The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour

By: James D. Hornfischer

Narrated by: Barrett Whitener

“This will be a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can.”

With these words, Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland addressed the crew of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts on the morning of October 25, 1944, off the Philippine Island of Samar. On the horizon loomed the mightiest ships of the Japanese navy, a massive fleet that represented the last hope of a staggering empire. All that stood between it and Douglas MacArthur’ s vulnerable invasion force were the Roberts and the other small ships of a tiny American flotilla poised to charge into history.

In the tradition of the number-one New York Times best seller Flags of Our Fathers, James D. Hornfischer paints an unprecedented portrait of the Battle of Samar, a naval engagement unlike any other in US history - and captures with unforgettable intensity the men, the strategies, and the sacrifices that turned certain defeat into a legendary victory.

Praise for The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

“One of the finest WWII naval action narratives in recent years, this book follows in the footsteps of Flags of Our Fathers.... Exalting American sailors and pilots as they richly deserve.... Reads like a very good action novel.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Reads as fresh as tomorrow's headlines.... Hornfischer's captivating narrative uses previously classified documents to reconstruct the epic battle and eyewitness accounts to bring the officers and sailors to life.” (Texas Monthly)

“Hornfischer is a powerful stylist whose explanations are clear as well as memorable.... A dire survival-at-sea saga.” (Denver Post)

“In The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, James Hornfischer drops you right into the middle of this raging battle, with 5-inch guns blazing, torpedoes detonating and Navy fliers dive-bombing.... The overall story of the battle is one of American guts, glory and heroic sacrifice.” (Omaha World Herald)

©2004 James Hornfischer (P)2004 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Readable from beginning to end, this popular history magnificently brings to life men and times that may seem almost as remote as Trafalgar to many in the early twenty-first century....One of the finest World War II volumes to appear in years." (Booklist)

Great book. Narrator meh

As all Hornfischer books, a detailed account of the story from many perspectives. 5 stars to the content of the book.

Not a fan of the narrator. Some mispronounced words (for example: aerobics vs aerobatics). Pretty sure pilots didn't train in "aerobics". The tone of voice when reading quotes was a little... creepy I suppose for lack of a better word.

Compelling

I have read many books on WWII, but this one paints a vivid picture of being a Marine in combat in the Pacific war. A visceral reality permeates the narrative. A must read.

A tale of an amazing battle.

The story of the US victory in the Pacific during WW II is dependent upon the US Navy. Without dominance of the seas the Marines and the Army would not have been able to do their island hopping. The Battle for Leyte Gulf was the culmination of that naval campaign

Truly worth it

The beginning is a bit slow but this is an epic..cannot put it down story once you get into the action. The fact that it really happened makes it that much more compelling a story to hear.

GREAT BOOK

awesome detail of a modern "david vs Goliath" battle.
heroics when back is pressed against the wall.

Great Story

A gripping tale from start to finish; sheer unmatched heroism probably unsurpassed in the whole war

History is amazing

History is amazing and Mr. Hornfischer does a fantastic job of bringing it to you in a powerful meaningful way. The bravery of these sailors and airmen should not be forgotten.

Another hit by Hornfischer

This is the third book by James Hornfischer I've listened to on Audible, behind Neptune's Inferno and Fleet at Flood Tide. Tin Can Sailors is just as good, and I burned through it quickly due to its gripping narrative. The author puts exquisite detail where it's needed, but doesn't bog down the story with minutia. I would recommend this book to readers with any level of military history, experts and dabblers both will enjoy this book.

Everything it’s been hyped up to be

This entire book was a joy to listen to, from start to finish this story pulls you in and the narrator was excellent.

Thrilling Listen

This book told an exciting story in a lot of detail. It included many individual personal stories that brought the book to life. I recommend the book to anyone interested in history, especially World War Two and naval history.