As a first and second grader my favorite TV programs were "The Big Picture" and "Victory At Sea". An early start on a lifetime of WWll history interest. I have been particularly interested in operations that were small but significant (Doolittle Raid, Vemork heavy water raid). My favorite is the operation aimed at eliminating Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. This book is an accurate account of the methods used to learn of Yamamoto's itinerary and schedule in the South Pacific and the steps used to decide the possibilities that the information provided. Once action was approved, decisions as to exactly what actions to be taken, and who would be involved were set. U.S. Army Air Corp. pilots on Guadalcanal were chosen, and would be flying P-38 Lightnings. From the first news of Yamamoto's presence in the region to the execution of the raid was just 4 days. An around-the-clock effort to plan the attack by those in Washington, Pearl Harbor, and locally was complicated by the need for secrecy to keep the the Japanese from getting wind of it. Surprise was crucial. Brief histories of the pilots give an insight to who they were and how they came to be there. One of the pilots was Doug Canning, from Nebraska. He stayed in the military after the war, and retired from the Air Force as a Colonel. He eventually moved to central Florida, where I had the pleasure of getting to know him. We were in the same R/C flying club. A few years ago he became the last surviving pilot of the "Yamamoto Mission". He told me back in the late 80's who the group were sure actually shot down Yamamoto's Betty Bomber. Evidence that has come to light in the last few years (including that of Japanese pilots) that his assertions were correct. Doug's eyesight was exceptional, and it was he who spotted the Japanese bomber and fighter formation and broke radio silence to give the alarm. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a history or military buff, or anyone who enjoys a really good book. It goes into detail how authorities eventually gave the credit for the shoot-down, to pilot Rex Barber. I guarantee you'll like this book.Read full review
A great Documentry. It takes one of the greatest code breakings of WWII in the Pacific and uses it to assinate one of the greatest Adrimals of all times. After planning the suprise attack on Pearl Harbor and leading the Japanese Navy on some of its greatest victories He was a major target tops on the Americans hit list. The book is a must for any history buffs of WWII in the Pacific. Well written and a superb documentry.
excellent reading about little known event of ww2
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Excellent, detailed telling of the 1943 interception of the plane carrying Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the architect of the Pearl Harbor attack. The controversy surrounding which P-38 pilot actually shot down the bomber carrying Yamamoto has generated numerous articles and Davis gives a good deal of attention to the issue. His story-telling style and gradual weaving of the lives of the principal characters makes for good reading.
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