When the Plunkett tied up in the Norfolk Navy Yard, Victor Henry went straight to flag quarters on the Texas. Admiral King listened to his report with the face of a scrawny sandstone pharaoh, showing a human reaction only when Pug mentioned the poor performance of the destroyers. The pharaoh face then became slightly more unpleasant. “I am aware of the low level of preparedness in the fleet, and have instituted corrective programs. Now then. On what basis, Captain, did the President choose you for this mission?” “When I was naval attaché in Germany, sir, he happened to use me on jobs involving
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