"O Christ, whose voice the waters heard and hushed their raging at thy word…" -from "The Navy Hymn"
This second WWII novel from decorated veteran, Robert Vaughan, has the same appeal as Touch the Face of God-painstaking research of military strategy, geography, and equipment-and a new set of intriguing, realistic characters. Patrick and Diane's first meeting is anything but fanciful. In December 1941, Pat and his parents are returning from a holiday in Asia as conditions between Japan and the United States are deteriorating into certain conflict. Diane and her father, a missionary, are fleeing Japan at the heeding of their mission board. Providence has these young people on the same Pan Am Clipper that somehow manages to safely take off when the attacks on Wake Island and Pearl Harbor occur.
Flash forward. Both stationed in Pearl Harbor, Pat-now an officer on the USS ANGELFISH-and Diane-a translator for the Navy-rekindle their relationship and plan to marry. Unfortunate events, including the death of Diane's father and of Pat's ship steward, Choirboy, deepen their relationship, and the two are wed. But upon returning to his ship, Pat faces a crisis as a torpedo mis-launches, and he attempts to dislodge it alone. Sealed in the watertight room, Pat has an encounter with God-and with an old friend-that will save his life and the lives of countless others.
