Summary, Analysis & Review of James D. Hornfischer's The Fleet at Flood Tide

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Summary, Analysis & Review of James D. Hornfischer’s The Fleet at Flood Tide by Instaread

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James D. Hornfischer’s The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945 is a history of the Pacific naval battles that led to American victor

• Language: English
• Publisher: Instaread, Inc
• Release date: Feb 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781683786313

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Overview

James D. Hornfischer’s The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945 is a history of the Pacific naval battles that led to American victory at the end of World War II. The book focuses primarily on battles under the aegis of Admiral Raymond Spruance including the invasion of Truk, the invasion of the Marianas Islands, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. It includes personal stories and perspectives in its narrative history, such as those of Shizuko Miura, a Japanese nurse in Saipan, and Draper Kauffman, a demolitions expert who organized an amphibious demolition team.

Spruance made his name at the Battle of Midway in 1942 when he defeated the Japanese and turned the course of the war in the Pacific. Spruance was criticized for failing to pursue fleeing Japanese ships at Midway, but his caution and discretion prevented the fleet from making itself vulnerable to counterattack. He demonstrated foresight and calm under pressure.

Spruance’s easygoing nature served him well as a commander. He was able to coordinate and work with disparate and strong personalities. These included the aggressive William Halsey Jr., who alternated command of the Fifth Fleet with Spruance, and the difficult Admiral William Turner, who commanded amphibious forces.

Spruance commanded the invasion of a Japanese naval base at Truk in February 1944, then provided cover for the assault on Saipan in the Marianas in June. Just before the Saipan invasion, he