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)

excellent book

awesome first hand account of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Battle of Surigao Strait . Gripping hold on to your seats

Time immortal story of US Navy bravery and grit

The events that unfolded in those few hours in October 1944 that characterized the unwavering resolve of the US Navy sailor is a true testament of the American spirit.

Amazing

The story was legendary and the performance and writing stood up to the expectations such a story should be told. I recommend this book to young boys in there teens and early twenties they will love this.

Simply magnificent

If can listen to this book without your chest swelling with pride and tears in your eyes you have no soul. A riveting account on the US Navy's finest moment.

Must Read - Wow!

Outstanding book for naval history readers and those who believe the impossible is improbable, a must read for all…

The ultimate David vs Goliath Battle

This book covered the actions of the force known as Taffy 3, which was to provide air support to the initial Leyte landing force while the large carrier forces protected the invasion force. Due to a string of circumstances, the Destroyers, Destroyer Escorts, and Escort Carriers soon were facing the full might of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s Surface fleet head on, With nothing between themselves and the landing force. The story of Ships like the USS Johnston and the USS Samual B. Roberts and their last stand is awe inspiring.

A story to remember

As someone who has been fixated on WWII US naval history since I was young this book adds so much life into the story of the ships beyond its ships name and Captain. I hope anyone interested in navy history can experience this well accounted tale of bravery from the past.

must read

an absolutely remarkable telling of great men's heroism. it's amazing the feats our fellow Americans overcame.

Immersive!

Fabulously detailed account that gives me a real appreciation for what those men did and accomplished, not the usual glossing-over-summary type of history!

unbelievable story! Amazing the feats of these men!

Great story, and a must listen book for anyone into history. I'm amazed at the bravery and courage these men possessed. Well laid out book and performed well too.