A Dawn Like Thunder: The True Story of Torpedo Squadron Eight

By Michael Lerner and Cornel West

Book Overview

One of the great untold stories of World War II finally comes to light in this thrilling account of Torpedo Squadron Eight and their heroic efforts in helping an outmatched U.S. fleet win critical victories at Midway and Guadalcanal. These 35 American men--many flying outmoded aircraft--changed the course of history, going on to become the war's most decorated naval air squadron, while suffering the heaviest losses in U.S. naval aviation history. Mrazek paints moving portraits of the men in the squadron, and exposes a shocking cover-up that cost many lives. Filled with thrilling scenes of battle, betrayal, and sacrifice, A DAWN LIKE THUNDERis destined to become a classic in the literature of World War II.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316021393
• ISBN13: 9780316021395
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Little Brown and Company
• Length: 526 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

One of the best ever unit histories of WWII!

I read this book like an action-adventure novel--straight thru with no chaser. Torpedo Squadron Eight epitomized all that was good about the struggle America undertook in the most righteous of wars. Robert Mzarek executed a great job of research and the pilots and ground crew of the squadron came very alive and I feel I am better now that I know them. One always wonders what one would do when confronted with a challenge like...

Awesome read...

This book was given to me as a Christmas present. Fantastic selection! The author speaks the language of the naval aviator and expertly reveals the multiple personalities that make up a combat squadron. Those who have flown missions in any conflict will appreciate the detail. All will understand the incredible sacrifice of a small group of men. Very, very good read.

They Sacrificed Themselves So Others Might Survive

Author Robert J. Mrazek has written a compelling and informative read about a heroic squadron of pilots who sacrificed themselves against vastly superior odds. This is the story of Torpedo Squadron Eight and their unselfish contribution to the defeat of Japan in the early stages of the Pacific war. During the pivotal Battle of Midway in June, 1942, this brave group of men, flying obsolete aircraft, nevertheless fearlessly...

The VT-8 Story You've Never Known

Author Robert Mrazek's first non-fiction volume is a winner. It's the story of the men of Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8) during World War II like you've never seen it before. Mrazek went over the top in tracking down all of the squadron's remaining members and recording their reminisces about Midway and Guadalcanal to the fullest extent one could imagine. We've long read of the gallantry of the USS Hornet's VT-8 aircrews...

One of the best WW2 books I have ever read

I am a passionate student of WW2 history and have read many accounts of the war in the Pacific over the past 30 years. This is by far the most compelling account I have encountered of two of the most pivotal battles of the war. More remarkably, it's an amazing account of some true American heroes and, sadly, some who were not so heroic. I know it sounds corny, but I really felt I was in the cockpit with these pilots and couldn't...