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Pawns of War: The Loss of the USS Langley and the USS Pecos,Used
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In February 1942 as the war in the Pacific came into full swing, a proud old aircraft carrier, the USS Langley, was called upon to attempt a mad dash across the Indian Ocean to deliver P40 fighter planes to the Allies at Tjilatjap. To many, her mission seemed pointless, a desperate bid to serve a hopeless cause. To Dwight Messimer, the author of this carefully researched book, it was one of the monumentally stupid decisions of World War II, filled with political expediency and bureaucratic bumbling. Above all, it was a costly mistake in which nearly 800 men and three U.S. Navy ships were lost. Here at last is the full story behind this tragic episode. Based on over fifty eyewitness accounts by survivors, war documents never before cited, and original Japanese sources, Pawns of War describes in captivating detail the events that led up to the mission, the attack on the Langley by Japanese bombers, her abandonment and eventual sinking, the rescue of her survivors, and the attack on and sinking of the USS Pecos, the fleet oiler that took on most of her crew. But this book is more than just the story of the sinking of the Langley and the Pecos. It is also an indepth examination of the circumstances surrounding the disaster, including the command mistakes that were partially responsible for the ships' predicaments and the tragedy's controversial aftermath in which the Langley's captain was charged with prematurely abandoning his ship. Messimer brings to light considerable new information on this period that heretofore has received surprisingly little coverage. At the same time, he offers a fastpaced, actionfilled account of a thrilling moment in history that includes its share of heroes and comic anecdotes. His ability to humanize dry official reports, to place the reader squarely in the midst of the battle, is nonfiction writing at its best.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Pawns of War'? A: 'Pawns of War' primarily focuses on the events surrounding the loss of the USS Langley and the USS Pecos during World War II, detailing the decisions that led to their tragic fates.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Pawns of War' is Dwight R. Messimer, who conducted extensive research and interviews to provide an in-depth account of the events.
- Q: What type of book is 'Pawns of War'? A: 'Pawns of War' is a nonfiction historical account that combines eyewitness testimonies and archival research to narrate a significant, yet lesser-known, episode of World War II.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: 'Pawns of War' consists of 182 pages, offering a concise yet comprehensive look into the events it covers.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: 'Pawns of War' is classified as a used book in good condition, meaning it may show some signs of wear but is still fully readable and intact.
- Q: Is this book a first edition? A: Yes, 'Pawns of War' is published as a first edition, providing readers with the original insights and perspectives from its initial release.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: 'Pawns of War' is available in hardcover binding, which typically offers durability and a premium feel.
- Q: When was 'Pawns of War' published? A: 'Pawns of War' was published on January 1, 1983, making it a historical account rooted in the context of its time.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: 'Pawns of War' is categorized under Naval history, focusing on the operational aspects of naval warfare during World War II.
- Q: What unique information does the book provide? A: 'Pawns of War' offers considerable new information, including eyewitness accounts and previously unreferenced war documents, shedding light on this critical moment in naval history.