indeed, it should be required reading for all potential leaders, military and non, as its emphasis on humanity, duty, judgement and compassion shows what real heros are made of.

And, who cares about the disjointed accounts and "loose ends" and other so-called problems that another reviewer complains about. This is a tale of a long-ago battle, in which the participants didn't really have a lot of time to make sure they got all the dots and crosses on the correct letters. This is a tale of combat, and the hell on earth it is. This is a tale of everyday guys from all over the nation, who had no idea what was headed their way, and who handled it in such a way that I ,for one, would be very proud and humble to meet. Guys who did more than their job, gave more than was asked, and (those that survived) came back to resume fruitful lives without complaint. It also briefly, without making a big deal of it, the failure of the top echelon of "leaders" and the hurriedness of the Navy to cover up. And, not surprisingly, those that suffered because of the lack of leadership and the coverup did not complain! No doubt about it - these were MEN of the finest caliber!! As for the author, well... I'll order every book he's already written and every one he writes in the future!

The detail was very complete, the narrative pedantic, yet somewhat overblown, in my opinion. I've read many histories and novels of ships, men and naval actions, tactical, strategic and operational. This tactical history is full of facts, but lacks the spirit of what drove these men. I did not finish the book.

It is the first time that I have read a book by this author. It is among the best books on WWII that I have read. He provides background on the very brave men who fought in this battle, they are not just statistics. A must read for any history buffs with an interest in WWII, a remarkable telling of an extraordinary naval battle.

The desperate struggle for survival of the Taffy task groups is well documented in this fine book, focusing on the brave officers and men of the little guys, the destroyers and destroyer escorts. These vessels challenged the Imperial Japanese Navy's best battleships, cruisers and destroyers in a suicidal defense of the jeep carriers that were the only protection for the transports off the Leyte beachhead. While detailing the incredible bravery and resourcefulness of the escort men, it does not leave out the airmen and the sailors of the tiny escort carriers who fought off the overpowering Japanese force with whatever they could throw at them. Sometimes, pilots dove at the battleships with no bullets in their guns and no bombs to try to distract or divert the oncoming big guns and torpedoes of the Japanese force. The most distressing irony of the ultimate victory by these men was the failure of the US Navy to mount a timely rescue of the survivors left floating in the ocean.

If ever a musical score were to accompany the telling of a tale, surely The Navy Hymn comes to mind for the story of this epic battle at sea. "Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!" In the same way that one can hear this solemn tune in one's head, so also do images of how it must have been to see first only the observation masts of the world's largest battleship, the Yamato, emerge over the horizon even before its own escort vessels came into view. Not only was this the biggest bully in the neighborhood, it came with an overwhelmingly lethal gang . This book must be read in order to feel the impossibility and certain painful outcome this visage portended. The Navy Hymn still says it best: "...And give, for wild confusion, peace; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! "

Hornfischer wrote this before I read "For Crew And Country" written by John Wukovits. These stories intertwine and I was apprehensive that they would be duplicates. NOT SO! Hornfischer's book tells the entire story and Wukovits' book concentrates predominatly on the USS Samuel B. Roberts. I was floored by how much better I understood the entire battle after reading "The Last Stand Of The Tin Can Sailors". This book was written with so much research and detail that I compare these two books as "equals".

This is a solidly written and thoroughly researched account of American seamen on a variety of naval ships taking on the Japanese Imperial warships which include two of the largest ships of war ever built. It takes place well into World War II at a time when Japanese military leaders sensed the momentum on the side of the Americans. They decided that the Philippine Islands had to be held at any cost. As the Japanese sensed the American naval buildup and ship movement toward the Philippines they decided to defend the islands with the most formidable naval force ever assembled. The book describes the top level planning on both sides and names the admirals and officers involved. You will meet the sailors by name and learn the name and type of naval vessel each was on. You will be aboard as the two forces take up positions to begin to implement each of their plans and strategies. Soon the bombs began to fall, the torpedoes run straight and true, the big ship's guns throw huge explosive charges miles across the sea all seeking to destroy the enemy. Finally comes the loss of life, damaged and sinking ships, suffering, WAR. Incredible reading, historical learning, and a great appreciation for real heroes.

I was not familiar with the story of Taffy 3 and its epic battle against the vastly superior Japanese battle group that chanced upon it until I read this book. What a story it is! If this had been written as fiction or shown on the big screen people would have dismissed it as being too fantastic to be real. The actions of the destroyers and destroyer escorts, and the men who crewed them that day, and the aircrews of Taffy 3 are brave beyond belief. The book is well written, fun to read and the action can be followed easily. The book highlights some key factors in the battle including the huge advantage of radar directed gunnery enjoyed by the US ships and the fog of war that kept the Japanese in the dark about the nature of the vessels they were engaging (the Japanese mistook the destroyers for cruisers and the Taffy 3 escort carriers for fleet carriers). Other reviewers have noted that there is little exploration of Halsey's decision to chase the Japanese decoy force and that some of the naval terminology is not accurately represented. As to the former I would have liked this to have been examined in more detail, but given the books focus on the men and the action I can understand why more is not said. As to the latter I am not such an expert on naval warfare that this detracted from my enjoyment of the book. A very good book and an easy read.

This is a well- researched and told story of American Naval leadership, teamwork, courage, and willingness to pay the ultimate price when faced with impossible odds during the strategic attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy known as Sho- Go 1 in October, 1944. The attacking IJN Center Force under Admiral Takeo Kurita comprised of 3 battleships, 2 super- battleships, 10 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers and 2 squadrons of destroyers intent on attacking and destroying MacArthur's transports and beach landing force at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. What is now known as the "Battle off Samar" is the story of how three US Navy destroyers, a Destroyer Escort, and the pilots of the various air squadrons attached to Taffy 2 and 3 screened six vulnerable light carriers led by Rear Admiral Clifton "Ziggy" Sprague, initiating near- suicidal torpedo attacks against a vastly superior force. Author and historian James Hornfischer describes the action in a compelling, yet understandable and personal way. The reader connects with many of the officers and crew members of the USS Hoel, USS Heerman, USS Johnston, USS Samuel B. Roberts, and the airmen of the VPN's as they counter- attack the rapidly advancing Japanese main line ships despite overwhelming odds. Taffy 3 faced near- certain annihilation from this aggressive and powerful attack, yet five of six carriers survived the gunnery of the Japanese during the morning of October 25. The stories of personal valor, dedication to duty, the heartbreaking suffering and loss of Navy seamen and fliers and their ultimate victory is an under- told story well worth reading. It is also noteworthy that this is the final naval engagement where surface warships fought with main gun batteries salvo- to- salvo, including the massive 18- inch batteries of the Japanese super- battleship Yamato. It is unlikely that this type of engagement will ever be fought again when one considers the stand- off combat tactics employed today by modern navies. This is a book well worth reading!

This is a must read for anyone interested in the history WW ll. I read this because the title caught my attention. About a year after I read this book I discovered the husband of one of my wife's friends was on one of the ships in Taffy 3. I've known Bill for a few years and he never wanted to talk about his service. About all I could get out of was "The navy didn't need me to fly so they made me a meteorologist". I gave him the book to read, he did, and he still says "What I did wasn't out of the ordinary. We all did what we had to do, that's all". All they did was save thousands of lives and shortened the war! They were too young to know they never should have lived to the end of the day. Many of them still don't, many of them didn't

Very detailed account of a naval battle that would not have effected the outcome of the war, even if Japan had won. It does paint an in-depth picture of the bravery and dedication of members of our Greatest Generation and what they were willing to do to preserve our way of life. Hopefully, books like this will help us to remember and appreciate the men and women who served in World War II.

This book tells, in gripping detail, of the fighting and sacrifices of the men on the U.S. destroyers that were the beginning of the end for Japan. This was the largest surface battle ever fought, and "Tin Can Sailors" tells the story of how a few smaller ships held off a fleet of ships far larger than themselves, and led the way to vuctory. It is a gripping narrative that honors those who gave "the last full measure of their devotion."

A very good and accurate historical review of the battle of Samar, when a few American destroyers and escort destroyers battled many larger Japanese warships and contained their advance, and so protected the disembarquing troops in the Phillipines. They payed a high price for their gallantry, but the Japanese suffered a very important defeat. A must read for those who want to understand one of the most important battles that happened in the Pacific in WWII.

I love to read about World War II. I believe it is the most significant event (or collection of events) to occur in at least a thousand years. Following the close of World War I, evil in the persons of Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito and others rose to power and attempted to enslave the world. Without the efforts of the free United States of America they may have succeeded. At Pearl Harbor, Japan did indeed awake the "sleeping giant" in a number of ways. Not only did we unleash our industrial powers to the war, we came to realize the freedom of the world was at stake. Valuing our freedom as we did and still do, ordinary US citizens joined the military in mass willing to risk their lives to stop the evil and preserve our freedom as well as the world's. The skillful recording of all the facts in these events regardless of their political correctness or popularity makes great history and compelling reading. The Battle Off The Island Of Samar in the Philippines is told in such a way by James D. Hornfischer. He does not shy away from detailing a huge tactical error committed by our country's favorite admiral of that time. Thus the stage is set for unequaled heroic action in the face of overwhelming odds. With only a few destroyers, destroyer escorts and escort carriers this small naval group attempts to defend our invasion forces which are intended to retake the Philippines. They lack fleet carriers, battleships and cruisers which were pulled from the area and they face a huge part of what's left of the Japanese fleet including battleships, heavy cruisers, light cruisers and destroyers. Success and survival are unlikely. At this time, "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" is the best World War II book I have ever read. Fiction could never measure up to this reality. I can't praise this book enough. It is a tribute to the survivors and those who died in this battle.

At a time when too many people think it's a military failure if we haven't finished winning a war by such and such a date, it's useful to go back to a time when the United States not only COULD be defeated on the battlefield, but very nearly was. At a time when hardly anyone can imagine the United States losing militarily, it's useful to remember how American military forces that ASSUMED they were going to be defeated reacted: they fought back so savagely and so courageously that (to their undying astonishment) they succeeded in driving off a vastly superior force that could have and SHOULD have annihilated them in short order. This result is even more astonishing when you realize that the American forces engaged were NOT special elite units, but were instead ordinary, run of the mill examples of the bulk of our armed forces. (The reviewer hastens to state that he means no disrepect with these comments and would prefer not to have 80+ year old veterans threaten to beat the living crap out of him, though they probably can.) Mr. Hornfischer has done a spectacular job here telling what certainly is a spectacular story that while well-known to us history buffs has for too long not received the public attention it deserves. Can SOMEBODY in Hollywood please, please, PLEASE make this story into a quality movie? (Sigh.) Probably not. Note: a few reviewers have harped on Mr. Hornfischer's mistakes. Now while there IS some merit to this (else how do they get corrected in later editions?), ripping Mr. Hornfischer a new one for this says more about said reviewers than it does about Mr. Hornfischer.

The author starts before the battle, discussing the ships, the officers & men (seems not all the captains & officers who displayed such gallantry were actually all that popular with their men), takes the reader through the battle, and then takes us through the WHOLE story by discussing the survivors in the water battling sharks (and not always winning) and waiting (too long) to be rescued. Hornfischer also ably discusses why the US Navy's, perhaps, most gallant moments of all time (DD and DE's taking on heavy cruisers & battleships!)were essentially supressed for many years in order to cover up Adm. Halsey's screw up. The author also discusses Adm. Kurita in a fair manner- not just as some cardboard cut out figure who screwed up by turning back when victory was at hand. The author shows that thanks to the sacrifices of Taffy 3, and the ability of other "Taffys" to join in on air attacks, Kurita's future success was far from certain. Still, I can't help but conclude that the author ultimately lets Kurita off too easily. Despite the risk of air attacks massing against him, Kurita should have pushed through to try & destroy MacArthur's landing bridgeheads. Its not like Kurita could justify conserving his forces for another, more successful, future opportunity. Note a mistake by the author. He twice says that the Gambier Bay was the only aircraft carrier sunk by surface fire in WWII, before finally correcting himself by stating that it was the only US carrier so sunk. The author skips over the Germans sinking a British aircraft carrier earlier in the war in Scandanavian waters.

If you've read his Neptune's Inferno you know Hornfischer can do a pretty marginal job at times, but I recommend The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors to anyone interested in WW II history. This order is my second one I've given away so I'm going to have to order a third copy to keep in my library.

Aircraft carriers and (sometimes) submarines get all the glory in recounting the Pacific war, but the clear lesson in James D. Hornfischer's retelling of the Battle of Samar is that the men of the tin cans deserve our thanks and appreciation too. As does Hornfischer himself, for producing this engrossing book. "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" is a work of meticulous history. Thoroughly researched and filled with first-hand tales from men on both sides of the conflict, this is a textbook, so to speak, example of how this kind of history should be done. At the same time, it's also a great story, wonderfully told. Hornfischer's narrative skills are impressive, and the action, characterization, and pacing here match or exceed any war-at-sea novel you're likely to pick up. If there was one place where the story seemed to drag a little, it was in the recounting of the experiences of survivors on life rafts after the battle. But that may be due in part to the fact that the experience itself was hardly action-packed. Plus (intending no disrespect to the brave men on those rafts), one survival-at-sea story is a lot like another, and I've read a number of them. But even this is hardly a drawback, so strong is the rest of the book. On the whole, this book fully deserves the many raves it's been receiving. It covers all the bases: not only shining a thorough light on a sometimes-overlooked corner of the war, but doing so in a way that's both historically solid and narratively riveting. Serious historians and casual readers alike should definitely treat themselves to this one.

I think it would be hard to find another book with as much research, detail and personnel accounts about the Battle off Semar as this one. Included are many personal details of the sailors lives. It also includes detailed accounts from some Japanese sailors to give a more in depth look from the Japanese side of the Battle.

This is perhaps the best historical Naval Pacific War book there is. There are many good books that are historical overviews of the US Navy Pacific conflict.

I am a history buff. I have been since I was in elementary school and WW II was what interested me most. I read everything I could about it. During that time I read about the Battle of Samar and the heroic efforts of the Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts of Taffy 3. This was one reason I wanted to join the military and specifically the Navy. As soon as I got out of High School I joined the Navy and was able to visit the Memorial to Taffy 3. When I found this book I couldn't get it fast enough. I devoured it and I cried over it at the sacrifice of the sailors that came before me. This is an INCREDIBLE account of an EXTRAORDINARY victory of the US Navy. I can't recommend this book strongly enough, you will fill with pride for our Navy's victory and you will mourn for the terrible losses of these brave sailors and their ships. I can only hope that this book is made into a movie so it will reach the masses and our country will come to understand what this battle meant.

The Lat Stand of the Tin Can Soldiers is a riveting and true, story. And it is more riviting because it is true. While not written b y a professional author, the writer nonetheless paints a very good word picture of the men who served on the destroyers and destroyer escorts -- the tin cans --and gives us a good account of the various phases and aspects of this battle in the South Pacific during World war II between far superior Japenese forces and the vastly outgunned and outmanned smaller American warships. It is a saga of courage and bravery, of planning and a little luck that seened to be mostly on the American's side during these running battles. And it was one of the major battles in the Pacific that helped turn trhe tide of the war

These men fought their little ships against a powerful enemy without regard to their own safety. They couldn't outrun them, they couldn't out shoot them, they couldn't hide from them. They could only demonstrate a courage to take the fight to the enemy which turned a certain defeat into a strategic withdrawal and a substantial reduction of the Japanese naval effectiveness. The Tin can sailors demonstrated this bravery in both theaters of World war two.

I read a lot of books, but don't write reviews on all of them. And very few get five stars. I served in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1993, both as enlisted and officer. The vast majority of my 13 years as an officer on surface ships was on the "small boys", the frigates and destroyers that bear the names of naval heroes of the past. This book is a brilliantly written, superbly researched tribute to the men of Taffy 3 who, in late October 1944, off the coast of Samar, fought and performed their duty "...in the highest tradition of the U.S. Naval Service". I truly appreciated the opportunity to learn about this battle, and these men, through the efforts of this wonderful author.

Well told incredible story of the greatest naval valor in battle that every happened. A handful of America's smallest ships turned back a massive fleet (including the battleship Yamato) during the American invasion of the Philipines during WWII. I'm naming my next boat SAMAR TRIBUTE.

Kept my attention throughout well written and backed up with some very thorough research. If your WWII naval hero is Bull Hallsey after reading this book you might have second thoughts. He does not come off well nor does the naval command especially when it came to rescuing the true heroes of the last great sea battle in which the U.S. forces were completely outnumbered and seemingly outgunned. Literally left to die on their own many survived not only the battle but two to three days of floating in the South Pacific fighting the sun,the sharks and the jellyfish. Many of the were in horrible physical and many suffered from delusions . It is amazing that any and is a testament too their immediate commanding officers and the spirits of all the men. One of the best books o n WWII. One of the best books that really shows what hero ism is about

A great story of the courage and bravery of a small band of "tin cans" and "slap them together" escort carriers made from modified cargo ships. They were forced to face one of the most powerful fleets of Japanese surface ships ever to be faced by the US Navy. The book concentrates on the bravery of Taffy 3, and makes little mention of the contribution made by the planes from Taffy 2 and somewhat from Taffy 1. These aircraft had the opportunity to load ordnance more appropriate for ships, where the aircraft of Taffy 3 were loaded primarily with ordnance appropriate for ground troops. Most of the Japanese ship's damage was due to aircraft from Taffy 2, although the harassment from inappropriately armed Taffy 3 planes, and the sacrificial attacks from the escorts of Taffy 3 certainly contributed to limiting the loss of Escort Carriers in Taffy 3 to only one.

This book tells the storey of the sailors and pilot's of Taffy 3, also Taffy 1 and two. Against a superior Japanese force of battleships, heavy and light cruisers, destroyers the out gunned americans not only held their own, but inflicted heavy damage on the enemy ships. Their courage and stout defense of the American carriers kept them from destruction. The death and destruction on the American ships was horrendous, the loss of life great, both during the battle and the survivor's time in the water until they were rescued. They faced sharks, heat, lack of drinking water and many had terrible injuries. I stand in awe of these men and their courage. No fiction written .could compare to these true events. If you like history then read this book.

This book is quite possibly the most brilliantly researched and written book I have ever held in my hands. The story of the Taffy 3 sailors who found themselves in the gun sights of a vastly superior Japanese force but fought back with everything they had brought tears to my eyes. No one need ever wonder why this cohort of young men who fought through the horrors of WWII is referred to as "the greatest generation." For anyone interested in naval history or leadership or, for that matter, teamwork, this book is an absolute must. All Americans today can consider themselves the direct beneficiaries of a group of sailors who all but rewrote the standards of courage and bravery under the most blisteringly hostile conditions imaginable. I have recommended this book to my friends in the strongest possible terms short of standing up and screaming at the top of my lungs. It is flat out stupendous, an absolute gift from the author.

I felt the beginning pages tedious with too many unnecsessary explanations. None-the-less, it was one of the best books concerning our navy in the Pacific that I have ever come across. Though factual in nature, the tempo was more like that of an adventure novel. Between reading sessions, I found myself anxious to resume reading to see how a particular situation developed. I recommend this book without reservation .

Having heard the author speak at the Fall Symposium on the War in the Pacific at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas I expected a great book and was not disappointed. The book is a vivid reminder of precisely what our freedom costs and how valiantly and completely so many gave. A must read for those interested in why we are what we are.

As a military veteran who had an easy career and was never shot at, I was humbled when I read this story of American men and boys who sacrificed their all for their country and their shipmates. I cannot imagine their agony and suffering during those nights and days of the battles and awaiting rescue. Thank you for portraying such a vivid picture. It will remind me everyday of the debt I owe to their sacrifice.

Wonderful details went into this book about the stories of young and old men who lived well and died well. The account of the battle for some who do not know is a mad chase between a far stronger Imperial Japanese force and a small American force. These American sailors took on massive ships.

What a story! A story of courage and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds is what you will read in this excellent book on the battle off Samar island and Leyte Gulf. Once I picked the book up, I had a hard time putting it down. It drew me in to the story of the Samuel B. Roberts, a destroyer escort that attacked a Japanese heavy cruiser, to the story of the Johnston steaming off to attack another Japanese heavy cruiser, to the Hoel that went after a battleship. They all went into harms way with courage, perseverance and recognition that their futures were in danger - but without a thought for that. This is a great book that not only highlights the destroyer actions but the actions of the Avenger torpedo planes and the fighter planes who attacked the enemy battleships with everything that they had available including .38 caliber pistols. In the end, the book suggests that the Japanese retreated because of this continual onslaught of aircraft and if they hadn't it would have ended with the destruction of their last naval vessels of any signifance. If you read any book on the naval war in the Pacific, this is the one. All the other books are good, and many are excellent, but this is the best.

I bought this book after I found out that Joe Downs a good friend of my fathers (RIP both of them) and my 8th grade industrial arts teacher was in this book. I had heard second hand from my father about Joe's exploits as the rear gunner on the TBM avenger off the USS St. Lo that first discovered the Japanese task force sailing towards them. So I had a personal reason to read this book but beyond reading about Joe, this book was a highly interesting page turner about how the often forgotten sailors and airmen assigned to destroyers, destroyer escorts and escort carriers fought off an overwhelmingly superior Japanese task force using incredible courage and innovation. The pace is quick and there are multiple stories from the men who took part in the battle giving you a first hand look at the battle in often harrowing terms when you can almost see the carnage as it unfolded. This book is a great tribute to one small group of our "greatest generation" and I thank James D. Hornfischer for immortalizing them in the wonderful fashion in which he did here.

Not much I can add to other fine reviews except to say this book had me from the first chapter. When DDs Johnston and Hoel and DDE Roberts turn to attack battleships and cruisers (the Roberts' displacement was roughly that of one of Yamato's turrets), it makes for compelling reading. History readers will quickly relate Taffy 3 as a naval parallel to the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry on July 2 at Gettysburg (see: Richard Moe's "The Last Full Measure: The Life and Death of the First Minnesota") -- Sacrifice of the few for the preservation of the whole. Hornfischer departs from the action to paint a portrait of the who and why early in the book, and suggest some honor and fault at the end (e.g., "Hall-ass" Halsey taking Ozawa's bait?) The book is sufficient in detail but not overburdened - it's a good and fast read. Maps are adequate to help the reader stay on course as well.

This is a truly outstanding book, very well researched and very well written. By the last page, one comes to know the men who fought and died in the Battle off Samar in a very personal and moving way. I cannot recommend it more highly, nor can I imagine a more outstanding or brave group of people than those sailors of the United States Navy who were there and made such profound sacrifices. I shed more than one tear, broke out into more than one huge smile, and raised my voice in more than one excited cheer reading this. James Hornfischer deserves a rousing cheer, as well, for producing such a wonderful account this piece of U.S. naval history. Thank you, Mr. Hornfischer.

I have read this book twice now in the past year. The story is so well written that you almost feel like you were there. I wish that when you read about the U.S. Navy World War II actions in the Pacific that the story of this battle was more prominent. The very sad part is that when senior leaders in any branch of service makes a mistake it’s the young and the lower ranks that primarily pay the price. If I could give this book 6 stars I would. I highly recommend buying this book and reading.

So much death and destruction with many of our Countries young men lost to a ruthless and unforgiving war. So Sad and it's something that should NEVER be forgotten. Generations need to remember what happened so it's never repeated and to remember ALL that was lost that can never be reclaimed. Too many did because men can't seem to get along.

Very well written story of the actions of Taffy 3 at the Battle off Samar. Its clear that Hornfischer spent a great deal of time interacting with the men of Taffy 3 to get their stories and it shows in the many small details that really makes the action sing. My biggest disappointment with the book has nothing to do with the book and everything to do with the Kindle edition I downloaded to my ipad. Where are the pictures? From the text of the book, its clear that there are quite a few photos included in an insert in the physical edition. Completely missing from this Kindle edition. Given that photos have been included in so many other Kindle editions, I have to wonder about the exclusion.

The accolades for this book you find here are extremely well deserved. I will add to the cheerleading only by saying that this book is without a doubt, the single best book I have ever read concerning any aspect of the war in the Pacific. And I've read a LOT of it. It is literally impossible to put this book down once the action starts. Too bad more of naval history isn't written by this author. I have read many books on the Battle of Leyte Gulf that left me scratching my head in frustration as the author utterly fails in his attempt to relate to the reader a complex and disjointed narrative of one of the most complicated battles in U.S. Naval history. Not so with this Last Stand. BTW, I have been trying to plow through Lundstrum's "First Team" for what seems like forever. Talk about a great story ruined by a guy who has no flair for writting. But back on topic and in conclusion I will say that this won't be the last time I read Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors. As far as Lundtrum's book, well, I'm really looking forward to finishing it and making a paper weight out of it.

In reading some of the other reviews, I understand there are some factual errors and I suspect this is true of most other historical accounts of about anything. Indeed, this is a modern book and it's written and reconstructed from a battle 60 years ago. I certainly appreciated the comments made by those folks to the reviews here. Despite that, I think the writing style and the human angle makes this an exciting story to read and makes it easy to visualize what it must have been like to experience this battle close-up. It's hard to imagine the kind of determination of the destroyer (small) and destroyer escort (smaller) captains and crews to face down the large battle force that Taffy 3 unexpectedly encountered. I've read other accounts of this battle, but this book was far and away more lively and human-based. The author has written a compelling story of the heroes of Taffy 3 and told a story that I have not yet appreciated - what the destroyers did in WW II. It's an awesome story and repeated in other battles during the war.

Great book, speaks to a forgotten, or never given the full recognition battle, the last great sea battle. Ship to ship, gun to gun. Shows plain ordinary Americans can rise to any occasion and perform at supernatural levels. As an ex sailor it gave me a proud feeling and realization that America owned the Pacific Theater and the triumph was inevitable. Very informative, wonderful read.

The series of naval battles that took place [n October, 1944, off the island of Leyte, Philipines, has been thoroughly covered and studied for years. This book covers a small group on Naval vessels off the island of Samar. While the overall battle is covered, what happened to these ships and the people on them are the real subject covered here. Fighting a vastly superior Japanese fleet, In spite of getting severely punished this small fleet put up such a vigorous defense, it convinced the Japanese commander that his best course of action was to withdraw. Mr. Hornfischer's portrayal of many of the individuals who took part in this engagement is outstanding. To read how it really was in a life-and-death situation cannot be surpassed. For an insight into how American sailors of all ranks and specialities coped with this very dicey situation, all Americans can be proud of the way they performed.

A detailed account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle off Samar. The story builds a scenario of sailors and their ships, first from the personal perspective and then of their vessels. The second part takes the USN task force to the scene of the engagement and the horror of the naval duel between the Japanese heavy force and the vastly out-gunned "tin cans." It describes in detail, Take Force Taffy 3's attack that prevented the Japanese dreadnoughts from influencing the outcome of the Philippine invasion. Having met inevitable destruction by the Japanese fleet, the surviving US Sailors endure the continued horror of waiting for rescue that came too late or many. The story is a testament to the valor of the Sailors going in harm's way against a vastly superior force with unbelievable results. The story captures attention and grips the reader. The only problems I had we're trying to keep the order of battle and individual Sailors straight. I also needed to go to Google Map to get the larger picture of the area of engagement. Illustrations of the men of war would have also been helpful. Finally, while the focus is rightly on the US force, a bit more description of the Japanese may have Ben helpful.

My first ship during my navy career of over 20 years was a ww two dd the USS Laffey DD-724 one of if not the best one i served on. Even tho i went on to serve on bigger ships including a air craft carrier i will always cnsider myself a tin can man.

We have all seen movies and read about the heros of Normandy, Iwo Jima, The Bulge etc. I had only learned a little of this naval battle when I read a book about Nimitz, Halsey etc. I am in awe of the brave sailors who fought in this battle. Their heroism stands second to none, in my opinion. Maybe I have just not been that much into naval history, but I had never even heard of this battle before. The story of how these tiny, in comparison, destroyers charged headlong toward the huge Japanese battleship forces in order to try to save their own fleet of escort carriers stands as one of the most brave acts I have ever heard of. The book starts slowly as the author spends a lot of time delving into the lives of some of the sailors involved in the battle. But, once the action starts, it is riviting. What these men did and what they went through as they were being pummeled by the massive Japanese cruisers and battleships during the battle and then after as they waited for rescue, darn near brought me to tears. I would highly recommend this book for anyone that is interested in WWII history.

I was amazed reading about the sea battle at Samar between the American navy and the Japanese. So much to learn and process about that battle on the high seas! A very comprehensive encounter of different ships and the heroic part they played in the sea drama. A very detailed story of what took place during the sea battle of Samar! Fascinating! So much bravery!

This book did a great job explaining the US/Japanese Naval action in and around the Philippines in WW2, and the disaster that almost befell the US Navy at the hands of the desperate Japanese Naval forces and their last ditch effort to stop the US power push into Japanese territory. Great insight into the personal struggles of not only the common sailor and airman, but also the interactions of the commanders and the struggle to clear through the "fog of war" by each individual captain. This is one of the greatest naval stories that is rarely touched upon in history books. James Hornfischer does a great job pulling this action together, in both the big picture and small picture. The book comes with maps and some photographs to help you follow the action. Get this book you won't be disappointed.

My father and two of his long-time friends whom I knew, were there - though none were mentioned by name in the book. Over time I amassed a pretty fair 'oral history' about the Battle off Samar and what it felt like to be part of 'Taffy 3', at least from their perspectives. Since I knew already just a little bit of the story, I started reading this book amid some minor skepticism whether or not it would recount individuals' stories well. Let's just say that, had Dad and his buddies, may they all rest in peace, seen this book, they'd probably have said "That's me! I said that!", more than a time or two. Maybe just a little dramatic in a phrase here and there, maybe states 'probabilities' as fact a time or two, but other than that I am sure that no better book on this event exists. I've been in a naval engagement myself, though nothing like the one in the book, and as I read I sweated a little, shuddered a few times, and... stayed up all night reading the book the first time because I was 'with' the poor *****s that got their ships shot out from under them. Hornfischer knows how to write a book and does adequate justice to the people, on both sides, who were there. Get it. Read it.

Deutermann is one of my favorite authors. I've read everything he's written, including his fictional account of this battle. Spellbinding as it was, it can't begin to compare to this author's account. How many times have you read a reviewer's " this is a must read"? Well, here it is again... You'll be diminished if you miss it!

Fast paced, intense struggle of smaller US Destroyers and Destroyer escorts charging immense Japanese heavy Cruisers off of Samar near the Leyte Gulf in WWII. One of the very best war histories I have ever read, and I have read many.

This is a story of unbelievable acts of courage by Naval officers and men in a little-known sea battle in WWII. Can you imagine the sight of 1,250 ton US destroyers ATTACKING 15,000 to 50,000 ton Japanese cruisers and battleships? The battleships had 16 and 18 inch guns with a range of 22 miles. The US destroyers had 5 inch guns with a range of 5 miles. And the destroyers attacked! And can you imagine the small "escort carriers" less than 1/3 the size of "real" aircraft carriers, sending their planes, over and over again, against a huge Japanese armada? Why did the American sailors do this? They were defending MacArthur's invasion fleet that was attempting to re-take the Phillippines, and had been abandoned when "Bull" Halsey took his carrier force on a wild goose chase leaving the invasion fleet unprotected. This book will bring a lump to your throat. The heroism is absolutely, stunningly, unbelievable. I have read it twice and will read it again in a year or two. Read this and weep for the heroes that gave their lives in this remarkable event in our history .

In other books dealing with the war in the Pacific I had read some details about the battle off Samar Island, but they didn’t have the details Jim Hornfischer’s book has. I learned not only about the men on both sides, but the capabilities of the weapons and ships in Kurita’s Center Force and the escort carriers, destroyers and destroyer escorts in Taffy 3. The author also deals with the aftermath of the battle in which hundreds of US sailors were left in the water for 2-3 days. As a result many died. It reminded me bit of what happened to the USS Indianapolis just 3 months earlier. A great book that I highly recommend.

I have recommended this book to everyone I know. Of all the WWII histories I have read, this book stands out as the best in every way. You cannot read this and not come away with a feeling of unpayable indebtedness to such men as it portrays

I have read historical accounts of the battle off Samar and what the American destroyers did on that fateful day in 1944, but this book takes the reader on board with the brave men who fought and died. Mr. Hornfischer captures the heart and spirit of the American fighting man when faced with almost certain death by engaging an enemy who has overwhelming strength and power. I am an old Tin Can Sailor myself, having served on a destroyer like the ones in this story, and I believe this book presents a true image of life and conflict on one of these old warships. I can relate to these men, but I am nowhere near their level, as they achieved status far beyond what most of us mere mortals did in service to our country. Thank you, Mr. Hornfischer.

If you are looking for a detailed account of all the men, that fought and died in the heroic naval battle in the liberation of Leyte Gulf forces from the Japanes Fleet, you will not find a more detailed account than this epic version.

There's not enough room to say everything you should say about this book. Which is to say, every American should know what happened that day, and this book does a remarkable job of telling the story. From learning about how warfare works, to understanding the consequences of war, to seeing men do what must be done while knowing they were not coming back, to watching people make terrible mistakes, taking credit for things they didn't do, etc., etc., etc.... Life lessons. Every high school kid should have to read this, and we should wonder if today's generation would act with this kind of commitment to country and shipmates. A book you can't put down, and that you will think about forever.

Every so often you read a story about what makes our country so great. This is a story that just should not have happened, but, it did. Young men rose against unbelievable odds and persevered and overcame. The very best our country had, has and will always have. This should be required reading for every young man and woman to teach that sometimes you just have to say not today, not here, not now, we will never surrender. May GodBless these men and their families.

James Hornfischer's THE LAST STAND OF THE TIN CAN SAILORS is a meticulously researched and finely written account of the WWII naval battle of Samar. Widely regarded as the US navy's greatest surprise victory, the US Taffy 3 (northernmost escort carrier unit of the 7th Fleet) force found itself at daybreak on October 25, 1944 confronted with an overwhelming Japanese force. Faced with short odds, the Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts of Taffy 3 decided to charge and fight rather than turn and run. The book tells the story of the destruction, and yet ultimate triumph, of the "Tin Cans" which took on the enemy giants. More geared towards for military history buffs in the first part, the book gains speeds in the second part with riveting detail of the mind-numbing two hours of conflict followed by the gruesome survival in the water while waiting for rescue. A very nice tribute to some true American heroes.

As a retired destroyerman I ached and cringed each time the author told of an artillery round striking one of these gallant vessels.I awarded the book 5 stars because that was all that was offered. If I had the option of 10 stars, I would gladly have given it a 10. Thank you for writing this story of courage and stubbornness.

Not often focused upon, this battle showed the fighting spirit of the US Navy, even its smaller forces, in the face of overwhelming odds. Often overlooked in the Leyte Gulf landings, this "sideshow" was integral to the defeat of the Japanese fleet.

I'm reading this book on my Kindle. The story is really excellent but illustrations leave something to be desired. I served on a Destroyer during the 60's. Destroyer sailors are a close knit group so I can relate somewhat to what it must have been like to get into a sea battle. I too was a projectileman in an after twin 5 inch 38. I never realized what little effect they had on larger ships. We did practice antiaircraft fire and sea going targets but seemed to concentrate on shore bombardments. I'm impressed with the characters in the book and really admire the skippers who embraced battle as they did under such odds. Book is pretty impressive.

I think this is one of the best books about the true meaning of courage in the face of overwhelming odds. It felt you were part of the task force

While there are several small technical errors pointed out by other reviewers, the book is an excellent look at the battle and the sailors who fought their ships against overwhelming odds. Having served in Destroyers (USS Berkeley DDG15 and USS Henderson DD785) I can attest to the personal feeling of belonging to one of these small, but mighty fighters. Author Hornfischer takes us from the manning up of these ships in the United States, through the little known battle off Samar, all the way to the reunions decades later. The narrative takes the reader through the personal side of Tin Cans and their crews. The actions of these ships had much greater impact than their size would indicate. For anyone wishing a close look at Destroyers, or a rememberance of having served, this book is a must read.

Having served in the Pacific Naval activities after the close of the Second World War, I appreciate the details of my fore fathers in that experience . So THANK YOU to the author and his contribution to my understanding of what others experienced in that military sphere!

I'd like to start off by thanking the History Channel for introducing me to this fantastic story. I first learned about the Battle off Samar via an episode of the show "Dogfights" titled "The Death of the Japanese Navy". My mouth was agape while watching the story unfold, as I had never previously heard of the gallant actions of the men of Taffy 3. Quite shameful, because I consider myself a student of history, not to mention a former anchor-clanker in the USN. Why my teachers never thought it prudent to mention this chapter in history is beyond me. This story is more incredible and fascinating than the most fanciful work of fiction. It's replete with twists, turns, irony and lessons for the ages. It's beyond amazing. I'd like to thank Mr. Hornfischer for bringing the story to life in my mind's eye with exceptional detail, and a more complete rendering of the story. Most importantly, this book, as are all of Mr. Hornfischer's works, is historically accurate, yet incredibly well told. It was not boring, dry or slow at any point. I could not put this book down. Now I'm no fussy-pants, sissy-britches emotional type, but on more than one occasion, I caught myself wiping tears away from my eyes while reading about the brave actions of the men on the Hoel, Heermann, Johnston, and Samuel B. Roberts. Talk about true grit! What patriotic American wouldn't be moved to tears reading about the brave actions of medal of honor winner Lcdr. Ernest Evans defiantly swinging his tiny, hopelessly outgunned ship around to face a looming enemy armada threatening his shipmates. Like an angry, enraged grizzly bear, his tiny little ship issued a severe mauling to the Japanese heavy cruiser Kumano, blowing a huge section of her bow clean off, and effectively taking her out of the fight. Talk about David slaying Goliath, holy cow! This book should be required reading in schools. Instead, kids have drivel like "The Catcher in the Rye" foisted on them. I think acquainting youth with the selfless actions of men like this would go a long way towards making people think more about others. Honor, duty, selflessness and commitment. These guys had it in abundant supply. My final word on this book...get it...read it, and keep the kleenex nearby. There will be tears!

Recounts in great detail, without being tedious, on how the U.S.Navy won the War of the Pacific and was instrumental in defeating the Japanese Navy, but at great cost. Unbelievable Courage under fire!

Lordy, I didn't think any non-fiction history/action read would ever thrill me as much as "Heart of the Antarctic", E. Shackleton's tale of the FIRST expedition (The "Nimrod") led by him, but I'll be damned if this book doesn't do just that. Like Shackleton's one hundred plus year-old thriller, this both moves and electrifies. Absolute highest recommendation!

Increadible factual stories of the horror these heros went through moving across the dangerous oceans with little or no protection. The survivors told their stories so we could all see what they went through to free Europe and so many islands and countries that Japan captured. They are the reason we are all free!

Gripping from start to finish! You are there as Ernest Evans turns the Johnson into the teeth of an enemy who’s single largest ship weighs more than all the destroyers and destroyer escorts combined. A must read of heroism, sacrifice, and unconditional bravery that was the standard of these men. You won’t want to put this book down once you’ve started reading it. 👍

"The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" is a graphic "blow by blow" account of a WWII battle off the Philippine Coast between a U.S. fleet and a significantly larger fleet of Japanese ships, including two of Japan's largest battleships. Unable to outrun the Japanese fleet, the U.S. sailors attacked with such ferocity that the Japanese believed they were being attacked by a much more powerful fleet. Hornfischer's account is a graphic account of the horrors of war, and a stirring tribute to the sailors who put themselves in harm's way. Especially impressive is Hornfischer's list of sources he used in writing "Tin Can Sailors" - this list includes everything from military films from the WWII era to interviews with the survivors of the engagement. "Tin Can Sailors" is a stirring account of heroism and honor amidst the insanity of war.

Outstanding book, anyone with NAVY service would love it!

Learned some new things about the naval battles in the Pacific. The story was told in an engaging manner that kept me in the action. Highly recommended for someone that enjoys history.

"The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" tells the story of the US Navy's battle of Leyte Gulf with the Imperial Japanese Navy. The battle of Leyte Gulf is also known as the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea. The book focuses on the naval battle off Samar. During the Samar battle the American Navy forces designated Taffy 3 consisted of thirteen ships (six escort carriers, three destroyers and four destroyer escorts). Opposing the Americans, the Japanese force consisted of 23 ships (four battleships, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers and 11 destroyers). The Americans were outnumbered and outgunned. The book is a riveting tale of American guts and glory against a vastly superior Japanese Naval force. The battle of Leyte Gulf is not as well known as the US Naval battles of Midway and Coral Sea, but Leyte Gulf was probably the biggest and most decisive naval battle of World War II.

Of the many, many books focusing on isolated incidents in WWII, this book stands head and shoulders above all but a few. It is a fairly straightforward narrative without any attempt to draw sweeping generalities about war, Americans, Japanese, culture or traditions. The authors approach is, here is the situation, here are the people involved (could have done a little better in this regard with the Japanese), here is the background, and here is what happened. Simple, direct and honest. The Americans got caught with their pants around their ankles. The Japanese, in overwhelming strength, could/should have destroyed the entire force--but they didn't. Why not? A very good read. Interesting characters, smoothly presented. Enough technical detail to make the narrative clear, but not enough to obfuscate it. Highly recommended.

Mr Hornfischer writes history from the perspective of a story teller. As a result the facts become alive and emotion charged and the reader is treated to what reads as a tale, but in fact is exhaustively researched and greatly detailed. As a lover of Patrick O'Brian's wonderful seafaring novels I found it interesting to compare the styles and find surprisingly that Mr Hornfischer compares very favorably. The result is a rollicking, fascinating page turner of a read. At times I simply could not put the book down as my emotions careened, spun and lurched from pathos to exhilaration. I find that the author's facts jibe with Samuel E Morrison's account in his excellent book "Leyte." Mr Hornfischer also includes accounts from participants of the events and therefore gives the reader an eyewitness viewpoint. No doubt this is in part what charges the narrative with such emotion and causes it to read like a novel at times. The author is not afraid to express his opinion about events, persons and details concerning this great sea battle and not being an historian I am unable to dispute or confirm his conclusions. I will say that they seem logical and well thought out. All in all I find this book to not only be a valuable tool in understanding the Battle for Leyte Gulf and especially the Battle off Samar, but an extremely enjoyable read.

I am constantly amazed at what a group of teenagers can do in a battle situation. In a matter of minutes scared kids turn into heroes and brave captains did the unexpected that turned the tide of this battle. Great writing style. The only issue I had was the maps didn't show up very well on my Kindle so I just googled the battle and looked up information on the ships, maps etc. The book is longer than most, but I was not eager to get to the end. There is so much information from differing perspectives in this book that you just can't cover all of the moving parts in this battle with a few pages. Each ship and commander is viewed and then woven together in this epic battle. One of the best books I have ever read on the history of war. Bud Kiebler Franktown, CO

James Hornfischer is rapidly becoming my favorite military history author. This is the third book of his I have read and it continues a tradition of excellent writing. I pot caught up in the excitement of the narrative. Hornfischer has a talent for telling a historical story through the voices of those who lived. The book is well worth the read!!

writer put all this touchy-feely biographical stuff in about the sailors. it was slow moving at the rate that I couldn't get interested enough to keep reading

Truly American Sailors High Point. A small task force of light Carriers and Cans are jumped by a large task force including most of Japans heavy hitters after a bait dangled in front of Adm. Halsey, he bites and is lead off on a goose chase like a rooky. Taffey3 ran as hard as they could in lines circles and anything to not be where the shells were. Shooting everything they and the planes had till they confused the Japs so badly they retreated. Reads like a John Wayne and Robert Mitchum Movie. A can duking it out with heavy cruisers and first line battle wagons. Book in very readable shape with small ware on one corner of jacket.

Spectacular book about the greatest and most incredible battle between small destroyers and its escorts, against the big fleet of the japos. The tin cans won, leaving behind too many brave heroes.

A very good account of a suicidal attack by the "Small Boys." But they are big in the scheme of fleet operations. Horfischer looks at a part of the fleet that is often overlooked. The aircraft carriers and submarines get most of the print. Read his "Neptunes Inferno" for an excellent account of Naval Operations in the Guadalcanal campaign

I've heard about the heroics made by the WWII destroyers but this is the first time I've read such a great description of what they inflicted and endured. With such bravery and heroics along with technical superiority there was no way the USA could lose. This book gives the big picture of what is going on and then puts you in the ships side by side with the brave men of those ships. It's great details make for exciting reading without overwhelming the reader. I yelled at Halsey, rooted for Sprague, and willed those DEs to make it out. Their victory was tremendous and unforseen. This book tells the story as it should be told! Gordon Makimoto

For readers who desire accuracy, completeness and excitement, this is probably the best account yet of the naval battle off Leyte island, when Adm. Halsey abandoned a relatively small fleet of Jeep carriers and destroyers that were guarding the Leyte invasion beaches and went sailing off with his heavy, fast carrier fleet to attack a Japanese feint fleet. The light force of Americans took on an attack by a much larger fleet of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers and managed to fight it off. Readers won't find a better written or better researched bit of history than this one.

The book tells of my personal hero (who also happens to be the great uncle of my best friend) Ernest E. Evans and his extraordinary contribution fighting the Japanese in WWII.

Character driven, the stories of these hero’s is interspersed with the technical data of ships, weather and battle plans in such a way that the story neither gets bogged down in detail or sappy with sentiment. This was a book that I had a hard time putting down for meals or sleep.

I knew a sailor, GM 1, who served on the USS HOEL, DD 533. The heroism, human carnage and a ship being shot out from beneath you, and then three days in shark infested waters. Terrible memories laced with heroic acts. I heard the stories first hand. This book gives a good over all picture of the Battle off Samar. It is well written with mostly straight facts and one I found very hard to put down.

There never was and never will be a naval action like this one. Tiny thin skinned destroyers and destroyer escorts racing to engage a vastly superior force. They went up "close and personal" against the biggest and most powerful ships in the Imperial Japanese Navy. The author takes you into the middle of the action. The true stores of courage and ultimate sacrifice while facing a determined enemy stir the soul and give full meaning to the phrase "American Warriors" most of them very young men and many who were teenagers.

I don't think I could add anything to the praise that has been heaped on this book. It is not only well researched, it is tremendously well written and accessible to those not familiar with navy terminology. The situation was so incredible and and surprising that it seems almost fictional. The bravery of the men on both sides is well reproduced. I was almost gasping for breath after reading certain sections, and it has that effect of hanging in the back of your mind for a long time after reading it. Highly recommended, almost essential for a grasp of the feel of naval combat.

This is an extraordinary book for sure. The detailed description of the last great sea battle in history and the sailors who fought it. It really brings home the incredible men that fought in WWII on small ships against huge Japanese man of wars. Having served on a destroyer escort in the 1960s, built in the early 1950s I can appreciate the fight to keep the WWII ships afloat and fighting with little weaponry for surface battles. The courage of the crews is remarkable. Anyone that wants to send American fighting men in to harms way should be required to read this book first.

A really good luck at one of the most important battles fought in the Pacific area. Amazing how well they did and the heart they showed.

No episode in WWII depicted the true courage of the destroyer fleet more vividly than this. It's a humbling book. Shocking at times, but always accurate.

As a Tin Can Sailor myself (Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club) I was held spellbound by this book. It was the first book in a long time that I could literally not put down. The author has done a LOT of research. It is a factual, historical account that reads more like an action novel than a dull history book. If you are into Naval history, you will NOT be disappointed by this book.

Wonderful portrayal of a hauntingly true story, the likes of which this book actually helps you imagine... as much as anyone can who did not actually go through such a heroic Hell.

Super reading as told by the actual participants. The total picture from "Taffy 3" point of view. I am a Naval Battle junky and enjoyed it very much. Was also a Destroyerman Gunner's Mate in Viet Nam. So I could relate. Fascinating !

In a nation that has become soft, where our heros are now volunteers and our politicians fail to support them, it was a pleasure to be transported back to one of America's finest hours. The courage of ordinary men who had ordinary and peaceful jobs into a fighting force that took on the most powerful task force ever assembled in naval history is both gripping and humbling. Hornfisher's narrative made me hear the shells and screams, smell the oil and salt air, and see the flash of the guns. A must read for anyone who thinks that there is romance in war. A triumpth of the human spirit that will make you want to find and thank a veteran of that conflict, before they rejoin their comrades who never made it home.

I'm glad to have the opportunity to add my voice to the many who have showered well-deserved praise on this book. As World War II and its almost unimaginable challenges and human losses recede futher into the past, books like this should be read by as many people as possible. The circumstances and details of the battle described by Hornfischer are mind boggling. It is so hard to believe that humans can endure and triumph under circumstances like those he so expertly describes. For anyone who wants to understand just exactly what humans are capable of achieving under horrifying conditions, you must read this book. I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Beautifully set up and documented as a handful of decisively out gunned destroyer escorts and "jeep" (non-attack) carriers takes on Japan's Yamoto, her sister battleship and eight heavy cruisers knowing it is unlikely they will survive. Incredible shipboard descriptions from real participants. History that reads like adventure fiction. Learn how US aircraft had to be rearmed at gunpoint at US bases, how Halsey was suckered out of position, and how MacArthur's political shenanigans delayed ship to ship messages by as much as 7 hours. Chilling. Enthralling.

Outstanding and detailed chronology of Iron Men on "Tin Cans" …. Making the best with what they had and utilizing their training and expertise to win !!!

At my husbands request, I looked for this book online and found it at a very good price. He cannot put it down. He is thrilled with it. Being a Navy man, it is very special to him.