Title: The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy’s Finest Hour
Author: James D. Hornfischer
First published November 12, 2003
499 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553381481 (ISBN10: 0553381482)
Rating: 4.33
Overview
On October 25, 1944, Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland addressed the crew of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B.
Roberts, telling them they were about to face overwhelming odds from which survival couldn’t be expected. The Japanese navy had sent its mightiest ships to attack MacArthur’s invasion force, and only a tiny American flotilla, including the Roberts, stood in their way.
In his book The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, James D. Hornfischer captures the intensity of the Battle of Samar, one of the most extraordinary naval engagements in U.S. history.
With vivid detail, Hornfischer paints a portrait of the men, strategies, and sacrifices that turned certain defeat into a legendary victory. Using previously classified documents and eyewitness accounts, the author creates a dire survival-at-sea saga that reads like a very good action novel.
Praised as one of the finest WWII naval action narratives in recent years, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves tales of American heroism and sacrifice.
About the Author
James Hornfischer was a writer with a passion for the Pacific war. He shared his expertise on various television shows such as The History Channel, Fox News Channel’s “War Stories with Oliver North” and C-SPAN’s “BookTV”.
He was also a sought-after speaker, often giving talks on the war in the Pacific, the U.S. Navy, and the experiences of American sailors in World War II. He was proud that his books were listed as required reading by the Chief of Naval Operations.
Originally from Massachusetts, Hornfischer graduated with high honors in German from Colgate University in 1987, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 2001.
He was a member of several organizations, including the Naval Order of the United States and the Navy League. He was even appointed as an “Admiral in the Texas Navy” by Governor Rick Perry.
Hornfischer was also a former book editor and president of the literary agency Hornfischer Literary Management located in Austin, Texas where he resided with his wife and three children.
Sadly, Hornfischer passed away on June 2, 2021, in Austin, Texas after a long illness. He was only 55 years old at the time of his passing.
Editoral Review
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer is a gripping and vividly detailed account of the Battle of Samar during World War II.
Hornfischer, a historian and author of several books on naval history, brings his expertise and passion to this extraordinary story of courage, sacrifice, and heroism.
The book follows the harrowing experiences of the sailors aboard the small and outdated American vessels, nicknamed “tin cans,” as they face off against a much larger and more powerful Japanese fleet. Hornfischer paints a vivid picture of the intense battle that took place in the waters off the Philippine Islands, highlighting the bravery and resourcefulness of the sailors who refused to back down in the face of overwhelming odds.
The main characters of the book are the sailors themselves, from the captains down to the lowliest seamen. Hornfischer does an excellent job of bringing these men to life, providing details about their backgrounds, personalities, and motivations.
He also sets the scene with rich descriptions of the ships, the ocean, and the weather, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors is not just a thrilling tale of naval warfare; it also has significant historical and cultural significance. The Battle of Samar was a crucial turning point in the Pacific War, and Hornfischer does an excellent job of contextualizing the battle within the larger context of the war.
He also explores themes of leadership, courage, and sacrifice, making the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in military history or the human experience of war.
Despite its many strengths, The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors is not without its flaws. At times, the narrative can be somewhat dense and difficult to follow, particularly for readers who are not familiar with naval terminology.
Additionally, some readers may find the book’s focus on the American sailors somewhat narrow, as it does not provide much insight into the motivations or experiences of the Japanese sailors.
Overall, however, The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors is a masterful work of historical storytelling. Hornfischer’s writing is engaging and evocative, bringing the reader into the heart of the action.
The book is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history, naval warfare, or the human experience of conflict.
Rating: 4.5/5
