Sampan Sailor (H)

I concur with the previous reviews and found this book to be engaging and informative. Mishler presents an interesting account of his experience "behind the lines" with the US Navy in wartime China, a theatre of WWII that was both unique and little-known. He displays an enthusiastic, culturally-sensitive, and optimistic attitude throughout the book. My father also fought with the US Navy in China during WWII and shared many of Mishler's opinions. My only (slight) criticism is that, rather than a story, Mishler's book is more like a series of observations, sometimes with little continuity. Nevertheless, it is very interesting. Other books about this theatre include Horton's "90 Day Wonder" (a well-written account, although with a bit darker and more cynical perspective), and the definitive book, "A Different Kind of War" by Admiral Milton Miles, who led Naval Group China during WWII. Miles' fascinating and exceptionally-written book is out-of-print, unfortunately, but is a "must-read" for anyone interested in wartime China.

I shall not repeat the information above. Mischler's book is well-written and worth the reading. In order to get from Chungking where he flew in over the Hunp to his duty station he had to walk almost all the way. His experiences with the locals were amusing. We have few narratives of his caliber about the everyday life of a field intelligence operative. If you find this one interesting you will also certainly like John Ryder Horton's "Ninety-Day Wonder:Flight to Guerrilla War." (q.v.)