At Close Quarters

PT Boats in the United States Navy

By: Robert J. Bulkley, John F. Kennedy, Ernest McNeill Eller

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

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 US Navy shortly after V-J Day, when memories were fresh and records easily assessable.

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.

Public Domain (P)2018 Tantor

One Of The Best I've Read

Okay, one of the best I've ever listened to, not literally read.
Time flew by while listening to the 18+ hours of this book, my interest never flagged, it was over too soon. It's in my queue to listen again, and I'd consider buying the hardcover if I found it used.
Mike Chamberlain's narration is excellent.

a history

if you are interested in PT boats as I am you will probably like this. the author tries to give us as complete a history of the boats as possible.

Excellent factual history of the PT Boats.

Probably a bit too factual almost to the point of being as boring as reading a history book. The narration lacks inflection and sounds almost frantic at times. This is not a typical novel, but instead, a long factual narration of the history of the PT boat including boat numbers, commander's names, rank and service (USN/USNR). And yes, the PT-109/John F. Kennedy saga is included.

Tedious but very informational

I liked the coverage of PT operations in both theaters of operations. For student of Naval History, a must read!

Great info. Terribly dry

Dry and monotone
But good info is included
Stuff i never knew about
If you can deal with dry delivery, this is for you.

Outstanding history

This factual book is an outstanding history of US Navy WWII PT boats. A must listen for maritime warrior enthusiast.

Hard to Follow

I found the information about the boats, crews, tactics, and strategies to be very interested.

Then when I got to the actual battles, it became extremely monotonous. Basically the same battle reports told over & over.

If you want detailed information about PT activity

If you want detailed information about PT activity in the Pacific this is the book for you.

WWII IN MY Family HISTORY

I ask My Dad that Boomer generational Q., "What did You do in the War, Daddy?" His answer was, "Oh, I was just on a Crash Boat." Of course, that was followed by, "What does a Crash Boat do, Daddy?", which was followed with, "Oh, it goes around saving people." Somehow, at 2 1/2, I knew ~ in the middle of people killing each other, My Dad was 'Saving People'! You couldn't have a higher calling than that in war! In later years I have walked up to and looked up at the bow of the USS Wisconsin, and I understood what he meant!

Now, I am researching everything I can on the Solomon Island and PT & Crash Boats, not only was my Dad in theater but I also had an Uncle, who was a US Marine and fought on Guadala Canal & Iwo Juma. So, History. And, I found this book fascinating.

literally, a play by play of PT boat activity

if you're looking for a play by play of PT boat activity on WWII, this is a five star book. I thought there would be more analysis on PT boat tactics and training. however, if you want the play by play, this would be amazing! it was still interesting, just really long and specific.