MacArthur's Escape George W Smith

Brilliant book in excellent condition

 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 fleet of six PT boats were, after all, virtually the only force capable of carrying out offensive action against the overwhelming Japanese forces. This unlikely relationship forged in the midst of catastrophe culminated in one of the most thrilling moments of World War II - the escape from Corregidor related in this powerful book. MacArthur's Escape recreates the drama and danger of March 12, 1942 when, under cover of darkness, four PT boats under Bulkeley's command slipped out of Manila Bay to run the Japanese blockade on a harrowing two-day, 560-mile trip to Mindanao-where long range bombers waited to carry the general to Australia to begin the long hard road back to the Philippines. MacArthur's Escape also tells the story of America's "mosquito" fleet of PT Boats and of the flamboyant sea dog John Bulkeley's instrumental prewar role in the flelding of these plywood speedsters. Author George W. Smith conjures a time of such bitter rivalry between the Navy and the Army that the admiral commanding the Far East fleet didn't bother to inform MacArthur of the attack on Pearl Harbor, deftly sets the stage for the deep mutual respect that developed between the brash young Navy Lieutenant and the 62 old general - a bond that would prove critical to MacArthur's escape from the doomed fortress of Corregldor.