Questions About The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945

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Does Mr. Hornfischer's book relate the enormous US naval amphibious forces arrayed throughout the Pacific Theatre from 1943 to the end of the war, notably in the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa operations? In other words, is Mr. Hornfischer among those typical historians who emphasize the "sexier" aircraft carriers, battleships, destroyers, and submarines at the expense of the LSTs, LSMs, LCIs, LCTs, LSMRs, etc.?

Kerr Smith Hornfischer does an outstanding job of delving into all the complexities of amphibious operations. One of the recurring figures in his book is Draper …moreHornfischer does an outstanding job of delving into all the complexities of amphibious operations. One of the recurring figures in his book is Draper Kauffman who formed the first Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and predecessors of today's Navy SEAL teams. Hornfischer devotes considerable attention to the heroics of the UDT members whose battle gear included simply a swimsuit and a single knife. So, yes, Hornfischer tells the full story, and a great story it is.(less)

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I was under the impression that in WWII blacks weren't fighting alongside whites, and in Mr. Garnished's book there is a photo of two black soldiers who apparently took part in these battles. How is this explained?

Charles Temm Due to the severe losses in the rifle companies, on a couple of instances some senior NCOs/company commanders went down to the beaches among the servi…moreDue to the severe losses in the rifle companies, on a couple of instances some senior NCOs/company commanders went down to the beaches among the service troops and asked for volunteers to go and fight. Said troops once the invasions ended were returned to their units but usually w/commendations of sorts and on at least one occasion the white units tried to keep the black replacements.

Its been said more than once that combat tended to end the color barrier and that was finally made a truism in the Korean War.(less)

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How does the author view the decision to use the atomic bomb?

Edward Barrett Hornfischer devotes a significant section of his book to the decision use of the atomic bomb. While presenting both sides of the issue, his primary fo…moreHornfischer devotes a significant section of his book to the decision use of the atomic bomb. While presenting both sides of the issue, his primary focus is on the practical realities of the time and the context in which the decision was made. While he recognizes the moral dilemma posed by the use of the bomb, he generally concludes that the leadership of Japan was not at the point of abandoning the war effort and was likely to force a home island invasion that would entail huge damage to civilian and military life. He argues that the use of the bomb clearly shortened the war. However, he left me with the perennial ethical question: does the end justify the means?(less)

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