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The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors (Abridged): The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour Audiobook
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(4.01) - 1,940 listener ratings
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“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.
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"This is the most gripping story I've EVER read. If it were offered as fiction, nobody would believe it. It's the story of how a small group of small ships held back a huge Japanese armada that could have completely devastated the allied war effort in the Pacific. The skill and determination of these mostly very young sailors is almost incredible. As part of the research on my Civil War novel, I have read probably over a hundred books about soldiers and sailors and war. "Last Stand" has very few peers, both in the story and how it's told. I regret giving away my copy, but will buy and read this book again, and make room for it in my "permanent collection.""
— Paulmbauer (5 out of 5 stars)
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors Listener Reviews
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Randall Lorenz, 7/27/2024
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VERY DISAPPOINTED, 11/7/2017
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Tim Stenson, 10/22/2014
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" 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, 1/5/2014 -
" Hornfisher gives a moving tale of the brave sailors in small ships in a great but little known battle or WW2. He makes you feel there, and gives great detail of how a sea battle worked, how the US won, and how the sailors struggled after the battle. We should read such books to keep in mind how such men strove to defeat the enemy and how much they suffered for our nation. "
— Dad, 12/31/2013 -
" My dad served on the USS Gamibier Bay which was sunk in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. "
— Debbie, 12/27/2013 -
" One of my very favorite books concerning the Pacific campaign. "
— Jerry, 12/24/2013 -
" Should be standard reading I high school history class "
— Ron, 12/8/2013 -
" The best book I've read on the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Must read for anyone who enjoys reading on naval history. Well written and compelling story. "
— Peter, 10/26/2013 -
" A stunning book, full of first-hand accounts of the experiences of a mostly forgotten battle in the Pacific, and the truely heroic and inspiring actions of two US destroyers in particular. It really made me appreciate what those men endured. Highly recommend this! "
— Sue, 9/5/2013 -
" 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, 7/15/2013 -
" Yet another incredible story, which waited decades to be told. "
— John, 7/11/2013 -
" 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, 4/23/2013 -
" David vs. Goliath. This was a little known story of how the Japanese gave one last effort to regain Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. True story of heroism in everyday men. Taking on a much bigger battle group, these guys stayed and fought, and paid the price. This book was awesome. "
— Travis, 12/21/2012 -
" This is an amazing story a must read "
— Jean, 10/12/2012 -
" exhausting in detail , perhaps a bit too much, but their bravery deserves it. "
— J., 10/2/2012 -
" An excellent book. This is one of the better naval history books that deserves a place on everyones read list or to own. I love this authors writing and his way of putting you in the center of the action. Well done. "
— Gary, 8/19/2012 -
" 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, 4/3/2012 -
" Well written book about naval and air actions taken place during the battle of Samar and Leyte Gulf. A real underdog story of an outgunned fleet clawing their way to victory against long odds. An important addition to WW2 naval history books! "
— Nick, 3/16/2012 -
" Read this and then sent it to Max Schmidt, who was in WWII on the battleship Alabama. "
— Cactuskid2, 1/27/2012 -
" 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, 4/5/2010
About James D. Hornfischer
James 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.
About Grover Gardner
Grover Gardner (a.k.a. Tom Parker) is an award-winning narrator with over a thousand titles to his credit. Named one of the “Best Voices of the Century” and a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, he has won three prestigious Audie Awards, was chosen Narrator of the Year for 2005 by Publishers Weekly, and has earned more than thirty Earphones Awards.