At Close Quarters

PT Boats in the United States Navy

Nonfiction, History, Military, Naval
Cover of the book At Close Quarters by Robert J. Bulkley, Naval Institute Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert J. Bulkley ISBN: 9781612511825
Publisher: Naval Institute Press Publication: October 11, 2012
Imprint: Naval Institute Press Language: English
Author: Robert J. Bulkley
ISBN: 9781612511825
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
Publication: October 11, 2012
Imprint: Naval Institute Press
Language: English
Small though they were, PT boats played a key role in World War II, carrying out an astonishing variety of missions where fast, versatile, and strongly armed vessels were needed. Called "weapons of opportunity," they met the enemy at closer quarters and with greater frequency than any other type of surface craft. Among the most famous PT commanders was John F. Kennedy, whose courageous actions in the Pacific are now well known to the American public. The author of the book, another distinguished PT boat commander in the Pacific, compiled this history of PT-boat operations in World War II for the U.S. Navy shortly after V-J Day, when memories were fresh and records easily assessable. The book was first made available to the public in 1962 after Kennedy's inauguration as president of the United States interest in PTs was at a peak.

Bulkley provides a wealth of facts about these motor torpedo boats, whose vast range of operation covered two oceans as well as the Mediterranean and the English Channel. Although their primary mission was to attack surface ships and craft close to shore, they were also used effectively to lay mines and smoke screens, to rescue downed aviators, and to carry out intelligence and raider operations. The author gives special attention to the crews, paying well-deserved tribute to their heroism, skill, and sacrifice that helped to win the war.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Small though they were, PT boats played a key role in World War II, carrying out an astonishing variety of missions where fast, versatile, and strongly armed vessels were needed. Called "weapons of opportunity," they met the enemy at closer quarters and with greater frequency than any other type of surface craft. Among the most famous PT commanders was John F. Kennedy, whose courageous actions in the Pacific are now well known to the American public. The author of the book, another distinguished PT boat commander in the Pacific, compiled this history of PT-boat operations in World War II for the U.S. Navy shortly after V-J Day, when memories were fresh and records easily assessable. The book was first made available to the public in 1962 after Kennedy's inauguration as president of the United States interest in PTs was at a peak.

Bulkley provides a wealth of facts about these motor torpedo boats, whose vast range of operation covered two oceans as well as the Mediterranean and the English Channel. Although their primary mission was to attack surface ships and craft close to shore, they were also used effectively to lay mines and smoke screens, to rescue downed aviators, and to carry out intelligence and raider operations. The author gives special attention to the crews, paying well-deserved tribute to their heroism, skill, and sacrifice that helped to win the war.

More books from Naval Institute Press

Cover of the book Papa Topside by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book The Captain Who Burned His Ships by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book Hell to Pay by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book The Architecture of Leadership by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book Submarine Stories by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book Bound for Africa by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book Pirate Alley by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book Anatomy of Failure by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book The Purge of the Thirtieth Division by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book 21st Century Knox by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book The Great Wall at Sea, 2nd Edition by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book Patton's Way by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book No Surrender by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book The Pentagon Wars by Robert J. Bulkley
Cover of the book Unflinching Zeal by Robert J. Bulkley
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy