Battleship Commander

The Life of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr.

De: Paul Stillwell

Narrado por: Walter Dixon

Battleship Commander explores Lee's life from boyhood in Kentucky through his eventual service as commander of the fast battleships from 1942 to 1945. Said to be down to earth, modest, forgiving, friendly, and with a wry sense of humor, Lee eschewed the media and, to the extent possible, left administrative details to others. During his service in the Navy Department from 1939 to 1942, Lee prepared the US Navy for war at sea, and was involved in inspecting designs for battleships, cruisers, aircraft carriers, and destroyers. He sent observers to Britain to report on Royal Navy operations during the war against Germany and made plans to send an action team to mainland China to observe conditions for possible later Allied landings there.

In 1942, Willis Lee became commander of the first division of fast battleships to operate in the Pacific. During that service, he commanded Task Force 64, which achieved a tide-turning victory in a night battle near Guadalcanal in November 1942.

Continuing his career of service near the end of the war, Lee, in the summer of 1945, directed anti-kamikaze research efforts in Casco Bay, Maine. While Lee's wartime successes and failures are compelling, what is here in this biography is a balanced look at the man and officer.

©2021 Paul Stillwell (P)2021 Tantor

Another greate WWII story

So many books from different perspectives have told of the war from the American side. This is a wonderful documentation of the life and command style of Vice Admiral Willis Lee. It does not over sell. It was a great story to hear about.

A real in depth look at Admiral Lee

I found this book to be an enjoyable listen. it goes into a lot of detail about Admiral Lee's pre-WW2 service that I did not know much about. Once WW2 starts, the details of just how much he really contributed became clear. I think he would have been an absolutely amazing person to meet and talk with.

Excellent Work

A great look at the life of an unsung hero! I highly recommend for any lover of US military history.

Bullseye

Good look into an historic figure. Good narration. Recommend for any enthusiast of the pacific battles.

A biography with feeling, color and details

This vivid and thoroughly researched biography evokes the reality, hopes, accomplishments and disappointments of a man devoted to his Navy and his country. Through this, the author illustrates the life of a person who is a model of leadership. Adm Lee’s life makes entertaining listening for anyone interested in naval affairs. It would be particularly useful to anyone contemplating or Burgos naval career. Thanks for reading.