A Dawn Like Thunder

The True Story of Torpedo Squadron Eight

By: Robert J. Mrazek

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 15 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the great untold stories of World War II finally comes to light in this thrilling account of the members of Torpedo Squadron Eight and their heroic efforts in helping an outmatched U.S. fleet win critical victories at Midway and Guadalcanal. These 35 American men -many flying outmoded aircraft - changed the course of history, going on to become the war's most decorated naval air squadron, while suffering the heaviest losses in U.S. naval aviation history.

Robert J. Mrazek paints moving portraits of the men in the squadron and exposes a shocking cover-up that cost many lives. Filled with thrilling scenes of battle, betrayal, and sacrifice, A Dawn Like Thunder is destined to become a classic in the literature of World War II.

©2008 Robert J. Mrazek (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[Mazrek's] massive original research has produced a richly detailed story that never flags.... An admirable addition to the histories of air battles that turned the tide against the Japanese." ( Kirkus)

Excellent story well told

I really enjoyed this book detailing the incredible story and sacrifice of "Torpedo 8" at Midway and Guadacanal. The story is told from the point of view of the men who lived it, in the style of a Stephen Ambrose book. I much preferred this to anything by Ambrose, who is just OK as a story teller. This book, together with The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailor, are my two favorite books on the War in the Pacific. If you enjoy the day to day, play by play, tale of the men who fought and died in that theater, you will love this book. 5 stars.

Good Book Not so good narrator

This is anexcellent work that gives voice to what happened to the surviving members of Torpedo 8 after the losses suffered at the Battle of Midway.
The narrator is another story. Mr. Hill apparently dosen't change his reading style from book to book. I'ne listened to several of the Jack Reacher novels and his delivery here is unchaned and just as snarky. Again, really good book, not so great narration. Fours stars would have been five but for the narration.

A good story - a s-l-o-w reader

A good story of American heroes, dragged down by the molasses-slow pace of the reader. I listened to most of this book at high speed--that's how slow Dick Hill reads. If I'd listened to the preview, I probably wouldn't have purchased this book.

Fine Reading and Listening Pleasure

From the first page to the last Robert Mrazek brings to life this small group of fliers and support sailors of Torpedo 8 who lived and died through the early key naval campaigns in WWII. The author's rich narrative and narrator Dick Hill's sympathetic voice weaves the listener into the action in a way not often accomplished by historical works. Hill's reading of the material is exactly right in tone from carrier ready room to fierce combat action and his use of dialect for the various sailors seems perfect throughout. For the history reader, this is a wonderful work that informs as well as entertains while at the same time being a fitting tribute to the men who gave their lives and years in their historic struggle in the Pacific.

Great Book about the forgotten

This is an in depth book about men from across the country drawn together in time by forces beyond their control. The similarities between the beginning of World War II and present day are uncanny. Both groups went to war with what you had. This is a story of brave men who went up against odds far against them. This is a great listen!

Perfect

Well written, great story and very deeply researched. This is a must read for WW2 aviation buffs.

A good account

I listen to a lot of military history, and this stands out as one of the more enjoyably written books I've listened to in a while. The author strikes a decent balance between his narrative and the historical events, and, importantly, continually interjects personal details and minutia that make the men of Torpedo 8 come alive.
I finished the book feeling like I knew some of these guys, and wanted to hear more about them. Well done. I'll seek out other books by this author in the future. And I'll be heading to the war museum in nearby Fredricksburg to get a good close-up look at the Avenger they have there.

Duty

This story should be part of every 8th, 9th grade cirriculum in America, not to support the agony of war, rather to glimpse an understanding of the words " honor the sacrifice ". Well written and narrated ( I have known Navy men; this sounds like one ), A Dawn Like Thunder assigns the reader a place in the Squadron, and one is compelled to participate.

Being a veteran of foriegn war(s), I can attest to the diploima of combat; All life is sacred. This book will help show why. Highly reccommend.

Best historical testament of VT 8 and command

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Best historical testament of VT 8 and command performance. Details the average american turned warrior. Not the best equipment, training or leadership. The squadron leaders at the spear end lead by example and combined with the individual warrior won the day.

What other book might you compare A Dawn Like Thunder to and why?

Kokada

Which scene was your favorite?

Bert Ernest return to base after the battle of Midway

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Only the brave showed up

Great Book

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