Honoring strength at sea
BOOK REVIEW
“The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King—The 5-Star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea” by Walter R. Borneman Nonfiction, May 1, 2012
by Maureen Habel
LW contributor
Who were the men who led the U.S. Navy to victory in World War II, the only men in American history promoted to the five-star rank of admiral of the fleet? Walter R. Borneman’s book “The Admirals” details the lives of Chester Nimitz, William Halsey, William Leahy and Ernest King, who revolutionized naval warfare with submarines and aircraft carriers. Each of them followed a different path to the Naval Academy, graduating within years of one another at the turn of the 20th Century. They became both friends and rivals as they faced the extraordinary challenge of waging war on two fronts in the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Award-winning historian Borneman writes in a compelling and understandable style, using journals, ship logs and other primary sources to highlight the story of these four extraordinary men. Larger-than-life personalities such as FDR and General Douglas McArthur (whose wife, Jean, even in private referred to her husband as “General”) spar with the admirals over how to turn the tide of war. This is a great book for those who are interested in history or who have served in the Navy or Marine Corps. Many of us are proud of our relatives who have served in the armed forces, including two of my sons and my Marine Corps husband—although I am not yet ready to call him “Sergeant” at home.
All LW residents are invited to submit book reviews for publication in the LW Weekly. Email them to pattym@lwsb.com with your name, mutual and telephone numbers. Reviews are subject to editing and will run as space allows.
