The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour

By: James D. Hornfischer

Narrated by: Barrett Whitener

Length: 16 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

“This will be a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can.”

With these words, Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland addressed the crew of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts on the morning of October 25, 1944, off the Philippine Island of Samar. On the horizon loomed the mightiest ships of the Japanese navy, a massive fleet that represented the last hope of a staggering empire. All that stood between it and Douglas MacArthur’ s vulnerable invasion force were the Roberts and the other small ships of a tiny American flotilla poised to charge into history.

In the tradition of the number-one New York Times best seller Flags of Our Fathers, James D. Hornfischer paints an unprecedented portrait of the Battle of Samar, a naval engagement unlike any other in US history - and captures with unforgettable intensity the men, the strategies, and the sacrifices that turned certain defeat into a legendary victory.

Praise for The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

“One of the finest WWII naval action narratives in recent years, this book follows in the footsteps of Flags of Our Fathers.... Exalting American sailors and pilots as they richly deserve.... Reads like a very good action novel.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Reads as fresh as tomorrow's headlines.... Hornfischer's captivating narrative uses previously classified documents to reconstruct the epic battle and eyewitness accounts to bring the officers and sailors to life.” (Texas Monthly)

“Hornfischer is a powerful stylist whose explanations are clear as well as memorable.... A dire survival-at-sea saga.” (Denver Post)

“In The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, James Hornfischer drops you right into the middle of this raging battle, with 5-inch guns blazing, torpedoes detonating and Navy fliers dive-bombing.... The overall story of the battle is one of American guts, glory and heroic sacrifice.” (Omaha World Herald)

©2004 James Hornfischer (P)2004 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Readable from beginning to end, this popular history magnificently brings to life men and times that may seem almost as remote as Trafalgar to many in the early twenty-first century....One of the finest World War II volumes to appear in years." (Booklist)

All sailors should read this.

I loved this book. As an active duty sailor, and one that serves on tin cans, this is a must read.

Little Guys fight BIG!

Amazing story, even more so because it is history! The self-sacrifice of these men serving on the smallest surface combatants for their fellow sailors and shipmates was incredible.

The behind the scenes dealings of some of the leaders was also eye-opening.

Overall another great book by Hornfischer.

Incredible story of survival

One of the greatest little told battles of WWII. This story is one heck of a story. Such heroes.

History you never knew.

This is, for those that love military history, one of the greatest battles you probably never heard of or never knew the details. I think this far exceeds the great battle at Midway. A must 'read'. Narration kept me engaged. And a surprise, to me, about one of the Navy's admirals revealed at the end.

Great book!

One of the best books I’ve listened to in a long time. Great storytelling and well narrated. This one is a great book to get!

Good story

But far too many people and boats to keep track of. I suggest keeping a log while listening to this book

The horror of a navel gun battle is like. The loss of life in such short amount of time

I love the story from beginning to end. My father served in the Navy then. This story made me feel closer to him and what he went through.

Heroism of the common man

Another excellent book by this author. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in leadership and examples selfless heroism.

Don't Miss This One!

This is an EXCITING story! I was only casually familiar with this fierce battle before I read the book. Now I am sorry that I did not learn the full story sooner. The author has gathered an extensive library of facts and eyewitness accounts of the incredible bravery of our sailors. The biographical sketches at the beginning of the story seem a little long, but do offer good insight into the character of these valiant men. Then, when the battle is joined, I could not stop listening until the end. One can only stand in awe of their bravery.

A truly epic sea battle

Barrett Whitener does a good job of narration but this book is too graphic regarding injuries suffered during battle to be an Audible Kid's Pick.