Admiral "Bull" Halsey
The Life and Wars of the Navy's Most Controversial Commander
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4.2 • 24 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
The definitive biography of America's best-known naval officer, who commanded the legendary fast carrier force during WWII.
From the tragic aftermath of Pearl Harbor, when he fashioned America's first response to the attack, to the war's final day in Tokyo Bay when he witnessed Japan's surrender, Admiral William F. Halsey stamped a mighty imprint on the Pacific during World War II. He led or participated significantly in the Navy's first offensive strikes against the Marshall Islands and Wake Island, the Guadalcanal campaign, and the offensive toward Japan. As a commander, he never shied from engaging the enemy, but boldly entered into battle, ready for a fight. As a consequence, Halsey became the face of the Navy and its most attractive public relations phenomenon. Due to his bold tactics and quotable wit, Halsey continues to be a beloved and debated figure.
In this balanced biography, historian John Wukovits illuminates the life of a man who ultimately deserves recognition as one the great naval commanders in U.S. history. Europe had Patton; the Pacific had Admiral William "the Bull" Halsey.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Popular military historian Wukovits economically and convincingly refurbishes a WWII hero inappropriately grown unfashionable. Contemporary evaluations of Adm. William F. Halsey present him as a media creation, whose heroic words and posturing camouflaged mediocrity. Wukovits, in contrast, describes the early career that persuaded Halsey of the sovereign importance of acting promptly, and with decision. The author stresses Halsey s ability to inspire loyalty and respect in his men, his skills as a trainer, and his success in developing harmonious interservice and interallied relationships. All were vital in the war s early stages, when odds were even and resources limited. Halsey s aggressive command style gave momentum and structure to the vital South Pacific campaign where, the admiral said, we broke their backs. Halsey then became, with Raymond Spruance, part of naval history s greatest operational command team. By 1945 he brought the war to the home islands of Japan with devastating surface/air bombardments. His mistakes at Leyte Gulf, while not trivial, reflected commitment to decisive action. Wukovits fully justifies Bull Halsey s place among America s greatest admirals.
Customer Reviews
Great book!
My favorite time period to read about is during the WWII era, with focus on naval history. This book was a fast and riveting read for me, and connected the stories of several other units that I was familiar with.
I would definitely recommend this book to any interested reader!
Halsey
Outstanding historical book. I'd recumbent anyone interested in the history of the Pacific War to read this book whether electronically or paper written.