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by Thomas, Evan
The series of battles that make up what is called the Battle of Leyte Gulf are sixty-three years gone now. Evan Thomas takes us to that long ago time and what was the defining naval battle of the Pacific in World War II. Four commanders would play their own roles in the outcome not necessarily the way they envisioned. Admiral William Halsey would live up to his press moniker of "Bull" by chasing a decoy fleet and being three hundred miles away from where his ships were desperately needed. Admiral Kurita would inexplicably order his task force to retire from a much weaker American force after savaging it. Both decisions remain questions for historians still... For another take on this battle see The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer.
- reviewed by John, Main Library, PLCMC