Queen of the Flat-Tops

Written in 1942, this book can be considered an item of war propaganda. However, despite this reality, it still is a reasonably realistic description of life aboard an aircraft carrier in World War II. The Lexington was an American aircraft carrier that was destroyed in the battle of the Coral Sea by Japanese forces. This battle was distinctive in that it was the first naval battle carried out entirely by aircraft, the ships in the two opposing fleets never came within sight of each other. In terms of losses, it was generally a draw; both sides lost at least one carrier, although at the end the advantage went to the Americans. Until that time, the Japanese had carried out a string of victories, so even a draw could be considered an American victory. Furthermore, given the overwhelming superiority of American productive capability, the American losses could be made up while the Japanese generally could not. Johnston describes life aboard the Lexington as pleasurably rough, the American sailors are depicted as determined fighting men dedicated to defeating the Japanese at all costs, including their lives. There is no hint of internal dissension, conflict or wavering in a crisis. To read the book it is necessary to adopt an attitude of retrospective tolerance towards the style of expression of the times. For example, a Negro member of the crew is referred to as a "boy", even though he is risking his life to rescue crewmen trapped in smoke-filled compartments. If you can accept the modern lack of political correctness and the tone of war propaganda, then you can enjoy this book.

of the Lexington's air crews in history's first confrontation between opposing aircraft carriers. This book in authentic. Written by a newsman on board the Lexington during the action, it names pilots, describes actual missions and air battles between our Grumman F3F and F4F Wildcats among other planes inferior to the faster and more maneuverable Japanese Zero and describes how the American pilots managed to give good account of themselves. Lt. Butch O'Hare and his squadron mates are included. You will not be cheated by this historical account.