There are lots of great books about the US Navy. They have long been the most powerful navy in the world, and in their long history there have been some amazing adventures. With so much rich source material to draw from, authors are often drawn to writing about the navy. If you are looking for something good to read, check out this list of the top five books about the US Navy.
1. “In Harm’s Way: The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Tale of Its Survivors”
This book tells the story of the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis by a Japanese torpedo in the South Pacific near the end of World War II. Around 300 sailors were killed during the sinking of the ship, but roughly 900 survived. It took four days before the men were rescued, and in that time nearly 600 more sailors perished from a terrifying mixture of hypothermia, dehydration, exhaustion and shark attacks. This book brings the harrowing story to life in great detail.
2. “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History”
Many people have seen the movie that is based off of this book, but even people who have seen the movie will appreciate reading this great story. The book tells the tale of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL who recorded more kills than any other sniper in US military history. The book’s greatest strength lies in its recounting of the numerous battles that Kyle participated in. It is an astonishing story that will leave readers breathless.
3. “Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy”
Anyone looking for great books about the US Navy should definitely add this one to their reading list. It tells the story of the creation of the US Navy by the founding fathers after they beat the British to win the War of Independence. It is a fascinating history that will educate readers with every paragraph. One of the most interesting aspects revealed by the book is that the US Navy was founded more to protect US ships from privateers and pirates rather than to protect against another country’s navy.
4. “Operation Neptune: The D-Day Landings and the Allied Invasion of Europe”
The D-Day invasion of Normandy was the greatest moment in naval history. The coordination needed to pull off such a massive operation was astounding. There were more than 6,000 ships that took part in Operation Neptune. Author Craig L. Symonds has done a remarkable job of recounting the story from multiple angles, including perspective from world leaders, admirals and generals in charge of planning the operation and the men who carried it out. Readers will be gripped by the wonderful writing, turning the pages rapidly to find out what happens next.
5. “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Soldiers: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy’s Finest Hour”
Anyone looking for a book about the US Navy that shows how courageous men can be should pick this one up. This story of a tiny US flotilla that was tasked with standing in the path of the mighty Japanese naval fleet is astonishing. The fight that ensued was the Battle of Samar, named after the island in the Philippines near where it took place. The tale of how these sailors overcame incredible odds to win one of the greatest victories in naval history is wonderfully told in this extraordinary book by James D. Hornfischer.
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Reading about the US Navy is a great way to improve your appreciation of how vital the county’s navy has been over the years. These five books will blow you away. They are all great stories that are a delight to read, and you may just find them nearly impossible to put down once you start these five great books about the US Navy.
