Battleship Commander: The Life of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr.

Battleship Commander is the first-ever biography of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr., who played a significant role in World War II in the Pacific. Paul Stillwell draws on over 150 first-person accounts from those who knew and served with Lee to paint a balanced picture of the man and officer, highlighting his focus on operational, tactical, and strategic concerns, and his understanding of the tactical advantage of radar.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: Naval Institute Press

Battleship Commander delves into the remarkable life of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr., a pivotal figure during World War II in the Pacific. It has taken far too long to acknowledge the accomplishments and enduring legacy of one of the war's foremost combat admirals.

Paul Stillwell, in his meticulously researched work, has compiled over 150 firsthand accounts from individuals who knew and served alongside Lee from his early years until his passing. Lee is described as down-to-earth, modest, forgiving, friendly, and possessing a wry sense of humor. He shied away from media attention and delegated administrative tasks whenever possible.

Stillwell chronicles Admiral Lee's ascent to success, highlighting his unwavering focus on operational, tactical, and strategic matters. During his tenure in the Navy Department from 1939 to 1942, Lee played a crucial role in preparing the U.S. Navy for maritime warfare. He oversaw the inspection of designs for battleships, cruisers, aircraft carriers, and destroyers. He dispatched observers to Britain to gather intelligence on Royal Navy operations during the war against Germany and made plans to send an action team to mainland China to assess the conditions for potential Allied landings. Lee recognized the tactical advantage of radar, particularly during night battles, and was among the few flag officers of his generation to grasp its significance.

In 1942, Willis Lee assumed command of the first division of fast battleships to operate in the Pacific. During his service, he led Task Force 64, which achieved a pivotal victory in a night battle near Guadalcanal in November 1942. Lee missed two significant opportunities for surface action.

Battleship Commander is a testament to the remarkable life and legacy of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr. It sheds light on his unwavering dedication, strategic thinking, and profound impact on the course of World War II in the Pacific. This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in military history and the bravery of those who served during this pivotal period.

Weight: 736g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682475935