(792 pages)
Third of a trilogy; part 1 here and part 2 here. Highly recommended - very readable and I constantly was learning new things.
Opens with Hawaii planning session.
So much happening - at exact time as dramatic events in Europe - much less attention to Pacific (at least by me!)
Japanese fleet as deeply frustrated with years of struggle after some early success; part of the problem is lack of fuel - for example the two brand new super-ships just sit in port because of insupportable fuel consumption. The idea that the fleet would be sent into battle in the Philippines without useful air support - meaning certain failure - so that it could at least be destroyed with honor. The meeting at which this is explicitly discussed; the emotions. Wow.
Interesting discussion of kamikaze. Didn't realize Japanese were developing a range of suicide devices (not just planes). Good explanation of how suicide tactics and "no surrender" ethos were perversions of the samurai/historical ethos (which yes did include ritual suicide - a different concept, per author). So many experienced pilots were lost, the newbies pretty much didn't stand a chance as US resources and tactics ramped up - some school of thought that since the pilots weren't going to come back anyway, just as well give them a simple tactic that had some chance of success. Incredibly chilling. Especially as waves of these things are coming in during Leyte battle, etc. And more waves. Many enthusiastic volunteers (though later, an increasing number return to base due to "engine trouble").
Story of the Tin Cans - Halsey leaving them unguarded - Evans.
I like the attention given to the submarines - not a topic I otherwise run into. Wahoo success continues, then O'Kane has his own successful sub. Technology advancing so rapidly.
B-29 stories are interesting - speed of development, modifications continue even after delivery. Hadn't realized it was so much larger than the B-17. Challenge of high-altitude bombing.
Leyte ground battle in general - difficult, Japanese pouring in resources. Luzon. In both cases - relatively large-scale ground force encounters - new to the Pacific, terrible per usual. Manila - I hadn't realized the extent of the damage to what had once been a beautiful city, the horrific treatment of civilians by the Japanese.
Story of the December 1944 typhoon - had never heard of this - Halsey not effective in avoiding it, reasons.
Interesting if short discussion of commencement of home front transition to postwar prep as early as late 1944. Some of this pulled back as unseemly, morale-damaging for servicemen still in difficult situations.
Hellish fighting on Okinawa . Hellish, repeated kamikaze attacks. This went on for a long time (April 1 - mid June 1945). Description of fresh soldiers coming to the front lines to relieve spent units - made me think of Verdun's Voie Sacree - perhaps the author's intent, as he specifically mentions this a paragraph or three later. Closest thing to WWI in the Pacific theater - except add modern weaponry, planes & ships.
It's hard to say what is "fair" in war, but the incredible difficulty for US forces dealing with no-surrender ground troops, kamikaze pilots and boats - such a high toll on both sides in a war where the outcome is all but inevitable. Like Germany - hang on, hoping for something to happen that will cause the near-certain victor to negotiate. Like Germany - the regime seems indifferent to the cost (which is almost entirely borne by others).
Reading about the nasty fighting in the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa - and thinking what this foreshadowed for a homeland invasion - as A-bomb became available, one can definitely see how using it made sense to so many. (Setting aside the "message to Russia" element.)
B-29s switch to incendiary attacks on cities - similar awfulness, but what to do? Stunning ramp-up (some incendiary but mostly strategic) as European theater winds down, I hadn't realized the intensity of the bombing in those last weeks.
FDR succeeded by Truman - with a lot for him to learn, consider.
Potsdam Declaration. Dropping the two atomic bombs - matter-of-fact descriptions (which I liked and which reminded me of Hersey) - the story tells itself. Awesome in the old sense of the word - inspiring fear/awe.
The weakness of the peace party in Japan (again suggesting invasion would have been required absent A-bomb (I realize plenty disagree on this point, esp. as to Nagasaki)). Hirohito's broadcast. Near-rebellion doesn't get traction; the role of Hirohito and family.
McArthur's short speech at the surrender ceremony - seems powerful and just right - hard to imagine how that felt after what folks had been through.
Wrap-up with occupation of Japan and returning servicemen, I'd be interested in knowing more about this.
