For Crew and Country

The Inspirational True Story of Bravery and Sacrifice Aboard the USS Samuel B. Roberts

By: John Wukovits

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

John Wukovits tells of the most dramatic naval battle of the Pacific War and the incredible sacrifice of the USS Samuel B. Roberts.

On October 25, 1944, the Samuel B. Roberts, along with the other 12 vessels comprising its unit, stood between Japan’s largest battleship force ever sent to sea and MacArthur’s transports inside Leyte Gulf. Faced with the surprise appearance of more than 20 Japanese battleships, cruisers, and destroyers - including the Yamato, at 70,000 tons the most potent battlewagon in the world - the 1,200-ton Samuel B. Roberts turned immediately to action with six other ships. Captain Copeland marked the occasion with one of the most poignant addresses ever given to men on the edge of battle: "Men," he said over the intercom, "we are about to go into a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected."

The ship churned straight at the enemy in a near-suicidal attempt to deflect the more potent foe, allow the small aircraft carriers to escape, and buy time for MacArthur’s forces. Of 563 destroyers constructed during World War II, the Samuel B. Roberts was the only one sunk, going down with guns blazing in a duel reminiscent of the Spartans at Thermopylae or Davy Crockett’s Alamo defenders. The men who survived faced a horrifying three-day nightmare in the sea, where they battled a lack of food and water, scorching sun and numbing nighttime cold, and nature’s most feared adversary - sharks.

The battle would go down as history’s greatest sea clash, the Battle of Samar - the dramatic climax of the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

©2013 John Wukovits (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"On October 25, 1944, the USS Samuel B. Roberts took part in one of the most doomed naval battles in US history…. Wukovits recounts the battle in harrowing detail, while providing intimate glimpses into the lives of the men on board." ( Publishers Weekly)

Needs to be a movie!

The story of the battle of Taffy 3 needs to be a movie. It is one of the proudest moments in US Navy history. This book was excellent.

This should be required reading.

Is this an amazing story and history and should be required is required reading for every American.


The performance connected me with with each of the participants in the battle and made me think think that I was there on the ship. This is a riveting story of bravery and American exceptionalism, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Very good

Wish some of these books were required reading in school. Shows how many were willing to sacrifice their lives so we can be free today. Great story. Loved the way it singled out individual people. Some who lived and some who did not. Would read again.

Great Story

Great story, especially when this ship was recently found! much respect to all those that served

great narrative

honors our greatest generation in a very very genuine way with all their sacrifices to remember

Biased Review

I will have to say upfront that one of the sailors quoted in the book was my former boss. I am sad that we never really talked in depth of what happened. I was afraid that like most he didn't want to relive that time. I am glad to have the opportunity to learn more about the ship, his shipmates and even the enemy. Of course I would recommend this book, even if you don't know any sailors or about the battle!

Samuel B. Roberts

Loved the book. my dad was a Pacific theater of operations sailor the same age as the men on the Roberts. the book provided a good description of what life was like on a navy ship during the war. very sad to read the tribute to the men who did not survive. recommended reading for all WW II history buffs.

Excellent book

The book from the beginning to the end of the story was well written and Robertson Dean’s narration was superb. I recommend this book to anyone interested in WW2 and Naval history. It is both an interesting and moving story. When you are finished, you realize what personal sacrifice means.

The “Sammy B”

A moving, profound record of the ship and crew of the Samuel B Roberts. They attacked the Imperial Japanese fleet which attempted to turn the tide of war . A “DE”, destroyer escort, she fought and was sunk in action that caused the Japanese officers aboard one of the warships to come to attention and salute the survivors as they clung to the remains of the Sammy B. A lasting inspiration.

Well worth the time to listen; inspirational.

This is a wonderful story that will make you want to be your best self.