Dogfight over Tokyo

The Final Air Battle of the Pacific and the Last Four Men to Die in World War II

De: John Wukovits

Narrado por: Peter Ganim

From an expert in the Pacific theater of World War II comes the tragic story of the pilots who fought the last fight of the war during the first hour of peace

When Billy Hobbs and his fellow Hellcat aviators from Air Group 88 lifted off from the venerable Navy carrier USS Yorktown early on the morning of August 15, 1945, they had no idea they were about to carry out the final air mission of World War II. Two hours later, Yorktown received word from Admiral Nimitz that the war had ended and that all offensive operations should cease. As they were turning back, 20 Japanese planes suddenly dove from the sky above them and began a ferocious attack. Four American pilots never returned - men who had lifted off from the carrier in wartime but were shot down during peacetime.

Drawing on participant letters, diaries, and interviews, newspaper and radio accounts, and previously untapped archival records, historian and prolific author of acclaimed Pacific theater books, including Tin Can Titans and Hell from the Heavens, John Wukovits tells the story of Air Group 88's pilots and crew through their eyes. Dogfight over Tokyo is written in the same riveting, edge-of-your-seat style that has made Wukovits's previous books so successful. This is a stirring, one-of-a-kind tale of naval encounters and the last dogfight of the war—a story that is both inspirational and tragic.

©2019 John Wukovits (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"What we know of war usually comes from survivors. This book is about four young flyers who didn't come back. Those who die give up all that they have, all their hopes and dreams, all the infinite potential life offers. Wukovits captures that tragedy in a powerful way. Superb."—Stephen Coonts, New York Times bestselling author

"But for one tragic hour, they would have returned safely to the loved ones who worried over them so much. Instead, four Navy fighter pilots became the final combat casualties of World War II. As he did in Tin Can Titans and Hell from the Heavens, John Wukovits skillfully entwines the personal stories of young men at war with the horrors of the larger conflict. Dogfight Over Tokyo is a haunting tale of heroism and sacrifice and the continuing agony of those left to grieve."—Walter R. Borneman, bestselling author of Brothers Down: Pearl Harbor and the Fate of the Many Brothers aboard the USS Arizona

"In this meticulously researched work, John Wukovits provides rare personal insight to the aviators who fought the U.S. Navy's LAST major combat of World War II—and those supporting them on the home front. If it's true that no war truly ends while some still remember it, then Dogfight Over Tokyo extends our national memory of those who brought the world's greatest conflagration to a joyous, painful, and bittersweet end."—Barrett Tillman, author of Whirlwind and On Wave and Wing

Great book about WWII Naval Aviation

This is a great and interesting book about a little-known tragedy. One of the best accounts of World War II carrier naval operations that I have read. And I have read a lot. The author obviously did extensive research to make this not only an interesting story, but a tragic tale of needless death. There are still many lessons to be learned from the World War II story even 75 years later.

Awed at the Sacrifice

There is no way to get enough of these incredible narratives of brave men willing to sacrifice themselves for their country. It's awe inspiring. And in this time of chaos, it's even more uplifting. "Dogfight Over Tokyo" is one more in an impressive lineup of Pacific war bravery. To start, one thinks it's about a specific battle. It's not. It's much more detailed than that. That's not a bad thing, but it does take more concentration. It's a narrative about specific men, as mentioned the last four men who died in WWII, after surrender, but also it's a technical book about aerial warfare, and about other men fighting with these young men. It's all interspersed, making for a moving, captivating story. And though ultimately tragic, humbling. These men fought and finished their fight knowing the war was already over. It brings a giant lump to the throat. What astounding bravery exhibited by a most great generation. There are no words.

Peter Ganim's narration is ideal. He hits the right tone throughout the book. This is not to be missed for military history buffs.