A Sailor's History of the U.S. Navy [Hardcover]

Thomas J. Cutler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1591141516 | ISBN-13: 978-1591141518 | Publication Date: November 5, 2004 | Edition: 2nd printing

Adopted by the U.S. Navy for issue to all new Sailors, A Sailor’s History of the U.S. Navy brings to life the events that have shaped and inspired the Navy of today while highlighting the roles of all Sailors—from seaman to admiral. Rather than focus entirely upon such naval icons as Stephen Decatur and Chester Nimitz, as most histories do, author Thomas J. Cutler, a retired lieutenant commander and former second class petty officer, brings to the forefront the contributions of enlisted people. You’ll read about Quartermaster Peter Williams, who steered the ironclad Monitor into history, and Hospital Corpsman Tayinikia Campbell, who saved lives in USS Cole after she was struck by terrorists in Yemen.

Unlike most histories, A Sailor’s History is arranged thematically rather than chronologically. Chapters are built around the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment, its traditions of "Don’t Tread on Me" and "Don’t Give Up the Ship," and other significant aspects of the Navy.

As Cutler states in his preface, the book is not a whitewash. He includes mistakes and defeats along with the achievements and victories as he draws a portrait of a Navy growing stronger and smarter while turning tragedy into triumph. The result is a unique account that captures the Navy’s heritage as much as its history and provides inspiration as well as information while emphasizing that most essential element of naval history: the Sailor.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Thomas J. Cutler's The Battle of Leyte Gulf:
''Leyte Gulf was the biggest naval battle ever fought anywhere and this is beyond comparison the best account of it I've ever seen.'' -- Captain Edward C. Beach, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
''A well-researched, carefully reasoned account of the little-studied battle that made ultimate American victory in the Pacific inevitable.'' --Kirkus Reviews --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

About the Author

Winner of the Alfred Thayer Mahan Award for Naval Literature, Thomas J. Cutler is the current author of The Bluejacket’s Manual and has several other books to his credit, including Brown Water, Black Berets and The Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Naval Institute Press; 2nd printing edition (November 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591141516
• ISBN-13: 978-1591141518
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great book for any and all..., August 26, 2005

By 

B. Kelley "flwerfire" (Port Hueneme, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Sailor's History of the U.S. Navy (Hardcover)

I found this book while doing some Amazon searches for Navy material. I came across this book and for a few weeks didn't order it, then once I did WOW!!I wish I wouldn't have waited. I have been in the Navy for 14 years now and love being a Sailor although lately have wished I could be doing more during this challenging time. This book gives the best defination of The Navy's core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment it helped me to realize that even during war-time,even the little things done are important and needed, and that standing up for what you belive in even when you are the minority represent honor, courage, and commitment. This book was not only informative but it was done in an entertaining way. I have even bought 2 more to give to my Chief and Master Chief who I know will be able to appreciate this great book!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book for recruits or people thinking about joining the Navy, March 23, 2009

By 

T. E. Dunn - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Sailor's History of the U.S. Navy (Hardcover)

It was a fun to read history book that doesn't plod its way through history chronologically. Culter did a great job teaching history while telling stories. These stories from give a basis of traditions and relay core values. He uses Navy jargon in way that teaches the reader how to relate to the unique language spoken by sailors.

A great primer on US Navy history that is a very easy read and doesn't get bogged down in details. Core values are relayed in a way that make you proud to be associated with the US Navy.