By Bernard Thomas Nolan, Xlibris Corporation, Bloomington, IN (2012). Reviewed by Richard P. Hallion, Ph.D. Privately published memoirs constitute a mixed-bag of literature, with many generally offering more opinion than substance. However, bomber pilot Bernard Thomas Nolan’s Isaiah’s Eagles Rising constitutes a very definite exception to this “rule.” It is at times a gripping account
Written and Illustrated by Wayne Vansant. Zenith Press, Minneapolis, MN. (2012) Reviewed by John R. Satterfield, DBA. Scholars, writers, history buffs, movie producers and participants have minutely explored D-Day and the Normandy campaign. Thanks to thousands of books, articles and dramatic and documentary films, we are able to trace the activities and experiences of nearly
By Robert Gardiner, Seaforth Publishing (distributed by Naval Institute Press in the United States), (2013). Reviewed by Mark Lardas Robert Gardiner’s latest book, The Sailing Frigate: A History in Ship Models, illustrates why he is so highly-regarded. He has previously written three other books about that cover frigate development from the 1740s through the end
By Joshus Welle, John Ennis, Katherine Kranz, and Graham Plaster, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD (2012) Reviewed by Stephen Phillips All midshipmen realize that they have volunteered for service. However, as they started the fall semester of their senior year, the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2002 could not have predicted that they would become
In a ceremony held at the Navy Museum’s Cold War Gallery, at the Washington Navy Yard on 21 March 2013, five USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Sailors were recognized for their outstanding leadership in the “Big E” during its final year of operational service in a storied 51-year career. The Naval Historical Foundation arranged for
“1944: Seventy Years On” An International Conference 14-17 April 2014 Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Global War Studies and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst are pleased to announce an international conference on the Second World War with 1944 as the core theme. This was a year of decision in many theaters with the Allies advancing to
By Jack Ferrell, edited by Megan Burns, Waldenhouse Publishers, Athens, TN, (2010). Reviewed by Charles Bogart This is a nicely written account of one man’s life: service in the Navy as a regular and reserve officer, a pilot for United Airlines, and the golden years of retirement. Within the book, the author also takes time
By Mark Lardas, Osprey Publishing, (2011) Reviewed by Thomas P. Ostrom The author, Mark Lardas, brings a degree in naval architecture and marine engineering to his analysis of this epic American Civil War naval battle; as well as experience in writing as a military historian, and ship modeler. The book is enhanced with magnificent illustrations
Evelyn Cherpak, Ed. Newport, RI: Naval War College Press, (2009). Reviewed by Kenneth J. Blume, Ph.D. This fascinating volume offers an inside look at a young naval officer’s encounters with several of the signature moments of American military and diplomatic history between 1898 and 1901. Joseph K. Taussig (1877-1947) was at Annapolis when the Spanish-American
By Samuel Loring Morison On December 18, 2012, John C. Reilly, Jr., naval historian “par excellence” passed away after several years of illness. There seemed to be nothing he didn’t know about naval history and naval guns and gunnery. I had the distinct honor of working with him and for nearly 45 years calling him
To all Members and Friends of the Naval Historical Foundation who live in Southern California—You are invited to attend a festive reception aboard the USS Midway Museum on Sunday, April 7th from 6-8 pm. Please see the invitation posted above and RSVP to Ms. Leslie Cook, Director of Development, before April 2, 2013 at [email protected]
By Thomas P. Ostrom., McFarland & Company, Jefferson, NC. (2012). Reviewed by Charles H. Bogart Anyone interested in the United States Coast Guard will want to read this well-written and researched book. The book consists of fifteen chapters and three appendices. Each chapter and appendices is a stand-alone article on the history of the Coast
By Kevin Bash and Brigitte Louxtel. Arcadia Publishing, Mount Pleasant SC. (2011) Reviewed by Charles H. Bogart This book is part of the Images of America series. Norco, California, is located some 50 miles east of Long Beach. On 8 November 1941, the U.S. Navy began proceedings to purchase the bankrupt 700-acre Norconian Resort and
By Norman Polmar and Robert S. Norris, Naval Institute Press, 2009. Reviewed by Captain James B. Bryant. U.S. Navy (Retired) This is more than a well-written and researched reference book, but also an examination by experts of the evolution of nuclear weapons policy. When you absolutely need to know everything about how, why and where
By Norman Polmar (Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of blogs by Norman Polmar, author, analyst, and consultant specializing in the naval, aviation, and intelligence fields. Follow the full series here.) Admiral Arleigh A. Burke was a top destroyer commander and then chief of staff for the Fast Carrier Force during World
