Battle of Leyte Gulf: 23-26 October 1944

A moving and inspiring portrait of men most people will never know about but will always be remembered by those touched by their deeds and courage in places we don't remember much anymore. I am thankful for the sacrifice they made so I could freely write this.

This is a superb book. I've not read (yet) "Afternoon of the Rising Sun" but I think this is the best primer on the subject ever written. It's clear, precise and you don't have to know a whole lot on the subject to read it. The chapter on the Battle Samar, "Charge of the Light Brigade," is a terrificly exciting account of Sprague's pitifully small group's collision with Kurita's Main Battle Line. Military history doesn't get any better than this. I extend my thanks to the Naval Institute Press for bringing this classic back in print.

Cutler's account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf is a remarkable and detailed account of the greatest naval battle in history. What makes the book great is the details that Cutler provided for the reader to learn about what happened. The reader is given the background first of what led to the battle: the initial air strikes by Halsey, MacArthur's arguement to invade the Phillipines over Formosa, and the initial invasion. But he covers both sides as to why the Japanese committed the rest of their fleet and how the arrived at their plan. The account of the battle is fully covered as well. From the Dace and Darter commencing the attack, to the smashing victory in Surigao Strait, Halsey's initial attacks and blunderous move north, and the herioc and desperate fight of Taffy 3 to protect themselves and the landing forces. Cutler doesn't just say wahy Halsey blundered, but he gives every reason why and what the consequences after the battle were. Now I would be lying if I said I was totally satisfied though. I was a little disappointed in the pictures included, I have seen more in other books, but Cutler managed to get ones I have never seen before. That is minor though when compared to the satisfaction of getting the facts about the victory that guaranteed the US could win the war. The maps are helpful in seeing the Japanese plan of attack and the US plan of defense. I would recommend this to any historian or lover of war novels.

In the tradition of Stephen Ambrose and Cornelius Ryan, Thomas J. Cutler's "The Battle of Leyte Gulf" is excellent military history writing that lets the reader expirence the battle instead of just reading about it. It is a must read for anyone who likes great stories about World War Two.

This is a fine work by Thomas Cutler that explains in great detail the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The explanation of Japanese and American ship positions and information from sailors who were actually in this battle make this a very special book. This book highlights the real strength of the U.S Navy at this point in time. That is, the core values of the U.S. Navy, honor, courage, and commitment. While the U.S. destroyers Hoel, Johnston, and Samuel B. Roberts were sinking many acts of bravery were witnissed. To a man, they never let their shipmates down. That is the highest compliment one navy man can give to another. Thomas Cutler also explains some of the reasoning for the japanese withdrawl when complete victory was at hand for them. A must book to read for anyone interested in the U.S Navy and to learn more about a very special type of bravery that is only present in the U.S. Navy.