Guadalcanal Decision at S

This is THE most detailed and informative historical narrative of the surface action on Guadalcanal, Nov.13-15, 1942. From detailed tactical maps to personal accounts of the actions and heroism of both sides of the conflict, Eric Hammel truly puts the reader on the battle bridge, behind the turrent guns, in the cockpit, and treading shark infested waters. You won't be able to put this book down.

This is the first book that I have ever read by Eric Hammel. Originally I had checked it out from my local library, but it was so outstanding and difficult to put down, that I purchased this book just to have my own copy. I want to read this book again and again. In fact this book has led me to purchase the Guadalcanal triology authored by Mr. Hammel. All books are now in my possession and a reading adventure that I will enjoy for years to come. Mr. Hammel's writing style and the amount of detail he includes will keep you on the edge of your reading chair late into the night.

Hammel does an absolutely amazing job of depicting the surface battles, better than any I've read anywhere before. Has a very intense, vivid writing style that makes the battle very clear to the reader. His descriptions of American destroyers pumping five-inch shell after five-inch shell into the crumbling bridgework of the battleship Hiei are really impressive stuff.

The first 3 chapters are an outstanding expose on America's failure to adequately prepare for war. This is a HUGE lesson we MUST learn before it occurs again! Hammel has a remarkable writing style similar to a novelist, which grasps your attention. It is a page turner. Hammel conveys very well what it was like to be there. The battle text is sobering. The single aspect of this book that struck me was the discipline of the US Navy sailors to respond immediately to an order to fire or to abate. Also, notable is the tenacity of the Japaneses fleet, which did retire too soon from battle. They were a formidable foe! I have a tremendous respect for Imperial Japenese Navy in WW2.

This is undoubtedly the best of the several books that have been written on the Naval Battle of Gaudalcanal. This gripping, fascinating page-turner is another masterful job by Eric Hammel. If I could only have one naval history book in my library, this would be it.