Macarthur's Escape: Wild Man Bulkeley and the Rescue of an American Hero

by George W. Smith

Book Overview

In the dark days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, a unique bond developed between Lieutenant John Bulkeley and larger-than-life General Douglas MacArthur. "Wild Man" Bulkeley's small fleet of PT boats were, after all, virtually the only force capable of carrying out offensive action against the overwhelming Japanese attack. This unlikely relationship forged in the midst of catastrophe culminated in one of the most thrilling moments of World War II...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0760321760
• ISBN13: 9780760321768
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Zenith Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Great History Lesson

Having met Admiral Bulkely's widow, (now deceased), and having been a career Navy destroyerman, I really enjoyed the book. Additionally, USS BULKELY DDG84 was commissioned a few years ago.

PT Equals PLENTY TOUGH

I am pleased to say that I have now just finished the Book. I thought it was very good with wonderful sources of information. In reading the Book, I too went back to the Philippines at a time of desperation and the feeling of being deserted by my Country. The feeling of hunger, the thirst for Torpedoes, Engines, Spare Parts, and Ammo stayed with me thru-out the Book. I tried to close my eyes and feel the horror of knowing that I was fighting a no win Battle. I came away feeling that MacArthur was a true Toot your own Horn type Commander, whose Ego was larger then the Japanese Troops surrounding the Island. Some Higher Brass in the States were really angry that MacArthur was rescued and had hoped he might perish on the Rock. I felt a true sense of anger that MacArthur did not visit his troops more and that his every move was a type of Chess Move to Crown Himself King when all was said and done. The heroics of the PT Boat Boys should never be underestimated. They took the fight to the enemy with odds that no Bookmaker would dare take. Fighting with Tired Engines, Bad Gas, and Horrible World War One Vintage Torpedoes, they did our Navy Proud. The book shows that PT not only stood for Patrol Torpedo Boat, but PLENTY TOUGH. It is true that Bulkeley loved to toot his own horn and was a master Talker and promoter of himself. But one thing is for sure, Bulkeley believed in the PT Boat as a fighting weapon, and believed in the men who stood on her decks. No one can ever take that away from the man. I would have to rate the Book on a scale of ten as an 11. It was informative and kept me wanting to go back and read more. Nice Job........... Frank J. Andruss Sr. The Mosquito Fleet Exhibit