Sailors' Journey into War: Captain James E. Wise, Jr.

by Robert A Maher, James E Wise Jr

The mighty battle action fought between an American destroyer and a German U-boat north of the Azores Islands in late October, 1943, has been called the most spectacular surface battle since the days of John Paul Jones. Robert A. Maher was a young sailor who served on the Navy destroyer USS Borie DD215 in that battle, and his personal account of the war culminates in this decisive battle. As leading fire-controlman and gun director pointer, Maher was stationed immediately above the bridge, where he had a clear view of events throughout the battle. In this nighttime action, the Borie rammed the German U-boat and became lodged across it. The crews of both ships opened fire at point-blank range with small arms and machine guns. The Americans were victorious, but the Borie was badly damaged and had to be abandoned. Sailors’ Journey into War is also the story of young men taken from the comfort of their families and hometowns and cast into a war of unimaginable proportions. Like other young servicemen, they learned their jobs and went into combat with determination and often great courage. The book opens a window into the daily lives of Navy enlisted men and accurately reflects their attitudes both as raw recruits and as seasoned sailors at the end of the war.

228 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maher's journey is a very interesting. His journey from joining the Navy because his friends were to be a competent and respected Chief Firecontrolman is a fascinating read. His main focus is his wartime journey to the U.S.S. Borie's fight with U-405 which is a classic and epic battle between a destroyer and a U-Boat. What is the best part of the book is the fact that Maher doesn't slip into picking which part of the Navy was better officer or enlisted but shows the best and worst of both groups. That is a refreshing change from many memoirs. This book is highly recommended and a must read of anyone interested in the process of someone going from a neophyte sailor to combat veteran.

[Ruth]

This is a fantastic book from beginning to end to feel and experience the lives of our Naval heroes that gave much to protect our great county. My father was on the USS Borie when it sank in the North Atlantic. It breaks my heart to read this portion of the book. To feel and try to understand what my father and the many other brave sailors of the USS Borie endured during this horrific ordeal. My father was in his early 20's when this incident occurred (I now in my 60's) and I can not fathom the feelings of fear of the unknown and the duty of a brave sailor. I cry thinking of this young man many miles away from the safety and security of his home. In the dark cold waters of the North Atlantic as the ship began to sink and the need to abandon ship and swim the icy cold waters to awaiting life rafts. Then drenched and freezing while huddled together for warmth and protection and awaiting for the rescue ships to come.

Thank you DAD and ALL of the other brave sailors that protected our shores during World War II