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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 940
EAN num: 9780595422517
ISBN number: 0595422519
Label: iUniverse, Ltd.
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Ltd.
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 158
Printing Date: March 07, 2007
Publishing house: iUniverse, Ltd.
Release Date: March 07, 2007
Sale Popularity Level: 500989
Studio: iUniverse, Ltd.
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
On October 15, 1942, Japanese carrier planes attacked and sank the destroyer USS MEREDITH off Guadalcanal Island. When the attack became imminent, the crew of the accompanying tug VIREO was taken aboard MEREDITH. Of the 329 men, only 96 survived. For four days they struggled, combating dehydration, injuries, burns, shark attacks, and strafing by enemy planes.
Robert Robinson miraculously survived the sinking of MEREDITH. He served with Medical Officer Barry Friedman, on another destroyer, USS RUSSELL. Lt. Cmdr Robinson died in 2004 after serving in three wars. Dr. Friedman retired after a career as an orthopaedic surgeon and lives in San Diego.
'Although both a thrilling sea adventure and a fascinating historical insight into a little known aspect of the sea battle for Guadalcanal, Dr. Friedman's work is more than just a book, it is a heritage, something of great value that must be passed on to future generations.
'The Short Life of a Valiant Ship grants insight into the world of the `Tin Can' sailors of the US Navy's destroyer fleet, a group of very average young men from all across America who were lifted out of their peacetime existences to be plunged, half-trained, out-numbered and ill-equipped, into the most cataclysmic naval campaign in history, and of how they arose triumphant at a terrible price.
'’The Greatest Generation' is a phrase that has been much bandied about in recent years, but it's not a cliché, it's a simple truth.'
—James H. Cobb
Author of the Amanda Garrett Naval Thrillers; Choosers of the Slain, Sea Strike, Sea Fighter, & Target Lock
'I enjoyed reading The Short Life of a Valiant Ship very much. The miracle of this nation is that, for over 200 years, generations of' Americans have fought and died for the freedoms we all enjoy. It is important to revisit the time when the issue of the war in the Pacific was firmly in doubt and the odds faced by ships like USS MEREDITH were daunting. The manner in which the officers and men of MEREDITH responded to their challenges is inspirational.... A gripping story that is well told!”
—Rear Admiral Peter H. Daly, Assistant Chief Naval Operations for Information, Plans and Strategy
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Rated by buyers -
One survivor was a close relative of mine... At least one story of WWII survival won't be lost. Dealing with the Japanese who were strafing survivors is enough of an ordeal but to also have to contend with sharks, food and water deprivation, and watching your shipmates perish while waiting to be rescued for several days is more than most of would been able to endure. Well written and factual without a lot of embellishment.
Rated by buyers -
A valuable historical account of the attack of the USS Meredith during World War II, and the subsequent survivors. I found Barry Friedman's research into this event fascinating, not only for it's accuracy and detail, but as a gripping non-fiction tale.
Rated by buyers -
My great Uncle Bob was a wonderful man. His modesty, in life, allowed none of us to know the real tragedy he had faced in his life. He was a true American hero and I'm very proud of him. This book cleared up all the rumors I had ever heard about and the bit's and pieces of history we as kids heard while growing-up, here in the Pacific Northwest. If you like good reading and love our American Navel history, you will love this book. The men, my uncle's friends, should never be forgotten for all they did and how many of their lives ended on this tragic day. This is a good book for all ages to read. Thank You.
Rated by buyers -
This well written easy reading book details how a quiet young man from the farm became one of the most triumphant military heroes, surviving an ordeal that few have experienced. Because of this generation's trademark of getting the job done and not talking about heroic events, I was left wondering how many more tales are left untold? Friedman tells a story that helps those with little knowledge of military craft and world history understand and even become interested in knowing more. He adds an emotional element that may only be told by those who have lived through that time in history.
Not to be missed is the excellent bibliography, including excellent websites for more exploration.
Rated by buyers -
A fascinating account of the crew of the Meredith during WWII who having very first picked up survivors from another ship, the Vireo, then endured not only the sinking of their own ship, but the strafing of their liferafts by enemy planes.
One of the most poignant moments in the book was when a wounded officer in one of the rafts became disoriented. He stood up and said, "I'll think I'll go and get some cigarettes." Then he dove into the water, swam away and was never heard of again.
You can't help your amazement at the courage of these brave men. They just did not give up. When they faltered, someone always rose up as a leader to remind them of what they had to do.
For instance, the wounded were given space in the liferafts and the able-bodied men were in the water hanging on to side of the rafts. When a school of sharks began circling them, the terrified men scrambled into the rafts and, overloaded, they began to sink.
"Wes Singletary, the young bosun's mate, yelled for the frantic men to back off. 'Hell,' he shouted, 'They're nothing but sand sharks. They won't hurt you. Watch me get one.' He dove into the pack, kicking and spashing until the sharks dispersed."
We should not ever lose these stories of heroism. They are a valuable heritage for they remind us of what ordinary Americans are capable of when our freedom is threatened. You would think a book about a ship sinking and men enduring incredible hardship would be sad and dark, but instead it is filled with such good will and courage that it is inspiring. It helps us remember who Americans really are.
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