by Ken Jones (Author)
Called one of the most inspiring stories to come out of World War II when first published in 1959, this epic account of Arleigh Burke's legendary Destroyer Squadron 23 is much more than a story of ships and their tactical deployment. It is a story of men in action--some four thousand of them--and how they lived and fought as a magnificent combat team. Ken Jones not only records their heroic deeds but helps explain what prompted those deeds, including the leadership qualities that fired the men into action.
Back Jacket
History has recorded many instances in which the right man was present at the right time to further a just cause and bring credit to his nation at a critical moment. This book tells the story of such a man and such a time. Commodore Arleigh Burke provided the fire of leadership that fused a squadron of destroyers into a superb combat organization - the gallant squadron of this book - a real fighting outfit with that vital combat ingredient we know as "fighting spirit". Fighting spirit, like leadership, is difficult if not well-nigh impossible to describe - yet that spirit is brought to life in these pages. Here is a narrative that captures the elusive and mysterious combination of human qualities that add up to inspiration, because here is a story of action, human action, and reaction, in the heat of battle.