The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: James D. Hornfischer

My husband suggested I read this book because he had read it and it became his favorite book instantly. It was a very well documented book and told the story of the battle of Leyte Gulf in a way that you didn't want to put the book down, but at the same time you couldn't believe the men couldn't catch a break. After the Ships were destroyed the men fought to find ways to get out of the ships with lifeboats that had been shot to pieces, they then wearily swam away from the ship with various injuries from severe burns to missing limbs to keep from getting sucked under when the ships went down, they were then stranded in the ocean for 2+ days while the Japanese floated by and sharks attacked and men suffered from delirium and sunburns/poisoning. This novel really gave one respect for what the service men and women do for our freedom.