“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 #1 New York Times bestseller Flags of Our Fathers, James D. Hornfischer paints an unprecedented portrait of the Battle of Samar, a naval engagement unlike any other in U.S. 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
Download and start listening now!
"This is now one of my favorite World War II histories. It focuses on one event; the Japanese navy's nearly successful attempt to thwart the American's effort to recapture the Philippines. Were it not for the bravery of the navy's back up forces, the main attack might have failed. Out-manned, American destroyers took on the much more heavily armed Japanese battleships and cruisers, driving into the teeth of the enemy. In spite of losing the only aircraft carrier sunk by an enemy ship in the entire war, the rear guard of the American naval forces made a determined stand. Land based American fighters buzzed and harassed the attacking Japanese force and continued to hound them even when they were out of ammunition. Perhaps because of this fanatic defense the Japanese admiral, even while on the threshold of victory, decided to turn his force around."
— Gary (5 out of 5 stars)
" This story is a must for any Active Duty, Reserve, or Veteran Sailor. From the moment the battle starts you cannot stop listening. A wonderful story or young American Heroism. "
— Jim, 7/17/2024" An interesting collection of accounts of a naval battle and the challenges the surviving sailors faced. "
— GG, 3/28/2020" Gripping account of the most heroic naval action of WWII. "
— Rod, 2/14/2014" This tells the story of the Battle of Samar, one of the last naval battles of World War II and a stunning underdog victory for the US Navy over Japan. Hornfischer is a great writer with the ability to make long-ago events seem real and immediate, and make a non-fiction story read like a novel. Fascinating and inspiring. "
— Christine, 2/12/2014" By far the most amazing underdog story ever. The men in Taffy 3 did the unthinkable, and prevailed. An great book, about Americans at their finest. "
— Alan, 2/9/2014" This was a great read on a naval battle during World War II that I didn't know much about. Overall, I didn't love this book. It felt very much like a court case in the way details were presented and the way the whole battle was dissected. I felt like there could have been so much more in the way of presenting these men as the heroes they became rather than just participants. I also didn't like the degree of graphic description of battle wounds that was given. And, I felt that the book moved so slowly, bit the battle, and then quickly ended. With all that said, one thing that I really liked about this book is that Hornfischer presented the men in such a way that you could picture and relate to them. I also loved the appreciation I've gained for the men who gave their lives in service of our country and the bravery shown in the face of battle. "
— Jamie, 1/29/2014" I really enjoyed this book about the battle for Leyte Gulf. Very well written and researched. The book has gotten around our friends in Bedford and is well worth a read. "
— Richard, 1/24/2014" This is an epic true story of the U.S. Navy during one of its finest moments; the heroic crews of the badly outnumbered and outgunned destroyers, destroyer escorts, and escort carriers of Taffey 3 hurled themselves at a powerful squadron of Japanese battleships and cruisers that was trying to destroy MacArthur's army in its amphibious assault on the occupied Philippines. They truly were and are America's greatest generation. "
— Will, 1/18/2014" This book will make your heart soar. "
— Quinnashley, 1/17/2014" Should be required reading in high school. "
— Baron, 1/1/2014" Started very well though lost a bit towards the end in my opinion. The lead up where he follows some of the combatants from training right through is good, the description of the battle is brilliant and the aftermath of the survivors is great. The follow up and recriminations lost my interest. "
— Roger, 12/11/2013" This work is the standard by which World War II narratives should be judged. Enthralling, interesting, informative, and analytical, this book has it all. This is a must-read for everyone, not just World War II or history enthusiasts. "
— Rob, 12/4/2013" This was a great telling of a battle that I have somehow never heard about. I'm sure he was speculating as to what the Japanese officers were thinking for the most part, but it made it read more as a story than a listing of military facts. "
— Jill, 12/4/2013" Just an amazing book on what really happened at the Battle of Samar. Learned quite a bit on the ships and the sailors of Taffy 3 as well as the mindset of Japanese commanders. In the end, the Japanese fleet was in a no-win situation. Highly recommend this book to students of military history. "
— Justin, 11/23/2013" Whoa. Incredible story of bravery from WWII. Loved this book. "
— Matt, 8/19/2013" One of the best stories I have ever read. A must read for everyone. They fought against all odds for each other. "
— Patrick, 5/8/2013" I always thought the navy was the least risky part of the defense forces. This shows how dangerous it can be when a Japanese battleship is firing shells the size a Volkswagen Beetle at you over a distance of twenty miles. "
— Jamesmurphy, 4/6/2013" This was an excellent book on the battle of Leyte Gulf, the men involved and what happened. "
— Lee, 2/2/2013" An amazing account of a WWII battle. The bravery is inspirational to all. I can't really put it into words. "
— Danica, 1/26/2013" really quite an amazing book. makes me really honored to be in the navy. "
— Walker, 2/16/2012" exhausting in detail , perhaps a bit too much, but their bravery deserves it. "
— J., 5/29/2011" fabulous book. My only quarrel with it is the anachronistic mention on page 399 of a ship wrecked sailor being handed a ".44 Magnum", which wasn't invented until the 1950's. "
— David, 2/6/2011" Remarkable story of a little known but courageous battle. One of many that tip the tide in favor of the Allies. "
— Rick, 1/15/2011" Phenomenal book. Must read for all naval officers. The most detailed account of the Battle of Samar and the work done by a small group of brave officers and sailors. As a Surface Warfare Officer, this book evoked significant emotion. I am proud to serve in this legacy. "
— Brian, 11/4/2010" Quite possibly the finest book about the U.S. Navy in World War II i've ever read. "
— John, 10/14/2010" I always thought the navy was the least risky part of the defense forces. This shows how dangerous it can be when a Japanese battleship is firing shells the size a Volkswagen Beetle at you over a distance of twenty miles. "
— Jamesmurphy, 9/17/2010" WOW!<br/><br/>An amazing book, both as history and as a great story of human perseverance in the rawest of conditions. The only even minor criticism is that it should have shared a little more from the Japanese side of the battle. "
— James, 7/12/2010" What a GREAT book! Bought it in the airport on the way out on May 1st and stayed up late to finish it. I knew the story of Taffy 3, or so I thought. Mr. Hornfischer has done an excellent job telling the story from the participants point of view. A real keeper. "
— David, 5/4/2010" I wish I could give this six stars. This is the best military history I have ever read, and I've read plenty. "
— Arnie, 4/13/2010" Should be standard reading I high school history class "
— Ron, 4/5/2010James D. Hornfischer is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Neptune’s Inferno, Ship of Ghosts, and The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, winner of the Samuel Eliot Morison Award, and others. A native of Massachusetts and a graduate of Colgate University and the University of Texas School of Law, he lives in Austin, Texas.
Barrett Whitener has been narrating audiobooks since 1992. His recordings have won several awards, including the prestigious Audie Award and numerous Earphones Awards. AudioFile magazine has named him one of the Best Voices of the Century.