The Devil Boats: A U.S. Navy PT Squadron in Action in World War II

In March 1942, a PT boat evacuated Gen. Douglas MacArthur, his family, and top staff from the Philippines, inspiring the war movie They Were Expendable. John F. Kennedy became a war hero while commanding PT-109, which collided with a Japanese destroyer and sank in August 1943. Naval historian C. J. Skamarakas uses one Pacific PT boat squadron to tell the story of PT boats in action in World War II. Eighty feet long, PT boats were designed to launch torpedoes against enemy ships five and ten times their size.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Stackpole Books

analysis and research,The Devil Boats provides a fresh perspective on an often overlooked aspect of World War II.

The Popular Imagination and the PT Boats of World War II:
PT boats hold a prominent place in the collective memory of World War II. In March 1942, a remarkable event unfolded when a PT boat evacuated Gen. Douglas MacArthur, his family, and top staff from the Philippines, inspiring the iconic war movie "They Were Expendable." Directed by John Ford and featuring the legendary John Wayne, this film brought the heroic tale of PT boats to the forefront of popular culture. However, the story of these remarkable vessels has yet to be fully explored and appreciated in the depth and detail that their exemplary service truly deserves.
Naval Historian C. J. Skamarakas' Perspective:
Naval historian C. J. Skamarakas takes us on a captivating journey through the Pacific theater, using one Pacific PT boat squadron as a focal point to unravel the story of PT boats in action during World War II. These eighty-foot-long vessels were initially designed to launch devastating torpedoes against enemy ships, five to ten times their size. However, defects in the torpedoes and the boats' speed and maneuverability led to a significant shift in their mission. Instead of engaging in direct combat, PT boats became adept at patrolling and disrupting Japanese shipping and reinforcements.
Operational Highlights:
As part of MacArthur's offensives in New Guinea and the Philippines, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 25 played a pivotal role in achieving these objectives. These brave sailors completed a wide range of missions, including inserting commandos behind enemy lines, conducting air-sea rescue operations, conducting raids on enemy positions, conducting reconnaissance of potential amphibious landing sites, coordinating air strikes in support of ground forces, engaging in meetings with guerrilla leaders, recovering prisoners of war, engaging in diversionary activities, and conducting psychological operations. Many of these missions would be classified as "special ops" in modern warfare.
The Japanese Perspective:
The Japanese referred to PT boats as "mosquitoes" and "devil boats," reflecting their disdain for these small but formidable vessels. The Devil Boats delves into the unique contributions of one motor torpedo boat squadron and, through it, provides a fresh perspective on the role of PT boats in the Pacific War. With a blend of drama, excitement, and meticulous analysis and research, The Devil Boats offers a captivating account of these often overlooked vessels and their vital contributions to the Allied victory.
Conclusion:
The story of PT boats in World War II is a testament to the bravery, ingenuity, and adaptability of the human spirit. These vessels, despite their limitations, played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war and demonstrating the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity. By exploring the operational highlights and the Japanese perspective, The Devil Boats provides a valuable addition to our understanding of this significant chapter in history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, World War II, or the remarkable stories of individual heroism and sacrifice.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780811772082