Large Scale Central

NT/OT WW2 Book looking to forward, "At War With The Wind" David

General Discussion
#1

For Navy and History buffs: Free Book!

I just finished reading this book last night and as I rarely read books twice, I want to pass it on to someone else with an interest in the subject:

“At War With The Wind” by David Sears is a riveting history book chronicalling the US Navies experience with the Kamakaze, from impromtu suicide attacks on Guadalcanal culminating in the organized Kikusui raids over Okinawa. It chronicles the island campaigns, battles, storms, ships attacked, crew experiences even Japanese who volunteered for the missions, also discussed are the Admirals like Nimitz and Halsey and how they reacted to the threat. Its a great read, hard to put down.

I got this on sale at a local Borders that was closing down, part of a stack of books I got incuding: Last Stand Of The Tin Can Sailors, Halsey’s Typhoon, and Engines of War.

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/At-War-Wind-David-Sears/dp/0806528931

I can send this media rate for a few dollars so

first come - first served,

but I would like to see it get passed around here as I know we have a few Navy buffs who might find it an interesting read.

Please reply only if you are SERIOUSLY INTERESTED in reading this great book.

#2

Vic it sounds like a great read.The only bad thing is I know I will not have time to read it untill sometime after the first of the year. Yes 2012. So if others would like to read it first please read it but keep me in mind for later down the road.
Thanks
Geoff

#3

Well Geoff, 40 hits and no takers so if you want it…

#4

Vic e-mail on its way.
Thanks and I will pass it along if anyone wonts to read it.
I’m thinking Ric might like it.

#5

My uncle John was a Boatswain’s Mate, First Class, aboard USS Mullany, DD 528. a Fletcher Class Destroyer, during the Okinawa campaign. He was Gun Captain of mount 51, the forward most 5 inch gun. When the kamikaze hit, it severed communications between Mt 51 and the rest of the ship. John and his gun crew kept firing anti-aircraft ammo, shooting down two, and driving away another, and didn’t get the word to abandon ship (there is always that 10%).

Not being able to communicate with the Gunnery Officer for a while, John opened up the mount, stepped out, and realized that he and his gun crew were the only ones left aboard. After joining the rest of the crew in the life boats and then in the USS Gheradi, DD 637, John and his crew volunteered to go back aboard Mullany to put out the fire and get her back underweigh.

One of John’s crew, a Gunner’s Mate 3c named Murphy, found the kamikaze pilot’s head, still in its’ flying helmet, laying in the wreckage on the fantail. Murphy picked up the grizzly head by the strap of the helmet and tossed it over the side, saying “This is where you get off, pal, you don’t pay taxes here.”

There wasn’t a whole lot of love between the contestants.

Later, in 1967, I spent a few months aboard Mullany. We tied up at NAS Alemeda, and I called John, who lived east of Oakland, so I could spend the weekend with him and his family. At the time, I had no idea that he had served aboard Mullany in Big 2, and he did not know the name of my ship. Imagine his surprise, when after offering him a tour of my ship, we walked up the brow of USS Mullany.

Put me on the list.

#6

Steve;
Maybe he could give you a tour.
I was on the U.S.S. Myles C Fox DD 829 around that time frame. 67-69
David

#7

Steve, the USS Mullany is mentioned 3 times here, she was an early victim of the attacks during the Okinawa campaign, OK Geoff it can go to you first if you want it first, unless you want me to send it to Steve first

#8

Here is a photo of my Uncle John, second from left, front row. The caption on the Mullany website says this is Mount 52, but I distinctly remember being told by John that he was in Mount 51 at Okinawa. Things change rapidly in wartime.

(http://www.ussmullany.org/Photos/Shipcrew1940/Mount2.jpg)

Here’s the website for Mullany Be sure to read the article “The Ship That Outsailed Time.”

#9

So you got your looks from?
:slight_smile:

#10

nice read Steve. That kind of family history should make one proud.:slight_smile:

#11
David Russell said:
So you got your looks from? :)
See those ears? They're big enough to blow out the H-bomb.

Got my looks from his sister, my mother. That’s why I’m so beautiful. :smiley:

#12

Geoff,

You said - "I’m thinking Ric might like it. "

I would. However, I haven’t successfully read an entire book n about 5 years. Used to read like crazy. I’d like to do it again. I actually blame the internet. The time I used to spend reading books, I know spend on email and researching on the Internet. Do I like it? No. But it seems to be the reality of current life. I read a lot, but no longer books. I’ve had a book going for 2 years. Actually started over last September, but still couldn’t keep at it. And it is a very good book. Drives me nuts, but that is where I am. Thanks for thinking of me.

Vic,

I thought it sounded good, but my current track just plain sucks.

#13

I’ll read it!, I’ll read it!

And forward on, too.

USS Somers - DD947 '64 until Frammed to DDG something.
USS Bridget - DE1024 Late '65 or so until early out for school at UMass Amherst September '66

ETR2, and only was in one of the turrets twice due to curiosity.

#14

Its going to Geoff first, then whoever after that will be up to him.

Next book on my Borders summer reading program “Halsey’s Typhoon” on the 1944 Typhoon Cobra

#15
Victor Smith said:
Its going to Geoff first, then whoever after that will be up to him.

Next book on my Borders summer reading program “Halsey’s Typhoon” on the 1944 Typhoon Cobra


Got anything on Taffey 3?

#16

I’m making a list of people.
Once I am done I will pass it along.
Steve was next but said he would not have time this summer.
Good I read slow so that may work.
I will check in once I get done with it and see who is ready for it.

thanks again Vic.

#17

There was a good book on the Bunker Hill aircraft carrier a couple of years back. My uncle was on it, so I read it. Showed it from the American pilots views and the Kamikaze’s view. It was amazing the effort that Japan went to for the Kamikaze’s. Good/informative read. I’d like to see this one someday.

#18

Vic got it today.
thanks. As soon as I am done I will pass it along.
Geoff