Description
Book Synopsis: A history of America's small but gallant World War II warships, which were at the forefront of the battle against U-boats and kamikazes, and fought some of the most dramatic actions of the war.
The Destroyer Escort was the smallest ocean-going escort built for the United States Navy--a downsized destroyer with less speed, fewer guns, and fewer torpedoes than its big brother, The Fleet Destroyer. Destroyer escorts first went into production because the Royal Navy needed an escort warship which was larger than a corvette, but which could be built faster than a destroyer. Lacking the shipyards to build these types of ships in Britain, they ordered them in the US. Once the US unexpectedly entered World War II, its navy suddenly also needed more escort warships, even warships less capable than destroyers, and the destroyer escort was reluctantly picked to fill the gap.
Despite the Navy's initial reservations, these ships did yeoman service during World War II, fighting in both the Atlantic and Pacific, taking on both U-boat and Japanese submarines and serving as the early warning pickets against kamikazes later in the war. They also participated in such dramatic actions as the Battle off Samar (where a group of destroyers and destroyer escorts fought Japanese battleships and cruisers to protect the escort carriers they were shielding) and the capture of the U-505 (the only major naval vessel captured at sea by the US Navy). The destroyer escorts soldiered on after World War II in both the United States Navy and a large number of navies throughout the world, with several serving into the 21st century. This book tells the full story of these plucky ships, from their design and development to their service around the world, complete with stunning illustrations and contemporary photographs.
Details
Discover the forgotten heroes of World War II with the US Navy Destroyer Escorts of World War II (New Vanguard). These small but gallant warships were at the forefront of the battle against U-boats and kamikazes, fighting some of the most dramatic actions of the war. Their history is an inspiring testament to the courage and resilience of the men who served on them.
Designed as downsized destroyers with less speed and fewer guns and torpedoes, destroyer escorts were initially built to meet the Royal Navy's urgent need for larger escort warships. When the US entered the war, the navy quickly realized the importance of these ships and reluctantly chose them to fill the gap. Despite initial reservations, these ships exceeded expectations and played a crucial role in the conflict.
These plucky ships went on to serve in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, engaging U-boat and Japanese submarines, as well as acting as early warning pickets against kamikazes. Their contribution to key battles like the Battle off Samar, where they protected escort carriers from Japanese battleships and cruisers, and the capture of the U-505 makes their story all the more remarkable.
Carrying their legacy into the post-war era, these destroyer escorts continued to serve in the United States Navy and numerous navies worldwide, some even maintaining their service well into the 21st century. Our comprehensive book brings their story to life, delving into their design, development, and the unforgettable moments they experienced. Complete with stunning illustrations and authentic photographs, this book is a must-have for enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the untold tales of these brave warships.
Uncover the captivating world of the US Navy Destroyer Escorts with our must-read book, offering a detailed account of their valiant service. Click here to order your copy now and delve into the gripping history of these remarkable warships.
Discover More Best Sellers in Arctic & Antarctica
Shop Arctic & Antarctica
Arctic Warriors: A Personal Account of Convoy PQ18
$2.99
Arctic & Antarctica - Arctic Warriors: A Personal Account of Convoy PQ18
Fatal North: Murder and Survival on the First North Pole Expedition
$18.99
Arctic & Antarctica - Fatal North: Murder and Survival on the First North Pole Expedition
The Hard Way Home: Alaska Stories of Adventure, Friendship, and the Hunt (Outdoor Lives)
$17.99
Arctic & Antarctica - The Hard Way Home: Alaska Stories of Adventure, Friendship, and the Hunt (Outdoor Lives)
True North: Peary, Cook, And The Race To The Pole
$3.03
Arctic & Antarctica - True North: Peary, Cook, And The Race To The Pole
The Polar Regions: An Environmental History
$20.00
Arctic & Antarctica - The Polar Regions: An Environmental History
$47.82
Arctic & Antarctica - Antarctic Exploration: Hitler's Escape to South America and Secret Bases in Antarctica (Historic Series)
