| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Immensely readable,
By
This review is from: WAKE ISLAND (Mass Market Paperback)
The late Brigadier General James P.S. Devereux commanded the motley detachment of defenders at Wake Island. Virtually cut off from the rest of the world, with just twelve Wildcat fighters serving as all-purpose aircraft and a small number of old heavy guns, the marines held off repeated Japanese landing attempts for an astounding 14 days, until they were eventually overwhelmed and forced to surrender. Despite the seeming defeat, the marines inflicted obscenely huge losses on the invading Japanese forces with disproportionately tiny casualties to themselves. Even the Japanese were genuinely surprised when they eventually discovered the puny forces which had thrown so much at them. The incredible casualty figures (5,700+ Japanese as opposed to 96 Americans) speak for themselves.Devereux, then Major, writes simply and clearly without mentioning any events beyond his knowledge at the time. His straightforward and detailed account cites practically all notable instances of individual combat, giving readers an exciting ground-zero experience. The epic defense of Wake Island is replete with miracles, small and large, as the marines hold on day after day producing victory after victory despite insurmountable odds, eventually forcing the exasperated Japanese to divert two aircraft carriers to assist in the invasion. The final defeat is borne with equal courage and honour as the men are shipped away to separate prison camps in occupied China. The POW odyssey is detailed in the final chapters. Before the war, it was not known if the "well-fed, lazy Americans" could resist the Japanese juggernaut. After Wake Island, no one would ever doubt the spirit and heroism of the Marine Corps or the courage of Americans. This is one of the more enjoyable personal accounts to come out of World War 2. You can't go wrong with this book.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping, concise, an invaluable research resource,
By
This review is from: The Story of Wake Island (Hardcover)
Devereux's account of the events leading up to and beyond the American experience at Wake during the early part of WWII bring invaluable insight for any researcher. This book defined much of the historical accounts recorded in subsequent Wake related literature. An excellent first-hand narrative with both shocking and humerous anecdotes of the battle for the defense of Wake Island.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Devereux's Own Personal Account,
By
This review is from: WAKE ISLAND (Mass Market Paperback)
Brigadier General James Devereux's "Story of Wake Island," is based on his own recollection and the few records available at the time. It's less than 200 pages and is the ideal book for the beginner who wants to learn about the struggle for the tiny atoll. Devereux never pretends to speak for anybody but himself, so we see the Wake Island fight unfold in his eyes and at his command post. Still, the author pays heady tribute to the other Marines with whom he served and he illustrates his account with many amusing sidebar stories. For readers who are politically and culturally sensitive, be warned: Devereux uses the epithets "Japs" and "Jap," countless times. However, considering his ordeal in Japanese prison camps, his feelings are well understood. Still, this is a fast read and the General tells his story with simplicity and clarity. Definitely worth looking for if you care to read a good introductory yet concise account of the Battle of Wake Island.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product).
|
