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 is a must-read for every SWO.

  As the Pacific is beginning to stir with saber rattling from China, Japan, Russia, Iran and India, the pertinence of state on state Naval Warfare takes on new meaning as the cycle of history begins to repeat. Reading this account of events in the Battle Off Samar when an overmatched American light carrier group and its destroyer escorts met a fully formed Japanese Battle Group is enlightening and instructive to those of us who call sea power our profession.

  In one of the last major sea battles in history, Last Stand puts you squarely in the shoes of the decision makers where you can see the real consequences of the hesitation in battle as well as the price of duty.  This is a great opportunity to learn from Japanese and American triumphs and failures.  Hornfischer writes the events so that they read like a novel going to the farthest degree to make all the characters human and personable.  Find it Here on Amazon