A Dawn Like Thunder: The True Story of Torpedo Squadron Eight

One of the great untold stories of World War II finally comes to light in this thrilling account of Torpedo Squadron Eight and their heroic efforts in helping an outmatched U.S. fleet win critical victories at Midway and Guadalcanal. These 35 American men--many flying outmoded aircraft--changed the course of history, going on to become the war's most decorated naval air squadron, while suffering the heaviest losses in U.S. naval aviation history.
Mrazek paints moving portraits of the men in the squadron, and exposes a shocking cover-up that cost many lives. Filled with thrilling scenes of battle, betrayal, and sacrifice, A DAWN LIKE THUNDERis destined to become a classic in the literature of World War II. more

Price Range:$12.97 to $20.15 | 4 stores
Product Rating:

16 Reviews
Info:
Set Price Alert Save to Wish List

Write a product review

ProductReviews

1-10 out of 16

From: Amazon
Posted: Feb-14-2009

Incredibly true story that will stay with you forever!

This is the best WWII naval aviation book I have ever read depicting the torpedo bomber aviator sacrifices made during the air battles over Midway and Guadalcanal. It is extensively and thoroughly researched with all assertions and statements backed up by interviews with the survivors, footnoted...

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

From: Amazon
Posted: Feb-14-2009

Midway and Guadalcanal from the Cockpit of a Torpedo Plane

I can't add much to the reviews of others. This is a compelling history of the exploits of a single squadron of naval aviators during the Second World War. The author does an excellent job of creating detailed portraits of the pilots and the enlisted personnel who maintain their planes and...

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

From: Amazon
Posted: Jan-28-2009

Midway, the story on a personal level

To all the other rave reviews here, I can only add this. Having read many books on the Battle of Midway, "A Dawn Like Thunder" brought out a new dimension I've not seen before. Probably because Mrazek used so many intimate sources, the book presents the characters on a personal level, which makes...

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

From: Amazon
Posted: Jan-25-2009

The Story Stands on Its Own

Truth is sooo much better than fiction and a novelist couldn't have made up a more fantastic story. The people and personalities are brought to life, making you feel like you knew them (I found out that my father's brother knew one of the pilots from Bluefield, WVA). The history is accurate,...

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

From: Amazon
Posted: Jan-14-2009

A History Like Thunder

Torpedo Squadron Eight was the most decorated navel air squadron in World War II and, probably not coincidentally, also suffered the greatest losses. /A Dawn Like Thunder/ is their history, from the dramatic battle of Midway where, while flying outdated aircraft, they forced the Japanese fighters...

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

From: Amazon
Posted: Jan-13-2009

A Dawn Like Thunder

A not seen before, and well written story of the individuals involved in a battle that has been memorialized in writing and film. A good book!

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

From: Amazon
Posted: Jan-09-2009

The Exciting Story of an Important WWII Battle

A Dawn Like Thunder - Torpedo Squadron 8 - the Battle of Midway is a veryinteresting, well written and thoroughly researched book about a turning point of the Pacific War on 4 June 1942, the destruction of much of theJapanese fleet by this Squadron of skilled fliers, fliers who gave theirlives to...

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

From: Amazon
Posted: Jan-07-2009

A Very Good Book That I would recommend to WW 2 Readers.

Robert Mrazek has written an account of the men of a Navy Torpedo Squadron that were willing to to give their last full measure to defeat atreacherous enemy, even though the aircraft that they were provided withwere not adequate for the operation. All of the aircraft were lost in theattack,...

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

From: Amazon
Posted: Jan-05-2009

One of the best ever unit histories of WWII!

I read this book like an action-adventure novel--straight thru with no chaser. Torpedo Squadron Eight epitomized all that was good about the struggle America undertook in the most righteous of wars. Robert Mzarek executed a great job of research and the pilots and ground crew of the squadron came...

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

From: Amazon
Posted: Jan-02-2009

Awesome read...

This book was given to me as a Christmas present. Fantastic selection! The author speaks the language of the naval aviator and expertly reveals the multiple personalities that make up a combat squadron. Those who have flown missions in any conflict will appreciate the detail. All will understand...

Read full review | Report as inappropriate

Write a product review

1 2 Next