Customer Reviews

A Leader Born: The Life of Admiral John Sidney McCain, Pacific Carrier Commander

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An excellent story of one of the senior commanders of the Navy in the Pacific during World War II. It also covers a lot of the interplay between the admirals as Admiral King selected men for high command positions.

This book is a lot more forgiving of King than a lot of recent history that talks instead about his refusal to institute convoys along the American coast and left it open for U-boats. Cain was a King man. He knew, worked with, supported, and in turn was supported by King.

Cain also appears to have been a supurb commander, and to have instituted a great set of attributes in his children and even grandchildren. This is particularily interesting as Cain III appears to be making a decision about running for Congress.

Received my book within the time frame I paid for. It was as advertised, new. This book is very interesting for all WW II Pacific buffs. I can highly recommend it. The Essex Class of carrier was a workhorse for the Navy and it's airgroup carried a "Sunday Punch". When they lined up at Ulithi or some other big lagoon to rest and refit, they were indeed a "Murderers Row". I believe that the new class of American carriers should be named the "King" class after Ernest King. Then right on down the line with the WW II Admirals including John "Slew" McCain. Old Slew doesn't have to take a back seat in history to any of his contempraries. This would be more fitting than to continue to name them after Presidents, with the exception of George H. W. "Poppy" Bush, who served as an Avenger pilot on CVL-30 San Jacinto, in WW II. Other than him, this practice needs to stop. Is the only criteria now for naming a new carrier, the ability to raise enough money for the out-fitting ceremonies? If that's the case what's next, corporate sponsorship? Would somebody please relate this concern to the SecNav and the CEO of Newport News. Thanks, B. Thomas

A LEADER BORN: The Life of Admiral John Sidney McCain, Pacific Carrier Commander

by Alton Gilbert.

Captain Gilbert has shown a keen insight into the leadership qualities of Admiral McCain. He also captures the complex interrelationship between Admiral McCain and his contemporary Naval commanders during World War II.

Clyde T. Turner Jr.